The Long Read: Lee Dong-gook

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

The Long Read: Lee Dong-gook

Kuala Lumpur: Veteran striker Lee Dong-gook recently begun his 23rd season in the Korea Republic top flight and it was almost inevitable that he would score in the competition's opener. The 41-year-old evergreen looks back on an eventful career with both club and country as he continues to excel at the highest level in Asia and defy Father Time.

Normal rules don’t seem to apply to Lee. At an age when most footballers are already enjoying the fruits of their well-earned retirement, the forward is still showing few signs of slowing down.

Lee burst onto the scene as a 19-year-old in 1998 for Pohang Steelers, a young talent who seemed to have the world at his feet having helped the side win the 1997-1998 Asian Club Championship and been called up to the senior national team the very same year.

Fast forward to the present day and the veteran striker is still turning out, and scoring, for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.

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The day #11 scored his century - #Chhetri100

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

The day #11 scored his century - #Chhetri100

New Delhi: June 4, 2018 will remain etched in the memory of Indian football fans forever. It was on this day that talismanic Sunil Chhetri played his 100th International match – only the second Indian footballer to do so. And he made it even more memorable with a double strike in a 3-0 victory over mighty Kenya.

While a full house clad in Blue braved the incessant rain to reach the Mumbai Football Arena hours before the kick-off, the rest of India remained glued to their television sets to witness history — #Chhetri100.

5 of the Best: Long-range goals

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

5 of the Best: Long-range goals

Kuala Lumpur:  The-AFC.com's '5 of the Best' weekly series returns with another collection of amazing goals from the history of the AFC Cup tournament.

We kicked off last week's showcase with five fantastic free-kicks, and now we turn to some stunning strikes from distance that span the Continent from Kyrgz Republic to Vietnam.

Qatar's Sanchez names summer training camp squad

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Qatar's Sanchez names summer training camp squad

Doha: Head coach coach Felix Sanchez has called up 34 players for a summer training camp, the Qatar Football Association (QFA) said on Wednesday.

Spaniard Sanchez has called the players for the June 12 to July 3 training camp, after coordinating with QFA, the Qatar Stars League and respective clubs.

QFA said the players and the coaching staff will strictly adhere to medical protocols outlined by the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH).

Fans enjoy Chinese Taipei's Mulan League action

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Fans enjoy Chinese Taipei's Mulan League action

Taipei: At a time when most leagues in the world are suspended, Chinese Taipei's Premier League and Mulan League are among the few active domestic leagues in the world.

The women's Mulan League, which resumed on April 11, has now opened its doors to fans with matches initially played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bengaluru FC sign Chaudhari, Ralte

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Bengaluru FC sign Chaudhari, Ralte

Bengaluru: Bengaluru FC have announced the signings of defender Pratik Chaudhari and goalkeeper Lalthuammawia Ralte, ahead of the 2020-2021 Indian Super League season. 

Chaudhari, who turned out for Mumbai City FC last season, and Ralte – who was previously part of the BFC squad from 2014 to 2018 – signed two-year deals with the Blues.

Iraqi Premier League called off

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Iraqi Premier League called off

Baghdad: The Iraq Football Association normalisation committee has announced the cancellation of the current Iraqi Premier League season.

The decision, following consultation with the 15 clubs, is due to the COVID-19 pandemic.