Ranking remains static as the world fights COVID-19

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Ranking remains static as the world fights COVID-19

Kuala Lumpur: Japan remained as Asia's top side in the latest FIFA World Ranking which saw minimal change due to only a few matches being played due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ongoing measures to combat the spread of the pandemic resulted in little football of late and, consequently, next-to-no movement in the latest FIFA World Ranking.

5 of the Best: Long-range goals

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

5 of the Best: Long-range goals

Kuala Lumpur: Goals, goals and more goals as the-AFC.com's '5 of the Best' series returns with another compilation of wondrous strikes from the Continent's premier club competition.  

Over the past few weeks, we have highlighted some of the finest acrobatic goals, solo goals and volleys as we look back on the moments that have got fans out of their seats. The latest edition of '5 of the Best' showcases stunning strikes from distance, so stand by for some screamers!

Arveladze sets sights on Uzbekistan after masterminding Pakhtakor resurgence

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Arveladze sets sights on Uzbekistan after masterminding Pakhtakor resurgence

Tashkent: It took a little over two years for Shota Arveladze to transform Pakhtakor from a stumbling giant seemingly in terminal decline into a resurgent powerhouse that swept all before them in Uzbekistan in 2019.

Now, with a first-ever domestic treble under their belt, the former Ajax Amsterdam striker has his sights on doing much more than winning trophies with the Tashkent giants. Instead, Arveladze believes he has created the blueprint that will unlock the potential of Uzbek football.

Malaysia’s Tan expects tough challenge when season resumes

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Malaysia’s Tan expects tough challenge when season resumes

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia head coach Tan Cheng Hoe has called on his players to maintain their focus, as he expects a tough challenge once the season resumes.

Malaysia, who had to battle their way through the first round of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023, had a steady momentum in the second round as the Southeast Asians recorded three wins after five games.

That took them to just two points shy of Group G leaders Vietnam but the Qualifiers were then postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

5 Asian FIFA World Cup Heroes 

Tue, 01 Nov, 2022

5 Asian FIFA World Cup Heroes 

Kuala Lumpur: Over the years a number of Asian players have produced the goods at the FIFA World Cup, lighting up arenas around the globe and providing incredible moments that have gone down in the Continent’s footballing folklore. 

With the kick-off for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 only days away, we turn back the clock to highlight the achievements of five Asian players who have shone brightest on the global showpiece.

You can tell us who you think is the best Asian player at the FIFA World Cup by voting at the bottom of the article. 

Asia's greatest national teams: Saudi Arabia 1980-90s

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Asia's greatest national teams: Saudi Arabia 1980-90s

Kuala Lumpur: Over the past few decades, Asian football has produced some iconic national teams. In this series, the-AFC.com looks at some of those generations that shaped the sport in the world’s largest continent.

When Japan defeated China PR to be crowned continental champions in 2004, that was the first AFC Asian Cup final not to feature Saudi Arabia for 24 years. This incredible stat is perhaps the best testament to how dominant the Green Falcons had been in the last part of the 20th century.

Promising Haay keen on progressing with Indonesia

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Promising Haay keen on progressing with Indonesia

Jakarta: The world is in lockdown and football events are suspended, but the globe’s footballers are not just sitting idly doing nothing.

Quite the contrary with many players staying busy by doing whatever is possible to help fight COVID-19. In Indonesia, young Osvaldo Haay is drawing the attention of media and fans alike by quickly adapting to the changes with a new mode of working.

The 22-year-old Persija Jakarta forward has trained at home since the suspension of Indonesia Liga 1 two weeks ago. For him, self-discipline is always the key to success.

Sousa: Bahrain want to be Asia’s best

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Sousa: Bahrain want to be Asia’s best

Doha: After 50 years of waiting, Bahrain finally achieved their first Gulf Cup title after defeating Saudi Arabia in the 2019 final in Doha last December.

The achievement came just four months after Bahrain clinched the West Asian Football Federation Championship (WAFF) as head coach Helio Sousa, who took charge of the team in March 2019, made an immediate impact on the squad.

the-AFC.com spoke to the 50-year-old Portuguese about his experience with Bahrain, their recent achievements and the future of Bahraini football.

UAE part ways with Jovanović

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

UAE part ways with Jovanović

Dubai: The United Arab Emirates Football Association (UAE FA) announced on Monday that Serbian Ivan Jovanović has been relieved of his position as the national team head coach. 

The 57-year-old coach took charge of the UAE national team in late December, replacing Bert van Marwijk who was sacked after a disappointing performance by UAE in the 2019 Gulf Cup.