Jones, Al Shehri among quintet to leave Al Nassr

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Jones, Al Shehri among quintet to leave Al Nassr

Riyadh: Saudi Premier League side Al Nassr have announced Australia international goalkeeper Brad Jones and Saudi Arabia’s FIFA World Cup star Yahya Al Shehri have left the club.

The pair are among five high profile players to depart the 2020 AFC Champions League semi-finalists following the conclusion of the 2020-21 season, in which Al Nassr finished a disappointing sixth in the domestic league standings, 15 points adrift of champions Al Hilal SFC.

Brazilian defender Maicon Pereira, who was part of the Al Nassr side that won the Saudi Premier League title in 2019, Saudi international Abdulaziz Al Dawsari and Raed Al Ghamdi have also left.

China PR's Li Tie applauds Wu Lei's performance in Asian Qualifiers win against Guam

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

China PR's Li Tie applauds Wu Lei's performance in Asian Qualifiers win against Guam

Suzhou: Head coach Li Tie praised two-goal striker Wu Lei after the Espanyol striker led China PR to a comfortable 7-0 win over Guam as the two teams resumed their Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 campaigns on Sunday.

Wu Lei scored his side’s opener from the penalty spot before adding his team’s third while Wu Xi, Ai Kesen and Jin Jingdao were also on the scoresheet before A Lan added a late brace to move the Chinese into sole possession of second place in Group A.

Unlikely cult figure Grant eyes FIFA World Cup after near-tragedy

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Unlikely cult figure Grant eyes FIFA World Cup after near-tragedy

Kuwait City: “Everything went peaceful and quiet under the water. I got ready to just let it happen. I thought, ‘This is it’.” That was how Australia and Sydney FC full-back Rhyan Grant described his near-death experience in 2018 to PlayersVoice.

Wild surf and a freak leg-rope tangle on a protruding pipe saw Grant trapped underwater with no escape seemingly possible, only for the rope to unexpectedly free itself.

Asian Qualifiers: Players on Form

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Asian Qualifiers: Players on Form

Kuala Lumpur: More than 18 months since the majority of countries last took part in competitive action, the Asian Qualifiers are set to return on May 28 at eight centralised venues across the continent. 

With the action coming thick and fast over a two-week period during which teams will look to secure a place in the next round of qualifying, the-AFC.com shines the spotlight on some of the form players who will be representing their nations.

Tony Gustavsson selects 25-player Australia squad for June's Denmark and Sweden friendlies

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Tony Gustavsson selects 25-player Australia squad for June's Denmark and Sweden friendlies

Sydney: Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson has selected 25 players to take part in Australia’s June international friendlies against Denmark and Sweden, ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. 

The fixtures against the Scandinavian nations form part of the Matildas' preparations ahead of July’s women’s football tournament with Gustavsson calling in a host of familiar names and fresh faces.

Tajikistan’s Alisher Dzhalilov ruled out of Asian Qualifiers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Tajikistan’s Alisher Dzhalilov ruled out of Asian Qualifiers

Dushanbe: Tajikistan’s bid for a place in the Third Round of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022  and AFC Asian Cup China 2023has been dealt a blow with playmaker Alisher Dzhalilov ruled out of their final two Group F matches.

The FC Istiklol star – who has played every minute of Tajikistan’s campaign thus far – will miss crucial games against Japan on June 7 and Myanmar on June 15.

While top spot in the group has already been secured by Japan, Tajikistan are fighting with Kyrgyz Republic for the chance to advance as one of the top four second-placed teams, a result which would also secure qualification for the AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

2021 AFC Cup (West): Group Stage in Numbers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

2021 AFC Cup (West): Group Stage in Numbers

Manama: After a whirlwind week, the 2021 AFC Cup (West) group stage drew to a close on Thursday as four teams advanced to the West Zonal Semi-finals and seven were eliminated.

As the continental competition takes a break, the-AFC.com looks back at some of the numbers that stood out in the 2021 AFC Cup (West) Zone.