The hard work has just begun for the Philippines, says skipper Hali Long

Thu, 03 Mar, 2022

The hard work has just begun for the Philippines, says skipper Hali Long

Manila: After a historic AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ campaign, Philippines captain Hali Long believes the Madiltas must continue working hard with continental tournaments on the horizon.

The Philippines grew from strength to strength at India 2022 to reach the AFC Women’s Asian Cup semi-finals for the first time and also secured a maiden appearance in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the Southeast Asian side to join the world’s best in Australia/New Zealand 2023. 

Al Sadd primed for 2022 AFC Champions League™ challenge after phenomenal domestic season

Thu, 03 Mar, 2022

Al Sadd primed for 2022 AFC Champions League™ challenge after phenomenal domestic season

Doha: Al Sadd SC will approach the 2022 AFC Champions League™ with confidence after yet another win on Tuesday took them within two matches of a second consecutive unbeaten season in the Qatar Stars League. 

Goals from Ali Assadalla (32nd), Santi Cazorla (67th), Akram Afif (68th) and Andre Ayed (79th) saw Al Sadd defeat Al Khor 4-2 to stretch their two-season unbeaten run in the Qatar Stars League to 42 matches.

The back-to-back champions, who sealed their 16th league title with four matches to spare, have to avoid defeat against Al Rayyan (March 8) and Al Wakrah (March 10) to complete a second season unbeaten.

A Welcome Move: Bienvenido Marañón excited by new challenge at Johor Darul Ta’zim

Wed, 02 Mar, 2022

A Welcome Move: Bienvenido Marañón excited by new challenge at Johor Darul Ta’zim

Johor Bahru: After a goal and trophy-laden seven-year spell, the AFC Cup’s all-time top goalscorer Bienvenido Marañón brought an end to his time in the Filipino top flight with a high profile move to Southeast Asian giants Johor Darul Ta’zim ahead of the 2022 Malaysia Super League season.

The Spanish-born Philippines striker joined the-AFC.com for an exclusive interview to discuss his move to JDT, the upcoming domestic and continental campaigns, and his goals and ambitions for 2022.

Central Asian trio set for Navruz Cup

Wed, 02 Mar, 2022

Central Asian trio set for Navruz Cup

Tashkent: Uzbekistan will host the national teams of Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uganda in the Navruz Cup this month, after the friendly tournament was announced on Tuesday.

Named after the holiday period celebrated in several nations throughout the region, the event will be held at Namangan’s Markaziy Stadium on a knockout basis, with Uzbekistan to face Kyrgyz Republic on March 25, the same day Tajikistan cross paths with Uganda.

The winners of those matches will then meet in the March 29 final, with the two semi-final losers to play off for third.

2022 Uzbekistan Super League – 5 things to look for

Wed, 02 Mar, 2022

2022 Uzbekistan Super League – 5 things to look for

Tashkent: The signings have arrived, the kits have been launched and the stadiums prepared as the Uzbekistan Super League resumes for a brand new season in 2022.

Will Navbahor’s pre-season signings bear fruit? Who will emerge as Uzbek football’s new young star on the eve of the AFC U23 Asian Cup, and who, if anyone, can challenge Pakhtakor?

With the season to kick off with two matches on Wednesday night, join the-AFC.com as we look at five talking points for the season ahead in one of Central Asia’s top leagues.

AFC Cup winner Kdouh dreams of AFC Champions League place with Al Zawraa

Tue, 01 Mar, 2022

AFC Cup winner Kdouh dreams of AFC Champions League place with Al Zawraa

Baghdad: Three years after leading his childhood club Al Ahed to AFC Cup glory, Lebanese international forward Mohammed Kdouh is eyeing a spot amongst the continent’s top clubs having joined Iraqi powerhouse Al Zawraa.

With the Baghdad based side preparing to face Sharjah FC in the 2022 AFC Champions League playoff on March 16, Kdouh spoke to the-AFC.com about his ambitions for club and country.