India looking forward to Group C challenge, says head coach Fernandes

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

India looking forward to Group C challenge, says head coach Fernandes

New Delhi: India are eager to test themselves in the AFC U-16 Championship Bahrain 2020 after being drawn in Group C on Thursday.

Bibiano Fernandes' charges will have Korea Republic, Australia and Uzbekistan for company with the top two advancing to the knockout stage.

An added incentive for the 16 teams who will be contesting for the Continental crown is that the four semi-finalists will qualify for the FIFA World Cup Peru 2021.

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/u16_2020_slider_5.html

Asia’s future stars discover contenders for Bahrain 2020 challenge

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Asia’s future stars discover contenders for Bahrain 2020 challenge

Kuala Lumpur: Three-time winners and defending champions Japan are set to face Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and China PR in Group D following Thursday’s official draw for the AFC U-16 Championship Bahrain 2020 at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur.

Sixteen teams will be vying for the title while the top four teams will qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Peru 2021.

Asia's Greatest Russian Premier League Players

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Asia's Greatest Russian Premier League Players

Kuala Lumpur: One of the most geographically diverse leagues in football, few domestic competitions outside of the AFC have welcomed so much Asian talent as the Russian Premier League.

With several players joining the league from East, West and especially Central Asia, the competition has been a league of interest for Asian fans since its inception in 1992.

It has played host to star players from some of the continent’s biggest football nations, with League, Cup and European silverware all won by Asian players.

But who stands out from our list of nominees?

Magical Moments: Almoez Ali vs Japan (AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019)

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Magical Moments: Almoez Ali vs Japan (AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019)

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 proved to be yet another seminal moment in the young career of Qatar striker Almoez Ali.

Having arrived in the United Arab Emirates with an already burgeoning reputation, the livewire forward went on to find the net a record nine times – the last of which was a particularly magical moment in the final – and be named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

That accolade, along with the award for finishing as top goalscorer, was roundly applauded, a nod to Ali’s prowess following a campaign which saw him shine brightly yet again for Felix Sanchez’s charges as they claimed Qatar’s first-ever AFC Asian Cup crown.

Vote for your best ACL2017 Team: Midfielders

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Vote for your best ACL2017 Team: Midfielders

Kuala Lumpur: As the-AFC.com continues to look back on the best performers from recent AFC Champions League campaigns, there is another star-studded cast on offer this week as we ask you, the fans, to name your best midfielders from the 2017 tournament. 

We began with the 2017 edition's best goalkeeper, next came the candidates for the backline and now it's time to shine the spotlight on the more attacking positions as we highlight the 10 standout candidates in midfield.

From Omar Abdulrahman to Paulinho, this list features some of the biggest talents in Asian football, so review the nominees and then choose your favourites for this all-star XI in the poll below.

Flashback: IR Iran defeat USA for historic victory

Thu, 03 Nov, 2022

Flashback: IR Iran defeat USA for historic victory

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran are set to face the United States of America in Group B of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Ahead of the November 30 clash at the Al Thumama Stadium, the-AFC.com has dug into its archives to look back at the first time the two teams met at the global showpiece, which ended in a historic win for Iran. 

This article was first published on 21 June 2020. 

5 of the Best: Acrobatic Goals

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

5 of the Best: Acrobatic Goals

Kuala Lumpur: Goals, goals and more goals from the AFC Cup as this week the-AFC.com looks back on five fantastic efforts by some big-name stars from Syria to Singapore.

After featuring fabulous free-kicks, long-range stunners and individual brilliance, this week's edition takes in one of our most popular categories: acrobatic goals. Athletic, exciting and often jaw-dropping, enjoy these magnificent efforts and then select your favourite by voting at the bottom of the article.