Qatar set for new European challenge

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Qatar set for new European challenge

Doha: Fresh from their superb 2021 Gold Cup outing, Qatar will continue their preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2022 Finals with three top level matches in September.

The reigning AFC Asian Cup champions will play Serbia, Portugal and Luxembourg during the FIFA international window.

Qatar meet Serbia on September 1 followed by Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal three days later before concluding against Luxembourg on September 7.

2021 AFC Champions League Group Stage – 5 of the Best: Solo Goals

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

2021 AFC Champions League Group Stage – 5 of the Best: Solo Goals

Kuala Lumpur: The-AFC.com's '5 of the Best' spotlight on 2021 AFC Champions League Group Stage action this week highlights goals that are far more about the individual than the collective. 

It was all about the team last week in our round up of great 2021 AFC Champions League Group Stage goals, but this week we recall five solo goals where players have taken matters into their own hands and produced a moment of individual brilliance.

After reviewing these five fantastic finishes, vote for your favourite at the bottom of the article.

Vote for your best 2021 AFC Champions League Group Stage Team: Goalkeeper

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Vote for your best 2021 AFC Champions League Group Stage Team: Goalkeeper

Kuala Lumpur: After the conclusion of the 2021 AFC Champions League group stage in July, the-AFC.com looks back on some of the standout displays from those involved in order to find out the Best XI from the first round. We begin with the goalkeepers.

To select the candidates for each position, we have reflected on match data from the group stage to draw up a statistics-based approach to present the outstanding performers.

We kick things off with five standout goalkeepers for the all-important number one jersey. Review the nominees and then choose who you think should take the position as the last line of defence in this all-star XI in the poll below.

Tokyo Olympics in Numbers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Tokyo Olympics in Numbers

Kuala Lumpur: After the conclusion of the Tokyo Olympics Men's and Women's Football tournaments over the weekend, the-AFC.com shines the spotlight on some of the key statistics involving Asia's sides.  

Seven teams representing five countries flew the Asian Football Confederation flag at the Games, with Australia's women and Japan's men reaching the semi-finals. We look back at some of the numbers that caught the eye.

Takefusa Kubo back with Real Mallorca on loan

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Takefusa Kubo back with Real Mallorca on loan

Madrid: Japan international Takefusa Kubo has rejoined Real Mallorca for a second year-long loan stint from Real Madrid after leading his country to the semi-finals of the Olympic Games in Tokyo earlier this month.

Kubo returns to Mallorca after spending the 2019-20 season with the club, where he played 35 times in La Liga and scored four goals.

Despite impressing during his initial season-long stint, Kubo’s form was not enough to prevent Mallorca from dropping into the second division.

Monika Staab named Saudi Arabia women's head coach 

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Monika Staab named Saudi Arabia women's head coach 

Riyadh: The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has appointed former German international Monika Staab as the new head coach of the Saudi women’s national football team.

The highly rated Staab, who has more than 25 years of experience as a player and coach, was previously in charge of Qatar women's national football team for 15 months before taking the coaching role at SAFF.

Hong Kong redrawn in Group K of AFC U23 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2022™ Qualifiers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Hong Kong redrawn in Group K of AFC U23 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2022™ Qualifiers

Kuala Lumpur: Hong Kong will play in Group K of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2022™ qualifying competition following a redraw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Wednesday.

Hong Kong - initially placed in Group I during the draw on July 9, join Japan and Cambodia in Group K.

Group I now comprises of Vietnam, Myanmar and Chinese Taipei.