Gan: It is incredible how much Malaysians love football

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Gan: It is incredible how much Malaysians love football

Kuala Lumpur: Go to any nightspot or restaurant in Malaysia and there is a good chance there will be a football match on. Often it is the English Premier League or a major European match, but make no mistake, when Malaysia play a big home international, there is only one focus for the nation of 32 million.

“It is incredible how much they love football in this country,” said Brendan Gan, Malaysian midfielder and one of the nation’s most popular footballers.

www.the-afc.com/en/more/video/great_grounds_of_asia_asean.html

www.the-afc.com/en/more/video/asian_qualifiers_-_the_story_so_far.html

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/brendan_gan-malaysia_v_thailand.html

ASEAN Wrap: Sydney FC's milestone; Chanathip wins battle of J1 Thais

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

ASEAN Wrap: Sydney FC's milestone; Chanathip wins battle of J1 Thais

Kuala Lumpur: A-League leaders Sydney FC were crowned A-League Premiers for a record fourth time after Wellington Phoenix drew with Adelaide United on Saturday.

Elsewhere, Thai stars Chanathip Songkrasin of Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo and Yokohama F. Marinos' Theerathon Bunmathan faced off in the J1 League, while there was plenty of domestic action to enjoy in Vietnam and Cambodia.

There were some big results too in the Laos championship, so join the-AFC.com as we look back at the best of the action from ASEAN.

East Asia Wrap: Defending champions Guangzhou win 2020 CSL opener

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

East Asia Wrap: Defending champions Guangzhou win 2020 CSL opener

Kuala Lumpur: Wei Shihao bagged a brace as Guangzhou Evergrande got their 2020 Chinese Super League campaign off to a winning start following a 2-0 victory over Shanghai Shenhua in Dalian on Saturday. 

In Japan, Kawasaki Frontale continue to set the pace after a sixth win on the bounce since the J.League resumed while the top two in Korea Republic recorded victories and are beginning to pull away from the chasing pack.

Elsewhere, just two points separate the top three after the latest round of fixtures in Chinese Taipei and the Mongolian Premier League is beginning to take shape, so join the-AFC.com as we review the best of the action from East Asia.

West Asia Wrap: Leaders Al Duhail held in QSL return

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

West Asia Wrap: Leaders Al Duhail held in QSL return

Doha: Al Duhail dropped points in the race for the Qatar Stars League title after being held to a 1-1 draw by Umm Salal on Saturday.

Leaders Al Duhail, who went into the tie just a point ahead of Al Rayyan, took the lead through Qatar international forward Almoez Ali's spotkick in the 49th minute.

Umm Salal, however, equalised through Ayyoub Azzi in the 52nd minute as Al Sadd moved to 43 points with four matches remaining.

Vote for your best ACL2018 Team: Midfielders

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Vote for your best ACL2018 Team: Midfielders

Kuala Lumpur: As the-AFC.com continues to look back at the stars from recent AFC Champions League campaigns, there is another glittering cast on offer this week as we shine the spotlight on the best midfielders from the 2018 tournament. 

After selecting the 2018 competition's best goalkeeper and the four men to take their place in the backline, this week we move on to the more attacking positions by turning our attention towards the midfield positions and highlighting 10 standout performers.

A tournament that saw Barcelona legend Xavi finally make his AFC Champions League debut had no shortage of creative flair, so review the nominees and don't forget to vote for your favourite at the bottom of the article!

When legends return: Eight favourite sons who came home and conquered

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

When legends return: Eight favourite sons who came home and conquered

Kuala Lumpur: The return of the prodigal son. It is a footballing plot point nearly as old as the game itself, with the reappearance of a long-departed local hero possessing a special ability to stir the passions of even the most jaded of fans.

Asia has had no shortage of these storylines, with a range of pioneering football exports and national team icons going back to where it all started to cap off their careers.

To coincide with FC Seoul’s signing of former Korea Republic captain Ki Sung-yueng, the-AFC.com looks at eight local heroes who returned, and thrived, after years abroad.

5 of the Best: Chips, lobs and scoops

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

5 of the Best: Chips, lobs and scoops

Kuala Lumpur: It's that time of the week when the-AFC.com looks back at some of the finest goals the AFC Cup has witnessed over the years, with the latest '5 of the Best' taking in chips, lobs and scoops. 

With our series so far including acrobatic goals, solo goals, volleys, long-range screamers, free-kicks, last-minute winners, curlers and flicks, tricks and backheels, this week's compilation sees beautifully executed finishes from teams from Pyongyang, Bacolod, Yangon and more so sit back and enjoy!