Saintfiet: Philippines must strive to be at Saudi Arabia 2027

Wed, 26 Jun, 2024

Saintfiet: Philippines must strive to be at Saudi Arabia 2027

Kuala Lumpur: Belgian Tom Saintfiet was appointed the Philippines’ coach in late February with the task of resetting the nation’s ambitions after missing out on the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™. He tells the-AFC.com of his hopes to return the country to the continent’s greatest stage.

The tears in Neil Etheridge’s eyes told the story, six years ago, of what it meant to the Philippines to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup™ Finals; victory over Tajikistan took the nation to the tournament for the first time and the emotion streaked the goalkeeper’s face.
 
For a country that has historically occupied a position of significance within the continental game – it featured in the first international played on Asian soil in 1913 and was the first home of the Asian Football Confederation - the Philippines’ on-field record is underwhelming.

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Group C: 5 Takeaways

Wed, 03 Jul, 2024

Group C: 5 Takeaways

Kuala Lumpur: Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 will see five of the six teams aiming to reach the FIFA World Cup Finals for - at the very least - a second time.

Ahead of what will surely be thrilling affairs, the-AFC.com takes a look at some key facts and figures.

Group B: 5 Takeaways

Tue, 02 Jul, 2024

Group B: 5 Takeaways

Kuala Lumpur: Group B of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 promises fascinating duels as the six teams look to book a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026, to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Ahead of the action kicking off on September 5, the-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures from the group, which will feature Korea Republic, Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Palestine and Kuwait.

Group A: 5 Takeaways

Fri, 28 Jun, 2024

Group A: 5 Takeaways

Kuala Lumpur: Thursday's FIFA World Cup 26 Preliminary Draw – AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road To 26 produced some fascinating outcomes.

As the 18 teams start preparing for the action to kick off on September 5, the-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts, starting with Group A.

Oiwa: Medal remains Japan's target

Thu, 04 Jul, 2024

Oiwa: Medal remains Japan's target

Tokyo: Go Oiwa said Japan are still aiming to win their first men's Olympics football medal since 1968 despite not including any overage players in his 18-strong squad on Wednesday.

Even Takefusa Kubo, despite being eligible age wise, was not included with officials admitting several players who had been considered were not released by their European clubs.

Each squad is allowed to register three overage players for the under-23 men's Olympics football tournament.

Necovski stars as Australia edge Thailand to lift title

Thu, 04 Jul, 2024

Necovski stars as Australia edge Thailand to lift title

Solo: Captain Jayden Necovski hit the winning spot-kick as Australia clinched their third ASEAN U16 Championship after defeating Thailand 8-7 on penalties on Wednesday.

Having emerged champions in 2008 and 2018, the Joeys showed nerves of steel to edge the War Elephants in the shootout at the Manahan Stadium after Thailand’s Chatchawat Sahanunchaichid failed to convert his penalty. 

Kashima’s Sano pens 4-year deal with Mainz

Fri, 05 Jul, 2024

Kashima’s Sano pens 4-year deal with Mainz

Mainz: Kashima Antlers defensive midfielder Kaishu Sano has signed for FSV Mainz 05 on a four-year deal until 2028, the German Bundesliga club have announced.

The 23-year-old, who joined Kashima last season, made his Japan debut last November and was part of the Samurai Blue squad for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™. 

Brazilian Marlon bolsters Al Ain ranks

Thu, 04 Jul, 2024

Brazilian Marlon bolsters Al Ain ranks

Dubai: Two-time AFC Champions League™ winners Al Ain FC have added Brazilian defender Marlon Santos to their squad ahead of the upcoming season.

Santos, who turns 29 in September, joins Al Ain from Fluminense, having been on loan with the Brazilian side from his parent club Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine.