Herdman vows to lead Indonesia to greater heights

Mon, 19 Jan, 2026

Herdman vows to lead Indonesia to greater heights

Jakarta: New Indonesia head coach John Herdman has said he will look to harness the enthusiasm of the nation’s passionate support to lead the country into uncharted territory, including at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, after replacing Patrick Kluivert at the helm.

The Englishman, who led Canada to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, was unveiled last week and has already been impressed by the welcome he has received in the Southeast Asian nation.

Miyashiro leaves Kobe to join Las Palmas

Sun, 18 Jan, 2026

Miyashiro leaves Kobe to join Las Palmas

Kuala Lumpur: Japan international Taisei Miyashiro has left former J1 League champions Vissel Kobe to join Spanish club Las Palmas on a six-month loan deal, the Japanese club have confirmed.

Miyashiro, who won the J1 title with Kawasaki Frontale in 2020 before joining Kobe in 2024, scored three times in six matches in the league phase of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ and leaves with Kobe on top of the standings.

Baek expects a more potent Korea Republic against Japan

Sun, 18 Jan, 2026

Baek expects a more potent Korea Republic against Japan

Jeddah:  Baek Ga-on wants Korea Republic to be sharper when they meet Japan in the semi-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Tuesday.

The forward produced a moment of magic to score the opening goal in the East Asian side’s 2-1 win against Australia in Saturday’s quarter-final, with Shin Min-ha netting the winner in the 89th minute after Australia had drawn level. 

Li proud to have played his part for China PR

Sun, 18 Jan, 2026

Li proud to have played his part for China PR

Jeddah:  Li Hao produced another eye-catching performance as China PR reached the semi-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™with a penalty shoot-out success against Uzbekistan on Saturday.

The 21-year-old goalkeeper kept a fourth successive clean sheet as China PR added another chapter to their AFC U23 Asian Cup history, having never advanced past the group stage in their previous five appearances.

They had Li to thank as the custodian pulled off numerous saves to keep the marauding Uzbekistan at bay, and repeated his heroics in the penalty shoot-out which his side won 4-2.

Vidmar positive despite Australia’s exit

Sun, 18 Jan, 2026

Vidmar positive despite Australia’s exit

Jeddah: Tony Vidmar admitted Australia were heartbroken after their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ campaign ended with a 2-1 defeat to Korea Republic in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

Australia reversed a first half deficit through Luka Jovanovic, had chances to go ahead after that but ended up losing after Shin Min-ha struck an 89th minute winner for the East Asian side.

We paid the price for not taking our chances, says Uzbekistan’s Khaydarov

Sun, 18 Jan, 2026

We paid the price for not taking our chances, says Uzbekistan’s Khaydarov

Jeddah: Ravshan Khaydarov did not hide his frustration after Uzbekistan were eliminated by China PR from the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Saturday.

The Central Asian side dominated the last eight tie with over 70 percent possession and 28 attempts but failed to find the back of the net, with China PR winning the penalty shoot-out 4-2 after the tie ended 0-0.