Six players who lit up the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 Qualifiers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Six players who lit up the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 Qualifiers

Kuala Lumpur: In a 12-day period where established powers flexed their muscles, and burgeoning contenders announced their arrival on the AFC Women’s Asian Cup stage, there was no shortage of heroes. 

For some, it was a time of joyous wins and priceless breakthroughs; for others, the anguish of an opportunity missed.

But beyond the drama delivered by September’s six AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 qualifying groups, there were standout individual performers, who seized the moment to ensure their country will be among the continent’s elite at January’s Finals.

At the conclusion of a gripping international window, we’ve picked out six eye-catching performers – one from each group – who left their mark on September’s qualifiers, and will be aiming to do the same on an even bigger stage In less than four months at India 2022.

Taremi, Tomiyasu, Son and Kerr: Vote for your AFC International Player of the Week!

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Taremi, Tomiyasu, Son and Kerr: Vote for your AFC International Player of the Week!

Kuala Lumpur: Dashing debuts, derby delight and goals of the highest order were on the menu as Asia’s top players outside the continent flew the flag high.

This week’s action brought sensational goals in Portugal and France, two of East Asia’s biggest stars faced off in London, while two Australians made superb first impressions in Britain. Based on matches played from September 22 to 29, study our list of contenders, and don’t forget to register your vote.

Vietnam defeat Tajikistan to secure Finals slot

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Vietnam defeat Tajikistan to secure Finals slot

Dushanbe: Vietnam became the 10th team to confirm their place at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022, cruising to the continental Finals with a 7-0 win over Group B hosts Tajikistan on Wednesday.

Needing a draw or better to qualify as group winners, Mai Duc Chung’s side were too slick and too experienced for Tajikistan, with Pham Hai Yen and Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy scoring two goals apiece.

In addition to booking their place at India 2022, the result keeps Vietnam’s bid for a maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification alive, while Tajikistan’s dream of a first ever trip to the continental Finals was extinguished.

AO Tanaka included in Japan's squad for AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar challenge

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AO Tanaka included in Japan's squad for AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar challenge

Tokyo: Midfielder Ao Tanaka has been recalled to the Japan squad for next month’s meetings with Saudi Arabia and Japan in the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar.

The former Kawasaki Frontale player was a key member of Japan’s Olympic team as Hajime Moriyasu led the country to the semi-finals of the tournament on home soil, but he was not selected for the Asian Qualifiers' ties against Oman and China PR last month.
 
The Japanese lost their opening game against the Omanis before handing Li Tie’s team a 1-0 defeat in Doha to sit in fourth place in Group B with three points from their first two matches.
 

Al Dawsari among injured trio to miss Saudi Arabia’s ties against Japan, China PR

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Al Dawsari among injured trio to miss Saudi Arabia’s ties against Japan, China PR

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia national team head coach Hervé Renard will be without three key players for the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar matches against Japan and China PR next month.

Abdullah Otayf, Salem Al Dawsari and Mohammed Al Burayk were all left out due to injuries while Abdullah Al Hamdan and Ali Al Asmari were dropped by Renard.

France’s FIFA World Cup winner Nzonzi joins Al Rayyan

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

France’s FIFA World Cup winner Nzonzi joins Al Rayyan

Doha: Eight-time Qatar League champions Al Rayyan continued their recent spree of impressive signings by announcing they have brough FIFA World Cup winner Steven Nzonzi on board.

Nzonzi, who featured for France in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, has signed a two-year contract with Al Rayyan.