#ChallengeLeague - Know your teams

Fri, 25 Oct, 2024

#ChallengeLeague - Know your teams

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Challenge League™ 2024/25 Group Stage kicks off on Saturday with 18 teams vying for the title.

Set to shine the light on Asia’s emerging leagues, the revamped third tier men’s club competition’s group stage will feature three groups of four teams each from the West and two groups involving three teams each from the East and will be played in a centralised league format.

Ahead of the action kicking off, the-AFC.com shines the spotlight on the 18 teams. 

#ChallengeLeague contenders gear up for Group Stage battles

Fri, 18 Oct, 2024

#ChallengeLeague contenders gear up for Group Stage battles

Kuala Lumpur: The Continent’s aspiring teams will embark on their quest for glory when the keenly anticipated AFC Challenge League™ 2024/25 season gets underway on Saturday, October 26.

Set to shine the light on Asia’s emerging leagues, the revamped third tier men’s club competition comprises 18 teams in its inaugural edition. The Group Stage, featuring three groups of four teams each from the West and two groups involving three teams each from the East, will be played in a centralised league format.

Port’s Rangsan wants to see out defining week

Fri, 25 Oct, 2024

Port’s Rangsan wants to see out defining week

Pathum Thani: Head coach Rangsan Vivatchaichok is eyeing two more successful outings to close out an important seven days for Port FC after they beat Zhejiang FC 1-0 in their AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 Group F match on Thursday.

The win means Port stayed perfect with two wins as they gear up for the rescheduled match against Lion City Sailors FC on Wednesday that could have huge bearing on their knockout stage hopes.

Hodak happy with Persib’s first point, Sailors' Rankovic left frustrated

Fri, 25 Oct, 2024

Hodak happy with Persib’s first point, Sailors' Rankovic left frustrated

Soreang: Persib Bandung head coach Bojan Hodak expressed relief and satisfaction after his side claimed their first point following a 1-1 draw against Singapore’s Lion City Sailors in their Champions League Two™ 2024/25 Group F tie on Thursday.

The result was a welcome boost for Hodak’s men after a slow start to their campaign which saw defeats against Thailand’s Port FC and Zhejiang FC of China.

Preview - Q-final: DPR Korea v Poland

Fri, 25 Oct, 2024

Preview - Q-final: DPR Korea v Poland

Santiago de los Caballeros: DPR Korea will be stepping into the unknown when they meet Poland in their FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Dominican Republic 2024 quarter-final on Saturday.

While DPR Korea are two-time champions, Poland are appearing in the tournament for the first time but have turned heads with their performances.

Saudi Arabia part ways with Mancini

Fri, 25 Oct, 2024

Saudi Arabia part ways with Mancini

Riyadh: The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) said it was ending the contract of national coach Roberto Mancini after 14 months in the job on Thursday.

SAFF has reached a mutual agreement to terminate the contract of Mancini, 59, who signed a deal until 2027 in August last year, a statement said.

AFC Annual Awards Seoul 2023: Asia’s best take centrestage

Mon, 21 Oct, 2024

AFC Annual Awards Seoul 2023: Asia’s best take centrestage

Seoul: The grandest celebration of the Continent’s brightest takes place on Tuesday evening when the beautiful capital city of Seoul stages the 28th edition of the AFC Annual Awards.

One of the most eagerly anticipated highlights of the AFC calendar, the star-studded gala event will be hosted in Korea Republic for the first time and unfold at the magnificent Grand Peace Palace of the Kyung Hee University.

Japan stay top

Thu, 24 Oct, 2024

Japan stay top

Kuala Lumpur: Japan maintained their place as the highest ranked Asian side in the last FIFA Ranking update released on Thursday. 

The Samurai Blue, who beat Saudi Arabia and drew with Australia in Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26, moved one spot up to 15th.