Third-Place Playoff - Preview: Al Hilal SFC v Al Ahly

Sat, 12 Feb, 2022

Third-Place Playoff - Preview: Al Hilal SFC v Al Ahly

Abu Dhabi: AFC Champions League winners Al Hilal SFC eye a first-ever medal at the FIFA Club World Cup when they take on African champions Al Ahly in the third-place playoff of the UAE 2021 edition on Saturday.

The Saudis had put on a stellar performance against Chelsea in the semi-finals but were edged out by a Romelu Lukaku goal following a defensive mistake while their opponents, Al Ahly, were beaten 2-0 by Brazilian side Palmeiras in the earlier semi-final fixture.

AFC referees to officiate in FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021 Final

Fri, 11 Feb, 2022

AFC referees to officiate in FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021 Final

Abu Dhabi: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s talented match officials have been appointed to take charge of the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021 Final between Chelsea and Palmeiras on Saturday.

Australian referee Chris Beath and assistant referees Anton Shchetinin and Ashley Beecham will officiate the anticipated final at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium while Ammar Aljneibi from the UAE has been selected as support Video Assistant Referee (VAR). 

Luck was not on our side, says Al Hilal’s Jardim

Thu, 10 Feb, 2022

Luck was not on our side, says Al Hilal’s Jardim

Abu Dhabi: Head coach Leornardo Jardim said Al Hilal SFC were unlucky in their 1-0 defeat to European champions Chelsea in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021 at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium on Wednesday.

The 2021 AFC Champions League winners fell behind just after the half hour mark to a Romelu Lukaku strike as Chelsea advanced to the final against South American champions Palmeiras. 

Defeat for Al Hilal means the Riyadh giants will contest the third-place playoff against Egypt's Al Ahly, who fell 2-0 against Palmeiras, on Saturday.  

IR Iran stay top in latest FIFA Rankings

Fri, 11 Feb, 2022

IR Iran stay top in latest FIFA Rankings

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran have maintained their position as Asia’s top team, sitting in 21st spot in the latest FIFA World Rankings released on Thursday. 

Team Melli were the first Asian team to confirm their spot in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 after beating Iraq on Matchday Seven of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar with Dragan Skocic’s side having won seven and drawn one of their eight matches en route to qualifying impressively.

Esteghlal snap up Uzbekistan’s Amonov

Fri, 11 Feb, 2022

Esteghlal snap up Uzbekistan’s Amonov

Tehran: Iran Pro League leaders FC Esteghlal have strengthened their bid for a first league title since 2013, securing the services of Uzbekistan international Azizbek Amonov on Friday.

The former PFC Lokomotiv midfielder joins the club on a two-and-a-half-year deal and follows Rudy Gestede and Arthur Yamga in joining Farhad Majidi’s squad this season.

Maatouk to helm Syria

Fri, 11 Feb, 2022

Maatouk to helm Syria

Damascus: The Syrian Football Association has announced the appointment of Ghassan Maatouk as head coach of the men's national team. 

Maatouk will be tasked with leading Syria in their remaining AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar Group A matches against Lebanon and Iraq in March. Maatouk, 44, replaces Romanian Valeriu Tita.

Shahad takes charge of Iraq

Fri, 11 Feb, 2022

Shahad takes charge of Iraq

Baghdad:  Abdul Ghani Shahad has been named as the new head coach of the Iraq men’s national team.

The 53-year-old replaces Montenegrin Zeljko Petrovic following Iraq’s poor results in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar.

From quizzing Beckham to Asian champion: Zhang Linyan’s childhood dream comes true at India 2022

Thu, 10 Feb, 2022

From quizzing Beckham to Asian champion: Zhang Linyan’s childhood dream comes true at India 2022

Suzhou: Zhang Linyan was among the heroes as China PR were crowned AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ champions on Sunday, but few outside of the country are aware of the incredible backstory involving David Beckham and a childhood dream come true.

The 21-year-old came into the continental Finals with just three senior caps to her name, but she ended the tournament having played a key role in the Steel Roses’ drought-breaking triumph.