Foolad defeat nine-man Esteghlal as Iran Pro League resumes

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Foolad defeat nine-man Esteghlal as Iran Pro League resumes

Tehran: Foolad Khuzestan defeated Esteghlal 2-1 as the Iran Pro League (IPL) resumed on Wednesday after being on a COVID-19 induced break since March.

Played behind closed doors, Rouzbeh Cheshmi gave visiting team Esteghlal the lead 12 minutes into the match at the Foolad Arena but defender Moussa Coulibaly levelled the score with a header in the 27th minute.

5 of the Best: Volleys

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

5 of the Best: Volleys

Kuala Lumpur: There's nothing quite like seeing a sweetly struck volley fly into the back of the net, and this week the-AFC.com shines the '5 of the Best' spotlight on these aesthetically pleasing goals. 

We've previously looked at free-kicks, long-range efforts, solo brilliance and acrobatic stunners, and our latest compilation will not disappoint. So here's five volleys to recall some of the best and most dramatic 'no bounce' strikes the AFC Cup has seen.

Don't forget to vote for your favourite at the bottom of the article!

James Younghusband announces retirement

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

James Younghusband announces retirement

Kuala Lumpur: Philippines star James Younghusband announced his retirement from football on Thursday.

Together with brother Phil, Younghusband played an integral part in the rise of the Philippines with qualification for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Finals the highlight of their national team careers.

Skocic: Tough but IR Iran still have a good chance

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Skocic: Tough but IR Iran still have a good chance

Tehran: Head coach Dragan Skokic has conceded that Islamic Republic of Iran face a tough task but is adamant that Team Melli will fight till the end in the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

Iran are seeking a third consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup Finals but back to back defeats to Bahrain and Iraq in Group C of the Asian Qualifiers left the Central Asian side third in the standings, although they have a match in hand.

Asian Icons: Ahmed Radhi (Iraq)

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Asian Icons: Ahmed Radhi (Iraq)

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian football family woke up on Sunday to the sad news of the passing away of Iraqi football legend Ahmed Radhi at the age of 56 after a short battle with COVID-19.

With a goal scoring record few strikers anywhere in Asia can match, Ahmed Radhi has earned his place amongst the continent’s elite in this latest edition of the-AFC.com’s ‘Asian Icons’ series.

Vote for your best Asian team at the FIFA World Cup: Midfielders

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Vote for your best Asian team at the FIFA World Cup: Midfielders

Kuala Lumpur: As the-AFC.com continues its quest to find out who you, the fans, regard as the finest Asian players to have starred at the FIFA World Cup by compiling an all-time Best XI, we turn our attention to the midfield positions. 

Having discovered who you view as the the best goalkeeper and the ideal candidates for the backline, we now shine the spotlight on the more attacking positions, with a star-studded cast for you to choose from, including world-renowned performers such as Park, Nakata and Honda.

So, review the nominees and then choose your favourite for this all-star XI in the poll below.

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.