Japan stay top, Qatar surge in latest FIFA World Ranking

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Japan stay top, Qatar surge in latest FIFA World Ranking

Kuala Lumpur: Qatar moved up an impressive 16 spots while Japan continue to lead as Asia's best ranked team in the latest FIFA World Ranking released on Thursday. 

Felix Sanchez’s Qatar made a significant jump to 42nd (fifth in Asia) after reaching the 2021 Gold Cup semi-finals – recording the largest climb of the month and equalling their highest-ever position in the FIFA World Ranking, which dates back to the first edition in 1993.

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

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

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

Kuala Lumpur: The return of the 2021 AFC Champions League is just a month away, but before this season's Continental campaign resumes, the-AFC.com continues its quest to find out who the fans consider the Best XI from this year's Group Stage.

Last week we presented the candidates for the 2021 Group Stage's best goalkeeper, and now we shine the spotlight on the players who will make up the backline.

So, here are the 12 players in contention for the four places in defence. Review the nominees and then choose your favourite defenders for this all-star XI in the respective polls.

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.

Williams confident of ATK Mohun Bagan's AFC Cup chances

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Williams confident of ATK Mohun Bagan's AFC Cup chances

Kolkata: ATK Mohun Bagan striker David Williams is confident the Indian Super League club will go far in the 2021 AFC Cup ahead of their Group D challenge kicking off on Wednesday.

ATK Mohun Bagan arrived in the Maldives on Saturday, with the South Zone matches to be played in Male, after two weeks of intensive preparations and Williams said they are looking forward to the campaign.

Williams, who recently extended his contract for a third season, will be expected to lead from the front but the Australian said he was unfazed by the expectations.

Hai: Solid defence crucial for Vietnam's Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar campaign

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Hai: Solid defence crucial for Vietnam's Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar campaign

Hanoi: With some of the continent's best teams in the fray, Vietnam are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring they are fully prepared for their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar campaign.

Drawn in Group B with Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, China PR and Oman, centre-back Que Ngoc Hai said Vietnam will have to be defensively resolute against Asia's best sides.

Korea Republic's Kim Min-jae joins Fenerbahce

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Korea Republic's Kim Min-jae joins Fenerbahce

Istanbul: Korea Republic international defender Kim Min-jae has joined Fenerbahce, the Turkish club announced on Friday.

The 24-year-old was unveiled on social media by the Istanbul-based outfit after signing from Chinese Super League side Beijing FC.

China PR to kick off AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar preparations in Shanghai

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

China PR to kick off AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar preparations in Shanghai

Shanghai: Head coach Li Tie has called up 31 players for a training camp ahead of China PR's AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar campaign.

The squad will check in on Tuesday in Shanghai with Spain-based striker Wu lei scheduled to report for training by August 26.