UAE appoint Ivan Jovanović as head coach

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

UAE appoint Ivan Jovanović as head coach

Dubai: UAE Football Association (UAE FA) announced the appointment of Ivan Jovanović as national team head coach on Sunday.

The Serbian replaces Bert van Marwijk, who was removed three weeks ago following UAE’s exit from the 2019 Gulf Cup.

Jovanović’s main task will be to steer UAE in the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

UAE, currently in fourth place, will take on Malaysia at home on March 26 in Group H before playing Indonesia away five days later. They will conclude their campaign against Thailand and Vietnam in June.

Bento pleased with Korea Republic's identity

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Bento pleased with Korea Republic's identity

Busan: Korea Republic head coach Paulo Bento was beaming with pride after his charges clinched their fifth EAFF E-1 Football Championship on Wednesday, claiming that they did so “in our style”.

The regional trophy marks Bento’s first after taking the job in August 2018, and the 50-year-old coach was quick to acknowledge and praise the players and staff for their superb efforts.

Japan finish year on top, Qatar biggest movers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Japan finish year on top, Qatar biggest movers

Kuala Lumpur: Japan ended the year on a high note as Asia's top ranked team, while Qatar were the year's biggest movers, following the final FIFA World Ranking for 2019 released on Thursday. 

Japan, who overtook Islamic Republic of Iran for top spot in last month's Rankings, maintained their position at 28th, with the Central Asians also unchanged at 33rd.

Korea Republic moved a rung up to 40th in third, while Australia maintained 42nd spot.

Oman part ways with Koeman

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Oman part ways with Koeman

Muscat: Oman Football Association (OFA) has terminated the contract of Erwin Koeman as head coach following the performance of the national team at the recent 2019 Gulf Cup.

Oman, the defending champions, did not advance past the group stage in Doha following a 3-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in their final Group B match, ending their campaign on four points after defeating Kuwait 2-1 and drawing 0-0 with eventual champions Bahrain.

UAE part ways with van Marwijk

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

UAE part ways with van Marwijk

Dubai: The UAE Football Association announced on Wednesday that it has decided to terminate the contract of head coach Bert van Marwijk and his assistants.

The decision came 24 hours after UAE exited the 2019 Gulf Cup following a 4-2 defeat to hosts Qatar in Group A.

It also follows the recent poor results of the West Asian side under Dutchman van Marwijk in the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

Road to Qatar 2022 & China 2023: Five Talking Points

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Road to Qatar 2022 & China 2023: Five Talking Points

Kuala Lumpur: After six rounds of matches, the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 are done and dusted for 2019.

Qualifying action for the two premier competitions will resume on March 26 as the players - depending on where they play their club football - either return to their teams or get some much needed break.

Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at five talking points at this stage of a thrilling Asian Qualifiers.

Matchday 6: Results & Reports

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Matchday 6: Results & Reports

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday Six of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 came to a close with Syria and Turkmenistan the big winners on an exciting day of action.

Syria made it five wins from five to seize control of Group A as the West Asians will take a whopping eight-point lead into 2020 after defeating Philippines 1-0.

Turkmenistan will also head into the new year as Group H leaders, with their 1-0 win over Sri Lanka and the Lebanon-DPR Korea tie ending in a goalless stalemate giving the Central Asian side a one-point lead.

The Asian Qualifiers will resume on March 26.