Japan stun USA, Australia fall to Colombia

Thu, 27 Feb, 2025

Japan stun USA, Australia fall to Colombia

San Diego: Japan won the SheBelieves Cup on Wednesday, Yuka Momiki and Toko Koga scoring in the 2-1 victory that ended the United States of America's bid for a sixth straight title in the round-robin tournament.

Japan avenged their quarter-final loss to the United States at last year's Paris Olympics, where the US went on to capture gold.

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AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ match schedule revealed

Wed, 26 Feb, 2025

AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ match schedule revealed

Kuala Lumpur: With just over a year to go until the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ kicks off, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) have unveiled the official match schedule of Asia’s premier women’s national team competition. 

Scheduled to take place from March 1 to 21, 2026, the Continental showpiece will see 12 teams in action across three vibrant host cities –  Sydney, Perth and Gold Coast, each featuring spectacular venues, including those used to host matches of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023.

Saudi Arabia lead AFC Men’s Club Competitions Mid-Season Ranking 2024/25

Wed, 26 Feb, 2025

Saudi Arabia lead AFC Men’s Club Competitions Mid-Season Ranking 2024/25

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today released the AFC Men’s Club Competitions Mid-Season Ranking 2024/25, with Saudi Arabia continuing to lead the way.

With a total of 109.054 points to their name, the chart-toppers are followed by Japan and Korea Republic in second and third place respectively.

Australia’s Toure determined to go all the way

Thu, 27 Feb, 2025

Australia’s Toure determined to go all the way

Shenzhen: Musa Toure was proud to have played a major part in Australia securing their place in the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 final with a commanding 2-0 semi-final victory over Japan on Wednesday.

Toure scored the opener four minutes into the second half at the Baoan Sports Centre Stadium and was the catalyst for the Young Socceroos’ second goal through Jaylan Pearman as Australia moved within one match of winning their maiden title, with Saudi Arabia awaiting them on Saturday. 

Soares hails title-chasing Saudi Arabia’s grit

Thu, 27 Feb, 2025

Soares hails title-chasing Saudi Arabia’s grit

Shenzhen: Marcos Soares was a delighted head coach after his Saudi Arabia side battled hard to overcome Korea Republic in their AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 semi-final on Wednesday. 

With only 37 percent ball possession and one shot on target throughout the 120 minutes of action, Soares needed his team to show a different side to their game in the penalty shootout and that they did, triumphing 3-2 to move within one match of lifting the title last won in 2018. 

Goalkeeper Hamed Yousef was Saudi Arabia’s hero, denying Kim Tae-won and Kim Gyeol in the shootout with Soares applauding the Al Ittihad player for his focus and determination. 

Funakoshi: Japan must improve

Thu, 27 Feb, 2025

Funakoshi: Japan must improve

Shenzhen: Head coach Yuzo Funakoshi will focus on improvements following Japan’s exit from the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 on Wednesday.

Missing the creative spark of the suspended Kosei Oguro, Japan had to concede to Australia’s superiority as they fell to a 2-0 defeat in their semi-final encounter at the Baoan Sports Centre Stadium in Shenzhen.

Lee blames fatigue for Korea Republic’s defeat

Thu, 27 Feb, 2025

Lee blames fatigue for Korea Republic’s defeat

Shenzhen: In the end, it was a bridge too far for Korea Republic as their journey in the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 came to an end following a 3-2 penalty shootout defeat to Saudi Arabia in the semi-finals on Wednesday.

The East Asian side, seeking a record-extending 13th title, produced a below par performance with head coach Lee Chang-won admitting the quarter-final win against Uzbekistan - which had also required spot-kicks - had taken a toll on his players.