Women’s Football - Players to Watch

Fri, 19 Jul, 2024

Women’s Football - Players to Watch

Kuala Lumpur: As the 2024 Paris Olympics approaches, anticipation is building for the thrilling displays of talent and skill that will unfold on the grand stage. 

Among the athletes set to compete, several players from Australia and Japan are expected to be in the Women's Football Tournament spotlight. 

The-AFC.com takes a look at the key players to watch from these two nations.

Men’s Football - Players to Watch

Mon, 15 Jul, 2024

Men’s Football - Players to Watch

Kuala Lumpur: The Paris Olympics Men’s Football Tournament is set to be a spectacle with three Asian teams striving for glory.

Japan, Uzbekistan and Iraq are all determined to produce a medal finish and the-AFC.com takes a look at the players who will be pivotal to their chances.

Ikeda optimistic of Japan’s chances

Sat, 20 Jul, 2024

Ikeda optimistic of Japan’s chances

Paris: Futoshi Ikeda believes Japan can claim their first medal in the women’s competition at the Olympic Games since 20212 by sticking to their own style of football despite being handed a daunting challenge in the group phase of this summer’s tournament.

The Nadeshiko have been drawn to face reigning FIFA Women’s World Cup holders Spain as well as current South American champions Brazil and 11-times African title winners Nigeria at the Paris Games, but Ikeda is refusing to be pessimistic.

Australia's Gustavsson bullish despite Kerr's absence

Mon, 22 Jul, 2024

Australia's Gustavsson bullish despite Kerr's absence

Kuala Lumpur: Tony Gustavsson says Australia could compensate for the loss of talismanic captain Sam Kerr at the Olympic Games with greater tactical flexibility as his squad look to overcome the loss of the AFC Women’s Player of the Year to win the country’s first-ever football medal.

The Matildas are seeking a podium spot at the Paris Games after a fourth-place finish in Tokyo in 2021 but will go into the campaign without Kerr after the Chelsea striker injured her anterior cruciate ligament in January.

Gustavsson, however, is encouraged by his side’s performance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand last year, when his team also reached the semi-finals despite missing Kerr for much of the tournament due to a calf injury.

Know the Asian Coaches - Women's Tournament

Tue, 16 Jul, 2024

Know the Asian Coaches - Women's Tournament

Kuala Lumpur: Asia's bid to win medals in the Paris Olympics Women's Football Tournament will be led by two vastly experienced head coaches.

Sweden's Tony Gustavsson will plot Australia's challenge while Futoshi Ikeda will lead Japan.

Know Your Team: Japan

Thu, 11 Jul, 2024

Know Your Team: Japan

Kuala Lumpur: Japan will head to the Paris Olympics confident of a better outcome after suffering heartbreak on home soil in the previous edition.

The Nadeshiko, despite home ground advantage, failed to win a medal at the 2020 Games but a strong showing in last year's FIFA Women's World Cup indicates their Paris 2024 Group C opponents will have to tread warily against the East Asian side.

Know Your Team: Australia

Wed, 10 Jul, 2024

Know Your Team: Australia

Kuala Lumpur: Australia will head to the Paris Olympics Women's Football Tournament confident of ending their wait for a medal.

Having sealed qualification after cruising past Uzbekistan in their playoff, Australia will face four-time gold medallists the United States, 2016 champions Germany and Zambia in Group B.

The top two sides from each of the three groups and the two best third-placed teams will advance to the quarter-finals.

Japan stay Asia’s best

Thu, 18 Jul, 2024

Japan stay Asia’s best

Kuala Lumpur: Japan maintained their position as Asia’s top side in the latest FIFA Men's World Ranking released on Thursday.

The East Asian dropped one spot to 18th, with Islamic Republic of Iran unchanged at 20th.

Aubameyang joins Al Qadsiah

Fri, 19 Jul, 2024

Aubameyang joins Al Qadsiah

Khobar: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has started the next chapter of his career in Asia following his move to Saudi Pro League outfit, Al Qadsiah.

The Gabon international was signed from French Ligue 1 side Marseille after a prolific 2023/24 campaign which saw him score 30 goals.