Central Asia Domestic Wrap: Relentless Persepolis one game away from title

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Central Asia Domestic Wrap: Relentless Persepolis one game away from title

Bishkek: Persepolis FC inched closer to a fourth consecutive Iran Pro League title, while Shahrdari Bam were officially confirmed as the nation’s women’s champions.

Elsewhere, Uzbekistan Super League holders FC Pakhtakor revealed that five of their players have tested positive to COVID-19, while Tajikistan contenders FC Khujand made a statement of intent on Saturday, bolstering their squad with four new signings.

Join the-AFC.com for all the key news and from Tehran to Tashkent.

Abdurabu: Hard work key to making Yemen proud

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Abdurabu: Hard work key to making Yemen proud

Doha: There is no doubt that the conflict which has plagued Yemen since 2015 overshadows everything in this country overlooking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. But despite how bleak things have been during this crisis, the improved results enjoyed by the Yemeni national team over the last two years have given the people some glimmer of hope.

On March 27, 2018, Yemen made history when they qualified for UAE 2019 for what was their maiden appearance (as a unified nation) at the AFC Asian Cup. And while they suffered three straight group-stage defeats at the hands of IR Iran, Iraq and Vietnam, their appearance at the Finals provided a solid foundation to build on.

The West Asian side then made a strong start to the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023. They drew 2-2 with Singapore in Kallang and took a point from Asian heavyweights Saudi Arabia, before recording their first win in Group D with a Matchday 5 triumph over Palestine.

East Asia Wrap: Kashima pick up first win as defending champions slump

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

East Asia Wrap: Kashima pick up first win as defending champions slump

Hong Kong: Kashima Antlers claimed their first victory of the season to move off the foot of the J.League and condemn defending champions Yokohama F.Marinos to a third defeat in five games after a 4-2 scoreline. 

Ulsan Hyundai have opened up a three-point lead at the top of Korea Republic's K League after they made it three wins in a row while second-placed Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors dropped points once again.

Elsewhere, there was action in Chinese Taipei and Mongolia while the 2020 Chinese Super League is just days away from getting underway, so join the-AFC.com as we review the action from across East Asia.

ASEAN Wrap: Sydney FC win as A-League returns

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

ASEAN Wrap: Sydney FC win as A-League returns

Kuala Lumpur: A-League leaders Sydney FC scored two late goals to overcome Wellington Phoenix 3-1 on Friday as domestic football in Australia resumed following its four-month COVID-19 enforced hiatus. 

Elsewhere in Southeast Asia, Saigon's hot streak in Vietnam continued as Hanoi FC returned to winning ways, there were some big scores in Cambodia and the second round of fixtures took place in Laos.

And while the Thai league will not return until September, some of their top players took to the pitch in Japan, so join the-AFC.com as we look back at the best of the action from ASEAN.

Vote for your best ACL2018 Team: Defenders

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Vote for your best ACL2018 Team: Defenders

Kuala Lumpur: With the 2020 AFC Champions League on hiatus until September, the-AFC.com continues its series of articles to determine your best sides from the last four editions of the Continental competition.

Last week we presented the candidates for the 2018 edition's best goalkeeper, and now it's time to turn our attention to defenders.

So, here are the 14 players in contention for the four places in the backline. Review the nominees and then choose your favourite defenders for this all-star XI in the respective polls.

5 of the Best: Flicks, tricks and backheels

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

5 of the Best: Flicks, tricks and backheels

Kuala Lumpur: It's more goals galore from the AFC Cup and this week the-AFC.com turns its focus to a handful of quick-witted touches that have bamboozled opposition defences and goalkeepers.  

From a delightful tournament-winning strike in Qarshi to impudent efforts in Al-Ram, Arbil, Dhaka and Cibinong, our latest edition of the '5 of the Best' really does cover the length and breadth of the Continent. So enjoy the selection and don't forget to vote for your favourite in the poll below!

Also take a look at past editions that feature acrobatic goals, solo goals, volleys, long-range screamers, free-kicks, last-minute winners and curlers.

Greatest AFC Asian Cup Coaches

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Greatest AFC Asian Cup Coaches

Kuala Lumpur: They are Asian football’s great managers, motivators and masterminds.

In the 64-year history of the tournament, only 16 men have won the AFC Asian Cup as a head coach, with countless other talented tacticians trying, and failing, to get their hands on Asian football’s greatest prize.