Uzbekistan’s Urinboev dreaming of repeating 2023

Mon, 17 Feb, 2025

Uzbekistan’s Urinboev dreaming of repeating 2023

Shenzhen: Muhammadali Urinboev led by example again in Uzbekistan’s 3-1 win against Indonesia as the defending champions secured their place in the knockout stage of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 on Sunday.

Urinboev scored for the second successive game, with the skipper looking towards the 2023 title-winning side as inspiration with Uzbekistan believing that they are capable of defending their crown.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u20_asian_cup.html/video/afcu20-|-group-c-indonesia-1-3-uzbekistan

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Zamani: IR Iran can win title

Sun, 16 Feb, 2025

Zamani: IR Iran can win title

Shenzhen: Abolfazl Zamani believes Islamic Republic of Iran can win the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 title following their commanding 6-0 victory over Yemen in Group C on Sunday.

The Esteghlal FC midfielder, who starred with a brace, believes that the four-time winners can end their wait in Shenzhen, with the last of their four titles won in 1976.

Jordan make Meindertsma a happy coach

Sun, 16 Feb, 2025

Jordan make Meindertsma a happy coach

Shenzhen: Jordan head coach Pieter Meindertsma was on the edge of his seat as his side carved out a tense 2-1 win over a determined DPR Korea in their AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 Group B match on Sunday.

Ibrahim Sabra scored in the sixth and 70th minutes to give the West Asians control, but DPR Korea reduced the deficit with an 83rd minute penalty to make it a nervous finish for Meindertsma.

West Asia Wrap: Al Ittihad take firm grip on Saudi Arabia title race

Mon, 17 Feb, 2025

West Asia Wrap: Al Ittihad take firm grip on Saudi Arabia title race

Doha: Karim Benzema was the star as Al Ittihad opened a four-point lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League.

In Oman, Al Seeb will meet Al Shabab in the final of the Sultan Qaboos Cup while there were also matches in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait and Lebanon.

The-AFC.com takes a look at how the domestic action unfolded across West Asia this past week.

Central & South Asia Wrap: Sepahan make Hazfi Cup quarter-finals; Maclaren on fire for Mohun Bagan

Mon, 17 Feb, 2025

Central & South Asia Wrap: Sepahan make Hazfi Cup quarter-finals; Maclaren on fire for Mohun Bagan

Tehran: Sepahan remained on course to retain their Hazfi Cup title while Jamie Maclaren’s double ensured Mohun Bagan Super Giant asserted their dominance of the Indian Super League.

The-AFC.com takes a look at the past week's domestic action across Central and South Asia.

ASEAN Wrap: Shan United, Kasuka FC crowned champions in Myanmar, Brunei Darussalam

Mon, 17 Feb, 2025

ASEAN Wrap: Shan United, Kasuka FC crowned champions in Myanmar, Brunei Darussalam

Kuala Lumpur: Shan United emerged champions in Myanmar while Kasuka FC won their second successive title in Brunei Darussalam.

Auckland FC widened their lead in Australia while Phnom Penh Crown FC are sparing no effort to overtake Svay Rieng.

There were also matches in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam so join the-AFC.com in our review of the past week's domestic action across ASEAN.

East Asia Wrap: Vissel Kobe held; Ulsan HD stunned

Mon, 17 Feb, 2025

East Asia Wrap: Vissel Kobe held; Ulsan HD stunned

Hong Kong: Vissel Kobe began the defence of their Japanese title with a goalless draw as Kawasaki Frontale took the early pole in the 2025 J1 League.

Defending champions Ulsan HD, meanwhile, kicked off their K League 1 campaign with a shock defeat against Anyang while Kitchee jumped into second place in the Hong Kong Premier League.

The-AFC.com reviews the past week's domestic action across  East Asia.

Preview - MD8: Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA) v Al Gharafa SC (QAT)

Tue, 18 Feb, 2025

Preview - MD8: Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA) v Al Gharafa SC (QAT)

Jeddah: Al Ahli Saudi FC will be out to end a successful League Stage campaign with victory against Al Gharafa SC on Monday.

The Saudi Pro League side are second on goal difference to Al Hilal SFC in the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 West Zone standings and will be seeking a seventh win.

Preview - MD8: Persepolis FC (IRN) v Al Nassr Club (KSA)

Tue, 18 Feb, 2025

Preview - MD8: Persepolis FC (IRN) v Al Nassr Club (KSA)

Tehran: Persepolis FC have to overcome Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr Club on Monday if they are to keep their hopes of advancing to the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 knockout stage.

The Islamic Republic of Iran side will head into their final League Stage tie on six points and out of the qualification spots, with their fate also no longer in their hands.

Preview - MD8: Al Shorta (IRQ) v Al Ain FC (UAE)

Tue, 18 Feb, 2025

Preview - MD8: Al Shorta (IRQ) v Al Ain FC (UAE)

Baghdad: Al Shorta will attempt to keep their faint hopes alive when they welcome Al Ain FC for their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 tie on Monday.

Iraq's Al Shorta are on three points and even a win against Al Ain will likely prove not to be enough with the teams above them in much better positions.

Preview - MD8: Pakhtakor (UZB) v Al Sadd SC (QAT)

Mon, 17 Feb, 2025

Preview - MD8: Pakhtakor (UZB) v Al Sadd SC (QAT)

Tashkent: Pakhtakor will be hoping for a miracle when they welcome Al Sadd SC for their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 tie on Monday.

The Uzbekistan side will go into the match fully aware that victory against their Qatari opponents may ultimately prove not enough for them to advance to the knockout stage.