Tajikistan’s Alisher Dzhalilov ruled out of Asian Qualifiers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Tajikistan’s Alisher Dzhalilov ruled out of Asian Qualifiers

Dushanbe: Tajikistan’s bid for a place in the Third Round of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022  and AFC Asian Cup China 2023has been dealt a blow with playmaker Alisher Dzhalilov ruled out of their final two Group F matches.

The FC Istiklol star – who has played every minute of Tajikistan’s campaign thus far – will miss crucial games against Japan on June 7 and Myanmar on June 15.

While top spot in the group has already been secured by Japan, Tajikistan are fighting with Kyrgyz Republic for the chance to advance as one of the top four second-placed teams, a result which would also secure qualification for the AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

China PR's Li Tie applauds Wu Lei's performance in Asian Qualifiers win against Guam

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

China PR's Li Tie applauds Wu Lei's performance in Asian Qualifiers win against Guam

Suzhou: Head coach Li Tie praised two-goal striker Wu Lei after the Espanyol striker led China PR to a comfortable 7-0 win over Guam as the two teams resumed their Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 campaigns on Sunday.

Wu Lei scored his side’s opener from the penalty spot before adding his team’s third while Wu Xi, Ai Kesen and Jin Jingdao were also on the scoresheet before A Lan added a late brace to move the Chinese into sole possession of second place in Group A.

Unlikely cult figure Grant eyes FIFA World Cup after near-tragedy

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Unlikely cult figure Grant eyes FIFA World Cup after near-tragedy

Kuwait City: “Everything went peaceful and quiet under the water. I got ready to just let it happen. I thought, ‘This is it’.” That was how Australia and Sydney FC full-back Rhyan Grant described his near-death experience in 2018 to PlayersVoice.

Wild surf and a freak leg-rope tangle on a protruding pipe saw Grant trapped underwater with no escape seemingly possible, only for the rope to unexpectedly free itself.

Iniesta-inspired Dimas out to defend Indonesian pride in Asian Qualifiers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Iniesta-inspired Dimas out to defend Indonesian pride in Asian Qualifiers

Jakarta: Indonesia's Evan Dimas is all too aware that his team’s hopes of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 have already been extinguished. But AFC Asian Cup China 2023 qualification is still on the cards and a fresh approach means reason for optimism when action resumes next week.

With five straight losses, the Southeast Asians can no longer finish top two in a fascinating group which also features Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and United Arab Emirates. The disappointing results not only cost coach Simon McMenemy his job, but also dented the team's confidence.

The new boss in charge is none other than former Shin Tae-yong, who guided Korea Republic to a famous 2-0 defeat of world champions Germany at Russia 2018. With the memory of that amazing victory still fresh in mind, Dimas is hoping that Indonesia can produce similar heroics under Shin.

Moriyasu hails players after win over Myanmar takes Japan through to third round of Asian Qualifiers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Moriyasu hails players after win over Myanmar takes Japan through to third round of Asian Qualifiers

Chiba: Hajime Moriyasu commended his players’ relentless approach after the Samurai Blue booked their place in the third round of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with a thumping 10-0 win over Myanmar.

The Japanese also sealed their spot at the Finals of the AFC Asian Cup China 2023 as Group F winners with the victory, their sixth in a row in the current phase of qualifying, as Moriyasu’s side confirmed their progress to the next phase with two games remaining.

Asian Qualifiers: Players on Form

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Asian Qualifiers: Players on Form

Kuala Lumpur: More than 18 months since the majority of countries last took part in competitive action, the Asian Qualifiers are set to return on May 28 at eight centralised venues across the continent. 

With the action coming thick and fast over a two-week period during which teams will look to secure a place in the next round of qualifying, the-AFC.com shines the spotlight on some of the form players who will be representing their nations.

5 Iconic Asian Qualifiers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

5 Iconic Asian Qualifiers

Kuala Lumpur: Excitement is building ahead of the return of the Asian Qualifiers in the coming days as the sides continue on the road towards the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the AFC Asian Cup China 2023. 

As fans prepare for the resumption of the second round of qualifying, the-AFC.com winds the clock back to campaigns of years gone by, which have thrown up some of the most memorable matches in Asian football history.