Nadeshiko edge Matildas in final pre-Olympic hit-out

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Nadeshiko edge Matildas in final pre-Olympic hit-out

Kyoto: Japan will kick-off their Tokyo 2020 women’s football campaign with their winning streak intact after the Asian champions defeated Australia 1-0 in each side’s final pre-tournament hit-out on Wednesday.

Mana Iwabuchi’s 54th-minute penalty kick separated the two sides, who will begin their respective Olympic campaigns next Wednesday.

The result stretches Japan’s winning streak to five ahead their opening Olympic clash against Canada, while Australia will begin their campaign against New Zealand having failed to win any of their five matches under new boss Tony Gustavsson.

Tokyo Olympics - Preview: Australia's new era faces first major test under Gustavsson

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Tokyo Olympics - Preview: Australia's new era faces first major test under Gustavsson

Tokyo: A year later than planned, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics are finally within sight, with seven Asian football teams chasing gold across the men’s and women’s competitions.

Before the football action begins on July 21, the-AFC.com is here to tell all you need to know about the continent’s contenders, including their road to Tokyo, their star players and what to expect from their opponents.

The first team in our series is Asia’s highest ranked women’s national team, and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosts, Australia, who will be eager to begin a new era in style under head coach Tony Gustavsson.

Kawasaki Frontale's perfect AFC Champions League run delights Oniki, Jankovic acknowledges positive learning experience for Beijing FC

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Kawasaki Frontale's perfect AFC Champions League run delights Oniki, Jankovic acknowledges positive learning experience for Beijing FC

Tashkent: Kawasaki Frontale head coach Toru Oniki was full of praise for his players and staff as Kawasaki Frontale completed a six-game winning run to complete their 2021 AFC Champions League group stage at the top of Group I following a 4-0 victory over Beijing FC on Sunday.

The three points were secured for the J1 League side by Kei Chinen and Ten Miyagi, with Kazuki Kozuka scoring a brace as man of the match Guo Quanbo scrambled to save several chances.

Gold Cup: Qatar denied opening win by Panama

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Gold Cup: Qatar denied opening win by Panama

Houston: Qatar and Panama played to a thrilling 3-3 draw in Group D of the 2021 Gold Cup at the BBVA Stadium in Houston on Tuesday.

Playing in the tournament as an invited team, Qatar were denied an opening win by a Panama side who came from behind three times to force the draw in a match where the kickoff had to be delayed by almost two hours due to severe weather warning.

2021 AFC Champions League (East): The Stats Leaders

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

2021 AFC Champions League (East): The Stats Leaders

Kuala Lumpur: With the first stage of the 2021 AFC Champions League (East) concluded, the-AFC.com takes a closer look at the numbers that caught the eye following the six rounds of group stage fixtures.

From high-scoring forwards to those that create the goals and win the ball back, we shine the spotlight on the players whose statistics stood out as the continental competition got underway in East Asia.

2021 AFC Champions League (East): Round of 16 cast finalised

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

2021 AFC Champions League (East): Round of 16 cast finalised

Bangkok: The 2021 AFC Champions League Round of 16 cast was finalised with the conclusion of the East Group Stage on Sunday.

After 60 thrilling matches played in Bangkok, Buriram and Tashkent, the AFC Champions League (East) Group Stage came to a close with eight teams joining the West Zone's Round of 16 cast.

Vidmar relishing BG Pathum United's AFC Champions League Round of 16 challenge, Hong applauds Ulsan Hyundai players for extending  record

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Vidmar relishing BG Pathum United's AFC Champions League Round of 16 challenge, Hong applauds Ulsan Hyundai players for extending  record

Bangkok: BG Pathum United head coach Aurelio Vidmar hailed his side for putting up a good fight against AFC Champions League titleholders Ulsan Hyundai FC on Sunday as the Australian immediately cast his eyes on the Thai side's upcoming Round of 16 tie. 

Goals by Kim Min-jun and man of the match Valeri Qazaishvili saw Ulsan walk away with a perfect record of six wins to finish as Group F winners, while BG Pathum United advanced as one of three best runners-up.