Semi-final: China PR stun Japan to stay on track for record ninth title

Fri, 04 Feb, 2022

Semi-final: China PR stun Japan to stay on track for record ninth title

Pune: China PR defeated Japan 4-3 on penalties to advance to the final of the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022™ final at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune on Thursday.

In an epic semi-final which ended 2-2 after extra time, goalkeeper Yu Zhu and captain Wang Shanshan played starring roles as China PR move within one match of winning a record-extending ninth AFC Women's Asian Cup title. 

It was a well deserved victory as China PR came from behind twice, with Wang Shanshan netting their second equaliser in the final minute of extra time. Yu Zhu then saved two of Japan's penalties with the skipper scoring the fifth spot-kick to take her team into Sunday's final against Korea Republic. 

Semi-final: Masterful Korea Republic end Philippines’ challenge

Fri, 04 Feb, 2022

Semi-final: Masterful Korea Republic end Philippines’ challenge

Pune: Korea Republic booked a place in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ final with a comfortable 2-0 win over the Philippines at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune on Thursday.

Korea Republic’s first ever appearance in the final was sealed early, with Cho So-hyun and Son Hwa-yeon scoring in the first half for the East Asian side with China PR awaiting them in Sunday's title decider.

The Philippines, playing in their first AFC Women’s Asian Cup semi-final, can be proud of their efforts though as they gave the match their all and can look forward to an inaugural appearance in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia/New Zealand 2023.

Mai praises players as Vietnam close in on FIFA Women’s World Cup berth

Thu, 03 Feb, 2022

Mai praises players as Vietnam close in on FIFA Women’s World Cup berth

Navi Mumbai: Vietnam head coach Mai Duc Chung praised his charges following their 2-0 victory against Thailand in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia/New Zealand playoff tie on Wednesday.

First half goals from Huynh Nhu and Thai Thi Thao sealed victory for Mai’s charges at D.Y. Patil Stadium and a win against Chinese Taipei on Sunday will confirm Vietnam’s maiden FIFA Women's World Cup appearance.

Todoroki optimistic Thailand will bounce back against Chinese Taipei

Fri, 04 Feb, 2022

Todoroki optimistic Thailand will bounce back against Chinese Taipei

Navi Mumbai: Thailand assistant coach Natsuko Todoroki has urged her players to put their 2-0 defeat against Thailand behind them and focus on securing a berth in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia/New Zealand 2023. 

Thailand, still affected by a COVID-19 outbreak in their squad, lost 2-0 to Vietnam in the first tie of the playoffs on Wednesday. 

Todoroki’s charges must now win against Chinese Taipei on Friday to keep their FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification hopes alive, while defeat will send them to the Inter-Confederation playoffs.

Volunteers play important role at the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022™

Thu, 03 Feb, 2022

Volunteers play important role at the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022™

Mumbai: As the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ enters its final stages, the-AFC.com takes a peak behind the scenes and pays tribute to the volunteers who have helped in the smooth running of the continental showpiece.

With the tournament expanded to 12 teams and numerous SOPs in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the dedication of the volunteers has been exemplary.

Volunteers Akankshya Bhuyan and Devika Nair are just two of many who have played a major part in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022.

Iraq part ways with Petrovic

Thu, 03 Feb, 2022

Iraq part ways with Petrovic

Baghdad: Iraqi Football Association announced on Wednesday that they have decided to dismiss Montenegrin Zeljko Petrovic as head coach following the recent poor results in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar.

The decision came less than 24 hours after Iraq’s 1-1 draw with Lebanon on Matchday Eight of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar at Saida Municipal Stadium.

Al Malki injury blow for Saudi Arabia

Thu, 03 Feb, 2022

Al Malki injury blow for Saudi Arabia

Riyadh: Saudi Arabian Football Federation announced on Wednesday that they will be missing the services of Abdulellah Al Malki for an extended period after the midfielder suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The 27-year-old Al Malki was substituted in the 23rd minute of Saudi Arabia’s match against Japan on Matchday 8 of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar on Tuesday.