AFC President underlines confidence in Qatar to stage greatest-ever FIFA World Cup

Sun, 19 Dec, 2021

AFC President underlines confidence in Qatar to stage greatest-ever FIFA World Cup

Doha: AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has congratulated the Asian teams for their commendable performances at the FIFA Arab Cup 2021™ as well as Qatar for staging a successful tournament which saw Algeria claim the coveted crown in a thrilling final with host Qatar finishing third after the reigning Asian champions defeated Egypt 5-4 on penalties in the third-place playoff match on Saturday.

As the final test event in preparation of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, the 16-team tournament, which was held in six iconic stadiums that will be used at the global showpiece, provided participating teams and passionate fans with an exemplary prelude of Qatar’s capabilities to host a truly exceptional celebration of world football in 2022.

Qatar edge Egypt on penalties to claim third place

Sun, 19 Dec, 2021

Qatar edge Egypt on penalties to claim third place

Doha: Meshaal Barsham saved two spot-kicks as Qatar defeated Egypt 5-4 on penalties in the FIFA Arab Cup 2021 third-place playoff at Stadium 974 on Saturday.

After 120 minutes of goalless action the match was decided on penalties with Barsham denying Egypt’s Mohamed Sherif having already saved Ahmed Hegazy's effort moments earlier.

Thailand defeat Singapore to top Group A

Sun, 19 Dec, 2021

Thailand defeat Singapore to top Group A

Singapore: Thailand emerged Group A winners of the AFF Cup after defeating Singapore 2-0 at the National Stadium on Saturday.

Five-time champions Thailand will face either Indonesia, Malaysia or Vietnam in the semi-finals, with Group B to be decided on Sunday.

Elias Dolah and Supachai Chaided scored in the first half to secure Thailand the win.

Jorn Andersen takes charge of Hong Kong

Sat, 18 Dec, 2021

Jorn Andersen takes charge of Hong Kong

Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Football Association confirmed on Saturday that Norwegian Jorn Andersen has taken over as head coach of the territory’s men’s representative team.

Andersen replaces Mixu Paatelainen at the helm and will lead Hong Kong into next year’s qualifiers for the AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

Vote for your Best Goal of the 2021 AFC Cup

Sat, 18 Dec, 2021

Vote for your Best Goal of the 2021 AFC Cup

Kuala Lumpur: After last year’s AFC Cup was cancelled, the 2021 edition did not disappoint, with Bahrain’s Muharraq Club crowned champions of a tournament that offered numerous memorable moments. 

As fans of Asian football start to look towards next year, the-AFC.com brings the curtain down on the 2021 AFC Cup by reviewing some of the finest goals scored in the continental competition. 

Enjoy our 10 nominees for the best goal of the tournament and then vote for your favourite at the bottom of the article. 

Leo Silva joins Nagoya from Kashima

Sat, 18 Dec, 2021

Leo Silva joins Nagoya from Kashima

Hong Kong: Former AFC Champions League winner Leo Silva has joined Nagoya Grampus from Kashima Antlers, Nagoya announced on Saturday.

The Brazilian, who was a key member of the midfield as Kashima won the continental club championship in 2018, ends a five-season stint with the Ibaraki-based outfit to move to Nagoya.