AFC’s #StayActive inspires fans to embrace the new normal

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AFC’s #StayActive inspires fans to embrace the new normal

Kuala Lumpur: Persib Bandung and Indonesian winger Febri Hariyadi, Nepal starlet Abhishek Rijal and Kuwait futsal women’s player Maryam Baroun are the latest trio to showcase the importance of maintaining physical health and mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic in today’s episode of the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) #StayActive series.

The widely applauded campaign has been providing fans with an exclusive preview into the fitness programmes of some of Asia’s biggest icons while rallying fans to join the movement from the comforts of their homes and to follow the World Health Organization’s guidelines on physical distancing.

Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand pledge support for 2023 bid

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand pledge support for 2023 bid

Sydney: With just days to go until the FIFA Council votes to decide the location of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand have come together to support their nations’ historic joint bid to host the world’s largest women’s sporting event.

In a joint letter to the FIFA Council, they said:

“An Australia-New Zealand FIFA Women’s World Cup would embody our passion for women’s football and proud commitment to equality and fairness, creating a profound and enduring legacy for the future of women’s football within the region and beyond."

Flashback: Park Hang-seo relives Korea Republic’s amazing 2002 feat

Fri, 04 Nov, 2022

Flashback: Park Hang-seo relives Korea Republic’s amazing 2002 feat

Kuala Lumpur: Outgoing head coach Park Hang-seo’s achievements with Vietnam have captured the imagination of the continent’s football fans and it has slipped the minds of many that he was part of the Korea Republic coaching staff in the FIFA World Cup Korea Republic/Japan 2002. 

The first FIFA World Cup to be held in Asia and also the first to be co-hosted - with Korea Republic and Japan sharing the responsibility - it was a tournament that showcased the very best of Asian football.

As the-AFC.com continues the buildup to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, we reproduce an interview with Park on June 22, 2020 in which he recollects Korea Republic's amazing run to the semi-finals.

Central Asia Domestic Wrap: Pakhtakor’s five-star rebound, Istiklol race clear

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Central Asia Domestic Wrap: Pakhtakor’s five-star rebound, Istiklol race clear

Bishkek: Uzbekistan Super League champions Pakhtakor dazzled Bunyodkor in a Tashkent blockbuster, while Istiklol registered their biggest win of the season in Tajikistan.

Elsewhere, Altyn Asyr contined their goal rush in Turkmenistan, while clubs in Kyrgyz Republic and Islamic Republic of Iran took steps towards a return to league action.

Join _the-AFC,co_m for all the key results and news from Kokand to Khujand.

Flashback: IR Iran defeat USA for historic victory

Thu, 03 Nov, 2022

Flashback: IR Iran defeat USA for historic victory

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran are set to face the United States of America in Group B of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Ahead of the November 30 clash at the Al Thumama Stadium, the-AFC.com has dug into its archives to look back at the first time the two teams met at the global showpiece, which ended in a historic win for Iran. 

This article was first published on 21 June 2020. 

Vote for your best ACL2017 Team: Midfielders

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Vote for your best ACL2017 Team: Midfielders

Kuala Lumpur: As the-AFC.com continues to look back on the best performers from recent AFC Champions League campaigns, there is another star-studded cast on offer this week as we ask you, the fans, to name your best midfielders from the 2017 tournament. 

We began with the 2017 edition's best goalkeeper, next came the candidates for the backline and now it's time to shine the spotlight on the more attacking positions as we highlight the 10 standout candidates in midfield.

From Omar Abdulrahman to Paulinho, this list features some of the biggest talents in Asian football, so review the nominees and then choose your favourites for this all-star XI in the poll below.

Magical Moments: Almoez Ali vs Japan (AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019)

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Magical Moments: Almoez Ali vs Japan (AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019)

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 proved to be yet another seminal moment in the young career of Qatar striker Almoez Ali.

Having arrived in the United Arab Emirates with an already burgeoning reputation, the livewire forward went on to find the net a record nine times – the last of which was a particularly magical moment in the final – and be named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

That accolade, along with the award for finishing as top goalscorer, was roundly applauded, a nod to Ali’s prowess following a campaign which saw him shine brightly yet again for Felix Sanchez’s charges as they claimed Qatar’s first-ever AFC Asian Cup crown.