East Asia Domestic Wrap: Title races continues to excite in Japan, Korea Republic

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

East Asia Domestic Wrap: Title races continues to excite in Japan, Korea Republic

Kuala Lumpur: The top two sides played out draws in Japan over the weekend, while the pacesetters in Korea Republic remain neck and neck as both seasons move towards a thrilling climax.

There was no league action in China PR, but plenty more talking points in Mongolia, Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei, so join the-AFC.com as we review the latest rounds of fixtures in East Asia.

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ASEAN Domestic Wrap: Lalenok crowned Timor-Leste champions; Prachuap seal Thai League Cup 

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

ASEAN Domestic Wrap: Lalenok crowned Timor-Leste champions; Prachuap seal Thai League Cup 

Kuala Lumpur: Lalenok have capped a memorable first season in Timor-Leste’s top tier by being crowned Liga Futebol Amadora champions after securing the win they needed to wrap up the title. 

Elsewhere in ASEAN, there was league cup drama in Thailand and Myanmar, Bali United extended their lead in Indonesia and the four semi-finalists in the Malaysia Cup have been confirmed. Read on for the-AFC.com’s review of all of the action across Southeast Asia.

West Asia Domestic Wrap: Al Hilal and Al Sadd on top

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

West Asia Domestic Wrap: Al Hilal and Al Sadd on top

Riyadh: 2019 AFC Champions League semi-finalists Al Hilal SFC and Al Sadd SC enjoyed a boost before their first leg clash on Tuesday with victories in the Saudi Pro League and Qatar Stars League respectively over the past week.

The UAE Pro League, meanwhile, saw three teams share the top position after two rounds, Iraq league champions Al Shorta suffered their first defeat this season while league action started in Palestine.

Join the-AFC.com as we review the domestic action in West Asia.

Central Asia Domestic Wrap: Istiklol seal title; Crucial win for Dordoi

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Central Asia Domestic Wrap: Istiklol seal title; Crucial win for Dordoi

Bishkek: FC Istiklol made history by becoming the first club to emerge champions of Tajikistan six consecutive times, while FC Dordoi took a huge step towards retaining their Kyrgyz Premier League title as domestic action continued throughout Central Asia.

Meanwhile, AGMK and Pakhtakor earned Cup final berths in Uzbekistan, while Sepahan and Tractor maintained their unbeaten records in Islamic Republic Iran.

Join the-AFC.com as we cover all the key results from Bishkek to Balkanabat and beyond.

Youngsters earn Korea Republic call-up

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Youngsters earn Korea Republic call-up

Seoul: Head coach Paulo Bento has named a strong squad for Korea Republic's next round of Asian Qualifiers' ties, with youngsters Lee Jae-ik and Lee Kang-in also handed a call-up.

Son Heung-min leads the Korea squad, who will play Sri Lanka and DPR Korea in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Asian Qualifiers but Jae-ik's inclusion is based on his performance in the FIFA U-20 World Cup Poland 2019.

Korea Republic emerged runners-up after a phenomenal performance and Bento has obviously marked Jae-ik, who plays for Qatar's Al Rayyan, as a future national team stalwart.

"I felt that this was the right time for him to join the senior team and show us what he has. We have a lot of depth in his position (at centre-back). He'll not be guaranteed playing time, but we'll see how competitive he can be against national team veterans," said Bento.

AFC President praises Japan for extending U-16 Women’s record

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AFC President praises Japan for extending U-16 Women’s record

Kuala Lumpur: AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has congratulated Japan for capturing a record fourth AFC U-16 Women’s Championship crown after they narrowly defeated DPR Korea 2-1 in Saturday’s final at the Chonburi Stadium in Thailand. 

The two finalists will also complete Asia’s line-up alongside host India at the 2020 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, which will take place from November 2 to 21 next year.

Triumphant Kano praises Japan’s mental strength

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Triumphant Kano praises Japan’s mental strength

Chonburi: Michihisa Kano hailed the composure of his victorious Japan side after they won the AFC U-16 Women’s Championship Thailand 2019 title on Saturday.

The Little Nadeshiko produced their best performance of the tournament to beat a previously irresistible DPR Korea 2-1 in the final at Chonburi Stadium, becoming the first nation to win the tournament four times and denying their East Asian rivals a third successive title.

Making Japan’s success even impressive was the fact that they achieved it having fallen a goal behind within the opening 10 minutes, with terrific goals from Suzu Amano and Manaka Hayashi overhauling Hong Song-ok’s opener.