Shaikh Salman commends Jordan’s success in best-ever FIFA Arab Cup

Fri, 19 Dec, 2025

Shaikh Salman commends Jordan’s success in best-ever FIFA Arab Cup

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has commended Jordan on their runners-up finish at the FIFA Arab Cup after the Al Nashama were narrowly defeated 3-2 by Morocco after extra time in a riveting final at the Lusail Stadium on Thursday.

Asia’s dominance was underlined at the multi-continental showpiece with six AFC teams reaching the quarter-final stage – two more than the previous edition, whilst four Asian sides – Bahrain, Iraq, Palestine and Saudi Arabia – also claimed their maiden triumphs since the tournament transitioned to the FIFA Arab Cup in 2021. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates finished joint-third.

Valiant Jordan suffer final heartbreak

Fri, 19 Dec, 2025

Valiant Jordan suffer final heartbreak

Al Rayyan: Jordan gave it their best but it wasn’t enough as they went down 3-2 to Morocco in the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 final at the Lusail Stadium on Thursday.

An Ali Olwan brace saw Jordan come from behind to lead but Abderrazzaq Hamdallah’s double meant Morocco broke Jordan’s hearts to lift the trophy, with the pulsating final needing extra time for it to be settled.  

The third-place playoff between Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, meanwhile, was abandoned due to inclement weather, with the relevant FIFA committee to decide on the outcome. 

Vietnam fight back to snatch gold from Thailand

Fri, 19 Dec, 2025

Vietnam fight back to snatch gold from Thailand

Bangkok: Vietnam stunningly came from 2-0 down to defeat Thailand 3-2 after extra-time in the 2025 Sea Games men's football final on Thursday.

The win meant Vietnam regained the gold medal they lost in the 2023 edition while Thailand's wait continues, having last emerged champions in 2017.

Malaysia took the bronze medal with a 2-1 victory against Philippines.

Philippines create history

Thu, 18 Dec, 2025

Philippines create history

Chonburi: The Philippines won the 2025 SEA Games women's football gold medal with a penalty shootout victory against Vietnam on Wednesday.

With the final having ended goalless after 120 minutes, Philippines edged the shootout 6-5 to claim the gold medal for the first time. Thailand, meanwhile, defeated Indonesia 2-0 to take the bronze.

Know your team: Saudi Arabia

Wed, 17 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Saudi Arabia

Jeddah: A highly confident Saudi Arabia will aim to maximise home ground advantage in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™.

Champions in 2022, Saudi Arabia relinquished their title to Japan in 2024 edition but will head into the tournament on home soil in fine form, having lifted the Arab U23 Cup 2025 with a 2-0 victory over Iraq in the final on Tuesday.

Know your team: Vietnam

Wed, 17 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Vietnam

Jeddah: Vietnam will be striving to lift the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ trophy for the first time when they compete at Saudi Arabia 2026™.

A constant presence at the continental showpiece, the closest Vietnam have come to emerging champions was in 2018, when they lost to Uzbekistan in the final.