Mancini sets Saudi Arabia title target

Tue, 29 Aug, 2023

Mancini sets Saudi Arabia title target

Riyadh: Roberto Mancini said he hoped to lead Saudi Arabia to AFC Asian Cup™ victory within months after he was confirmed as the West Asian side's head coach on Monday. 

The former Inter Milan and Manchester City boss held up a green shirt that read "Mancini 2027" after inking a contract to stay with the Green Falcons beyond the next FIFA World Cup.

Mancini takes charge of Saudi Arabia

Mon, 28 Aug, 2023

Mancini takes charge of Saudi Arabia

Riyadh: Roberto Mancini has been named head coach of the Saudi Arabia men’s national team, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation announced on Sunday.

Mancini had resigned from his previous post as Italy head coach earlier in August, having spent five years in charge of The Azzurri, leading them to winning UEFA Euro 2020 title and finishing third in the UEFA Nations League twice in 2020-21 and 2022-23.

#ACL - Know Your Groups: West

Mon, 28 Aug, 2023

#ACL - Know Your Groups: West

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 group stage challenge was decided following the draw in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

Eight former champions are among the 40 teams aiming to lift the coveted trophy and ahead of the action kicking off on September 18, the-AFC.com shines the spotlight on the 10 groups, beginning with the West Zone.

ASEAN Wrap: Cong An seal V.League title; JDT made to wait

Mon, 28 Aug, 2023

ASEAN Wrap: Cong An seal V.League title; JDT made to wait

Kuala Lumpur: Cong An Hanoi secured a historic league crown by the narrowest of margins on their first season back in Vietnam’s top flight after a 1-1 draw with Thanh Hoa on the final day helped them finish ahead of 2022 winners and crosstown rivals Hanoi FC on goal difference. 

Nafuzi Zain’s Kedah Darul Aman became the first team to take points from defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim in Malaysia this season as the Southern Tigers, who could have sealed their 10th title in a row with a win, were held to an entertaining 3-3 draw in their 21st league outing. 
 
Borneo FC closed in on early-season leaders Madura United following a 2-1 win against Persita Tangerang in Indonesia while there were also matches taking place in Thailand, Australia, Cambodia, the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam, so join the-AFC.com as we review the week’s action from ASEAN.

Central & South Asia Wrap: Nasaf win Super Cup, Sepahan open up gap

Mon, 28 Aug, 2023

Central & South Asia Wrap: Nasaf win Super Cup, Sepahan open up gap

Jizzakh: It was all smiles for FC Nasaf as they lifted the Uzbekistan Super Cup at the expense of Pakhtakor while in Islamic Republic of Iran, Sepahan picked up yet another win in the Iran Pro League.

Over in Turkmenistan, Arkadag marched on with their 12th straight win of the season while it is status quo in Kyrgyz Republic between Abdysh-Ata and Dordoi.

The Durand Cup in India enters the knockout stage and there were also matches in Bhutan and Maldives, so join the-AFC.com as we recap all the Central and South Asia action. 

East Asia Wrap: Derby defeat for Marinos; Ulsan held by Seoul

Mon, 28 Aug, 2023

East Asia Wrap: Derby defeat for Marinos; Ulsan held by Seoul

Hong Kong: Only six points separate the top four teams in Japan after leaders Yokohama F. Marinos suffered a shock 4-1 defeat at the hands of crosstown rivals Yokohama FC while Vissel Kobe are only one point behind the title holders with Nagoya Grampus and Urawa Red Diamonds also involved in the chase. 

Leaders Ulsan Hyundai have only one win in their last four matches after they were held to a 2-2 draw by FC Seoul for whom Brazilian striker Willyan scored a stoppage-time equaliser, but the defending champions still enjoy an 11-point advantage over second-placed Pohang Steelers with five matches left. 
 
In China PR, frontrunners Shanghai Port’s struggles continued as they fell to a 3-1 defeat to Henan FC on Friday while there were also matches taking place in Hong Kong and Mongolia, so join the-AFC.com as we bring you up to speed with the action from across East Asia. 

West Asia Wrap: Al Ittihad stay hot; Al Duhail, Shabab Al Ahli nicely placed

Mon, 28 Aug, 2023

West Asia Wrap: Al Ittihad stay hot; Al Duhail, Shabab Al Ahli nicely placed

Riyadh: After an intense three matchdays, defending champions Al Ittihad and Al Ahli Saudi are the joint leaders of the 2023/24 Saudi Pro League, having a perfect three out of three wins.

Defending Qatar Stars League champions Al Duhail SC, meanwhile, are one of three teams with a 100 percent record after two matches while Shabab Al Ahli Dubai’s defence of their UAE Pro League crown is progressing serenely after two games. 

There was also action in Jordan and Lebanon so join the-AFC.com as we review the past week’s domestic action across West Asia.