ASEAN Leagues Wrap:  Bali keep pressure on leaders; league comes to a close in Malaysia

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

ASEAN Leagues Wrap:  Bali keep pressure on leaders; league comes to a close in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur: Bali United have moved within a point of the Liga 1 summit in Indonesia, while Johor Darul Ta'zim narrowly missed out on an unbeaten season. 

Elsewhere, the league in Thailand is looking extremely congested at the top and the two-way battle at the V.League summit continues to thrill. Here’s the-AFC.com’s round-up of that and much more from the ASEAN region.

Transfer watch: All of Asia's moves

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Transfer watch: All of Asia's moves

Kuala Lumpur: With the transfer window set to close soon, teams are bolstering their ranks with various national leagues kicking off over the coming days. 

The-AFC.com highlights the ins and outs across the Continent.

Nishino wants Thailand to soar

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Nishino wants Thailand to soar

Tokyo: Akira Nishino knows what his target as Thailand head coach is - that the Southeast Asians reach Japan's level. 

"I want to build up the team so we can compete well against Japan," said Nishino, who guided Japan to the Round of 16 at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.

"I was honoured to receive this offer. I went to Thailand in June and I could recognise their great passion. Thailand has potential. First, we will work to become leaders in Southeast Asia."

Football Association of Thailand President Pol.Gen. Somyot Pumpanmuang was present at Nishino's unveiling in Tokyo on Friday.

ASEAN Zonal knockout rounds: 5 memorable moments

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

ASEAN Zonal knockout rounds: 5 memorable moments

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Cup was reshaped into five zones in 2017 and regional rivalry became an even bigger feature as the competition moved into an exciting new era.

In just over a week’s time, the 2019 edition will return to action with Vietnamese teams Hanoi FC and Becamex Binh going head-to-head in the ASEAN Zonal final, with both a place in the Inter-Zone semi-finals and bragging rights on the line.

To whet the appetite ahead of the encounter, the-AFC.com looks back on five standout moments from the AFC Cup ASEAN Zonal knockout rounds over the past three years.

Australia’s Arnold pleased with draw

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Australia’s Arnold pleased with draw

Sydney: Australia head coach Graham Arnold is satisfied with his side’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Asian Qualifiers opponents, despite the presence of a Jordan side which has regularly troubled the Socceroos in the recent past.

Drawn alongside Chinese Taipei, Kuwait and Nepal, as well as the Vital Borkelmans-led Jordanians, Arnold said he was pleased with Australia’s initial path on the long road to Qatar 2022 and China 2023.

East Asia Leagues Wrap: Beijing FC slip up as CSL has new league leaders

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

East Asia Leagues Wrap: Beijing FC slip up as CSL has new league leaders

Kuala Lumpur: Five of East Asia's Member Associations saw domestic league action on the weekend with plenty of drama and excitement to be savoured.

There was significant movement in the title chase in China PR and Korea Republic on the weekend, the J.League continues to intrigue, and the action in Mongolia and Chinese Taipei recommenced after a break in the season.

Exciting contests ahead, says Indonesia’s McMenemy

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Exciting contests ahead, says Indonesia’s McMenemy

Kuala Lumpur: Indonesia head coach Simon McMenemy is anticipating some ‘hotly contested’ matches in Group G of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 on Wednesday. 

The Garuda were drawn with three Southeast Asian rivals - Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam - with the United Arab Emirates the top seeded team. 

“I was watching the draw and you just knew how it was going to unfold, you could sense it in the room,” McMenemy said in an exclusive interview with the-AFC.com. 

“Once you saw Malaysia was playing with Indonesia, you just had this feeling of, 'Wow, wouldn’t it be interesting if Thailand and Vietnam were put in as well.'"