Round 1: Hong Kong, China 4-0 Bhutan

Thu, 12 Oct, 2023

Round 1: Hong Kong, China 4-0 Bhutan

Hong Kong: Michael Udebuluzor’s early double sent Hong Kong, China on their way to a 4-0 win over Bhutan at Hong Kong Stadium in the Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 1 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ on Thursday to move a step closer to a place in the next round.

Udebuluzor, making only his second start for the territory, headed home in the 10th and 15th minutes before goals from Shinichi Chan and Bhutan’s Tenzin Norbu ensured Jorn Andersen’s side go to Thimphu on Tuesday confident of progressing.

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Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 1: Results & Reports

Thu, 12 Oct, 2023

Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 1: Results & Reports

Kuala Lumpur: The quest to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ begins for 20 Asian teams on Thursday in the Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 1.

Having been divided into 10 pairings at the official draw ceremony two months ago, these sides will play two-legged ties – one home and one away match, with the return leg on Tuesday.  
 
The winners on aggregate of each pairing then proceed to Round 2, where they join the remaining 26 Member Associations to continue their campaign.
 
Stay updated on all the action with the-AFC.com.

#AFCCup Goals of the Group Stage - Matchday Two

Wed, 11 Oct, 2023

#AFCCup Goals of the Group Stage - Matchday Two

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday Two of the AFC Cup™ 2023/24 witnessed thrilling action and quality goals. 

The-AFC.com has selected eight goals and invites you, the fans, to pick your favourite.

#ACL Goals of the Group Stage - Matchday Two

Sun, 08 Oct, 2023

#ACL Goals of the Group Stage - Matchday Two

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday Two of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 was another spectacular affair with breathtaking actions and goals.

A total 59 goals were scored in the 19 matches played and the-AFC.com has chosen 10 for you - the fans - to decide the best Matchday Two goal. 

Three months to go: The search for the ultimate AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Superfan starts now!

Thu, 12 Oct, 2023

Three months to go: The search for the ultimate AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Superfan starts now!

Kuala Lumpur: The three-month countdown to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ has begun and to celebrate the thrilling road to the highly anticipated showpiece scheduled to kick off on 12 January 2024, the AFC has launched its latest initiative, the Superfan contest, to reward the ultimate AFC Asian Cup™ fan with exclusive prizes and experiences.

The contest is open to all football fans across the Continent and beyond. Participants can now submit their entries on www.the-afc.com/superfan or the AFC LIVE app to join the contest. Entrants can sign up on the website and app to submit their contest entry, which must consist of a one-minute video explaining why they are the ultimate AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Superfan. Submissions will close on 26 October 2023.

Greatest AFC Asian Cup teams - Saudi Arabia (1980s-90s)

Thu, 12 Oct, 2023

Greatest AFC Asian Cup teams - Saudi Arabia (1980s-90s)

Kuala Lumpur: Over the past few decades, the AFC Asian Cup™ has witnessed some amazing teams with the Saudi Arabia side of the 1980s-90s the focus of our latest article. 

When Japan defeated China PR to be crowned continental champions in 2004, that was the first AFC Asian Cup final not to feature Saudi Arabia for 24 years. This incredible stat is perhaps the best testament to how dominant the Green Falcons had been in the last part of the 20th century.

Greatest AFC Asian Cup teams: Kuwait (1980s)

Tue, 10 Oct, 2023

Greatest AFC Asian Cup teams: Kuwait (1980s)

Kuala Lumpur: Since the first edition, the AFC Asian Cup™ has seen the rise and dominance of some iconic teams with the Kuwait side of the late 1970s and early 1980s in that class.  

Although the West Asian nation will not be competing in the Qatar 2023 edition, there is no denying they once had one of the greatest AFC Asian Cup teams of all time. 

Greatest AFC Asian Cup teams: IR Iran (1970s)

Mon, 09 Oct, 2023

Greatest AFC Asian Cup teams: IR Iran (1970s)

Kuala Lumpur: With the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ rapidly approaching, excitement is building for the 18th edition of the continental showpiece.

As the countdown gathers pace, the-AFC.com takes a look at several teams who were simply unstoppable in previous editions of the tournament, starting with Islamic Republic of Iran.