#AsianQualifiers: Vote for your best goal of MD 1 & 2

Sat, 14 Sep, 2024

#AsianQualifiers: Vote for your best goal of MD 1 & 2

Kuala Lumpur:  With the opening matchdays of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 having come to a close, we reflect on some of the best goals from Matchday One and Two and ask you, the fans, to select your favourite.  

Silky solo skills, long-range strikes, last-minute winners, and historic moments – as ever, Asian football delivered a glorious array of golazos! 

Which was your favourite goal?

#AsianQualifiers - MD2: 5 Takeaways

Fri, 13 Sep, 2024

#AsianQualifiers - MD2: 5 Takeaways

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday 2 of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 lived up to expectations with some outstanding goals, fightbacks and heartbreaks.

As the 18 sides prepare for the next two rounds of games in October, the-AFC.com takes a look at some key takeaways from Matchday 2.

Jordan’s Sellami praises Haddad’s leadership, Palestine’s Daboub targets improvement

Thu, 12 Sep, 2024

Jordan’s Sellami praises Haddad’s leadership, Palestine’s Daboub targets improvement

Kuala Lumpur: Jordan head coach Jamal Sellami singled out captain Ehsan Haddad for his strong performance in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group B victory over Palestine on Tuesday.

With the mercurial Mousa Al Tamari sidelined, Haddad played a pivotal role in the 3-1 win at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium with Yazan Al Naimat scoring twice and Noor Al Rawabdeh also getting on the scoresheet.

Casas hails hardy Iraq, Pizzi confident of Kuwait's chances

Thu, 12 Sep, 2024

Casas hails hardy Iraq, Pizzi confident of Kuwait's chances

Ardiya: Head coach Jesus Casas was proud of his Iraq team after they walked away with a 0-0 draw against Kuwait in Group B of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 on Tuesday.

Iraq were forced to play with 10 men from the seventh minute following Rebin Sulaka's sending off, with Casas not only proud of their resilience but also the fact that they could have walked away with full points from the Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium.

Katanec pleased with Uzbekistan’s response, Kyrgyz Republic’s Lisitsyn sees learning curve

Thu, 12 Sep, 2024

Katanec pleased with Uzbekistan’s response, Kyrgyz Republic’s Lisitsyn sees learning curve

Bishkek: Uzbekistan are top of Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 after two wins but what has pleased head coach Srecko Katanec more is his side’s resilience over both matchdays.

For the second successive match, Uzbekistan had to dig deep before getting the result as they fell behind twice to Kyrgyz Republic on Tuesday but showed grit to walk away with a 3-2 win from the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium.

Resilience was something Uzbekistan - seeking to qualify for an inaugural appearance at the FIFA World Cup - had also needed in last week’s 1-0 win over DPR Korea and Katanec was pleased to see his players' determination and resolve but admitted his team need to be defensively solid.

Mixed emotions for IR Iran’s Ghalenoei, UAE’s Bento

Wed, 11 Sep, 2024

Mixed emotions for IR Iran’s Ghalenoei, UAE’s Bento

Al Ain: Head coach Amir Ghalenoei was left with mixed feelings after his Islamic Republic of Iran side remained perfect in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 with a 1-0 victory over United Arab Emirates on Tuesday.

For the second game running, Iran created plenty of chances but had to be satisfied with only a 1-0 win with the 60-year-old left pleased with the points collected but looking to improve his side’s finishing.

Lopez remains optimistic despite Qatar’s slow start

Wed, 11 Sep, 2024

Lopez remains optimistic despite Qatar’s slow start

Vientiane: Head coach Marquez Lopez remained positive despite Qatar having to settle for a 2-2 draw against DPR Korea in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 on Tuesday.

Akram Affif canceled out Ri Il Song’s opener with Almoez Ali giving Qatar the lead just before the break, however, DPR Korea fought back to level the tie through Kang Kuk Chol as both teams registered their first point after opening day defeats. 

Hong credits tactical switch for Korea Republic win

Wed, 11 Sep, 2024

Hong credits tactical switch for Korea Republic win

Muscat: Head coach Hong Myung-bo credited Korea Republic’s second half tactical adjustment for the 3-1 win against Oman in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group B tie on Tuesday.

Hwang Hee-chan had given Korea Republic a 10th minute lead but Oman drew level through Jung Seung-hyun's own goal in first half stoppage time. 

Hong’s tinkering, however, saw the East Asian side securing victory through goals from Son Heung-min (82nd) and Joo Min-kyu (90th) to move up to four points. 

Mancini applauds Saudi Arabia’s comeback, Ivankovic hails China PR’s spirit

Wed, 11 Sep, 2024

Mancini applauds Saudi Arabia’s comeback, Ivankovic hails China PR’s spirit

Dalian: Head coach Roberto Mancini sang the praises of his players after Saudi Arabia fought back to earn their first win of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 by defeating China PR 2-1 in their Group C tie on Tuesday.

The Italian was forced to reshuffle his lineup after going behind through an Ali Lajami own goal and having seen Mohammed Kanno sent off - all before the 20-minute mark with Mancini highlighting the versatility of two players as being the key to their success.

Moriyasu: Japan’s patience the key to success

Wed, 11 Sep, 2024

Moriyasu: Japan’s patience the key to success

Riffa: Japan may have ultimately cruised to another resounding win but head coach Hajime Moriyasu said victory was only achieved against Bahrain because his players stayed patient. 

Having defeated China PR 7-0 on Thursday, Japan followed up with a 5-0 defeat of a high-riding Bahrain side in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 tie on Tuesday to leave them two points clear at the top of Group C. 

Shin delighted as plan works out for Indonesia, Australia’s Arnold left frustrated

Wed, 11 Sep, 2024

Shin delighted as plan works out for Indonesia, Australia’s Arnold left frustrated

Jakarta: Two points from matches against the significantly higher-ranked Saudi Arabia and Australia in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 have given Indonesia head coach Shin Tae-yong a feeling of immense satisfaction.

Following their 1-1 stalemate with Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Thursday, the Southeast Asian side produced another gritty performance to hold Australia to a goalless draw at Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Tuesday, with both matches highlighting the immense discipline the Indonesians have.