East Asia Wrap: Winning starts for defending champions in Japan, Korea Republic

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

East Asia Wrap: Winning starts for defending champions in Japan, Korea Republic

Kuala Lumpur: The J1 League and the K League 1 2021 season kicked off last weekend with the big guns in Korea Republic enjoying winning starts while defending champions Kawasaki Frontale started with a win in Japan as well.

Defending K League champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, 2020 AFC Champions League winners Ulsan Hyundai FC, Pohang Steelers and Suwon Samsung Bluewings all picked up opening day wins.

In the J.League, reigning champions Kawasaki Frontale also started their campaign strongly, while the likes of Gamba Osaka, Kashima Antlers and Yokohoma F. Marinos recorded losses.

2021 AFC Champions League Group Stage – 5 of the Best: Long-Range Goals

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

2021 AFC Champions League Group Stage – 5 of the Best: Long-Range Goals

Kuala Lumpur: The 2021 AFC Champions League group stage saw some great goals over the last few months and, with continental action on a temporary break, we've selected some of the very best from various categories.

Kicking off the-AFC.com's '5 of the Best' series, here are five long-range rockets for you to cast your eyes over before telling us which is your favourite by voting at the bottom of the article.

Introducing: AFC Cup All-time XI - The Best Goalkeeper

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Introducing: AFC Cup All-time XI - The Best Goalkeeper

Kuala Lumpur: It’s the competition which reaches every corner of the world’s largest continent, and the AFC Cup has produced countless classic moments since its inception in 2004.

Clubs from eight different countries have won it, clubs from four more have reached the final, and players from throughout the sprawling Asian map, and beyond, have made their names.

But who would you choose in an all-time AFC Cup XI? To celebrate the return of the competition in 2021, the-AFC.com is asking the football fans of Asia exactly that.

Hosts for AFC Cup 2021 Group Stage confirmed 

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Hosts for AFC Cup 2021 Group Stage confirmed 

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has today confirmed the hosts for the AFC Cup 2021 Group Stage, following an extensive bidding process and after close consultation with its Participating Member Associations.

The West Zone matches in Group A, featuring the likes of Al Hidd Club (BHR), Al Nasr (OMA), Al Wahda (SYR) and defending champions Al Ahed FC (LBN) will be hosted in Manama, Bahrain.

ASEAN Wrap: Melbourne Victory struggle, BG Pathum United on a roll

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

ASEAN Wrap: Melbourne Victory struggle, BG Pathum United on a roll

Kuala Lumpur: There were ups and downs in the A-League in an action-packed weekend, while BG Pathum United stayed undefeated in the Thai League. 

Macarthur overtook Brisbane Roar to place second in the A-League by the end of the week, while Wellington Phoenix picked up their first win since January.

The battle for a top three spot in the Thai League 1 continues intensely with Bangkok United and Muangthong United drawing closer after back-to-back wins over the week.

Ivankovic focused on getting Oman ready

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Ivankovic focused on getting Oman ready

Muscat: Head coach Branko Ivankovic is focused on guiding Oman to the next round of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023, with the Croatian laying the early groundwork .

With Oman scheduled to play India and Jordan in international friendlies, Ivankovic outlined his plans ahead of Oman resuming their Asian Qualifiers campaign.

Saudi Arabia to meet Kuwait in friendly

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Saudi Arabia to meet Kuwait in friendly

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia will play Kuwait in an international friendly match on March 25 in Riyadh in preparation for the resumption of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

Saudi Arabia are currently second in Group D of the Asian Qualifiers on eight points, one behind Uzbekistan. Saudi Arabia, however, have a match in hand.