Venues and dates of the AFC’s prestigious annual events confirmed

Thu, 12 Sep, 2024

Venues and dates of the AFC’s prestigious annual events confirmed

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed that the upcoming editions of the Confederation’s two marquee events – the AFC Annual Awards 2023 and the AFC Member Associations and Regional Associations Presidents’ and General Secretaries’ Conference 2024 – will be held in Seoul, Korea Republic.

For the first time ever, both flagship events will be held in the same city in successive fashion with the AFC Annual Awards Seoul 2023 scheduled to take place on October 29, 2024 at the Grand Peace Palace at the Kyung Hee University whilst the three-day AFC Member Associations and Regional Associations Presidents’ and General Secretaries’ Conference 2024 will follow from October 30 to November 1 at the Conrad Seoul.

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3042934.html

AFC Social Responsibility Committee pledges to expand meaningful legacy of Asian football

Wed, 11 Sep, 2024

AFC Social Responsibility Committee pledges to expand meaningful legacy of Asian football

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s ambitions to maximise the power of the beautiful game to inspire hope and enrich communities across Asia were further reinforced today after the AFC Social Responsibility Committee approved eight new programmes at its second meeting held virtually.

Underlining the Confederation’s continued and resolute solidarity with the Palestine Football Association (PFA), the Committee, led by Chairperson Zaw Zaw, noted the devastating impact of the ongoing humanitarian crisis, which has deprived essential medical care for as many as 2.3 million Palestinians, nearly half of whom are children.

Mixed emotions for IR Iran’s Ghalenoei, UAE’s Bento

Wed, 11 Sep, 2024

Mixed emotions for IR Iran’s Ghalenoei, UAE’s Bento

Al Ain: Head coach Amir Ghalenoei was left with mixed feelings after his Islamic Republic of Iran side remained perfect in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 with a 1-0 victory over United Arab Emirates on Tuesday.

For the second game running, Iran created plenty of chances but had to be satisfied with only a 1-0 win with the 60-year-old left pleased with the points collected but looking to improve his side’s finishing.

Lopez remains optimistic despite Qatar’s slow start

Wed, 11 Sep, 2024

Lopez remains optimistic despite Qatar’s slow start

Vientiane: Head coach Marquez Lopez remained positive despite Qatar having to settle for a 2-2 draw against DPR Korea in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 on Tuesday.

Akram Affif canceled out Ri Il Song’s opener with Almoez Ali giving Qatar the lead just before the break, however, DPR Korea fought back to level the tie through Kang Kuk Chol as both teams registered their first point after opening day defeats. 

Hong credits tactical switch for Korea Republic win

Wed, 11 Sep, 2024

Hong credits tactical switch for Korea Republic win

Muscat: Head coach Hong Myung-bo credited Korea Republic’s second half tactical adjustment for the 3-1 win against Oman in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group B tie on Tuesday.

Hwang Hee-chan had given Korea Republic a 10th minute lead but Oman drew level through Jung Seung-hyun's own goal in first half stoppage time. 

Hong’s tinkering, however, saw the East Asian side securing victory through goals from Son Heung-min (82nd) and Joo Min-kyu (90th) to move up to four points. 

Mancini applauds Saudi Arabia’s comeback, Ivankovic hails China PR’s spirit

Wed, 11 Sep, 2024

Mancini applauds Saudi Arabia’s comeback, Ivankovic hails China PR’s spirit

Dalian: Head coach Roberto Mancini sang the praises of his players after Saudi Arabia fought back to earn their first win of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 by defeating China PR 2-1 in their Group C tie on Tuesday.

The Italian was forced to reshuffle his lineup after going behind through an Ali Lajami own goal and having seen Mohammed Kanno sent off - all before the 20-minute mark with Mancini highlighting the versatility of two players as being the key to their success.

Moriyasu: Japan’s patience the key to success

Wed, 11 Sep, 2024

Moriyasu: Japan’s patience the key to success

Riffa: Japan may have ultimately cruised to another resounding win but head coach Hajime Moriyasu said victory was only achieved against Bahrain because his players stayed patient. 

Having defeated China PR 7-0 on Thursday, Japan followed up with a 5-0 defeat of a high-riding Bahrain side in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 tie on Tuesday to leave them two points clear at the top of Group C. 

Shin delighted as plan works out for Indonesia, Australia’s Arnold left frustrated

Wed, 11 Sep, 2024

Shin delighted as plan works out for Indonesia, Australia’s Arnold left frustrated

Jakarta: Two points from matches against the significantly higher-ranked Saudi Arabia and Australia in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 have given Indonesia head coach Shin Tae-yong a feeling of immense satisfaction.

Following their 1-1 stalemate with Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Thursday, the Southeast Asian side produced another gritty performance to hold Australia to a goalless draw at Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Tuesday, with both matches highlighting the immense discipline the Indonesians have.