Davronov wants Istiklol to pen new continental chapter

Sun, 30 Aug, 2026

Davronov wants Istiklol to pen new continental chapter

Kuala Lumpur: Nuriddin Davronov knows first-hand what continental success can mean for FC Istiklol and Tajikistan football.

The former midfielder was part of the Istiklol side that lifted the AFC President’s Cup in 2012, a breakthrough triumph he believes helped change perceptions of the club and accelerate the development of football in Tajikistan.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3189489

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3189491

Al Houti expects Kuwait SC to shine

Wed, 26 Aug, 2026

Al Houti expects Kuwait SC to shine

Kuala Lumpur: Saad Al Houti stood tall during the golden era of Kuwait and the former national team captain believes the glory days can be regained, starting with Kuwait SC’s participation in the AFC Champions League Two 2026/27™.

Three-time AFC Cup™ winners, Kuwait SC qualified for the upcoming AFC Champions League Two after hoisting the AFC Challenge League 2025/26™ trophy in May and Al Houti is confident the only club he played for will hold their own against higher quality opposition.

Legend Endo backs Kashima to make strong return

Sat, 22 Aug, 2026

Legend Endo backs Kashima to make strong return

Kuala Lumpur: Kashima Antler’s wait to return to the AFC Champions League Elite™ is finally over and Yasushi Endo is backing his former club to lead the way for Japanese teams in the competition.

The 38-year-old spent 15 years with Kashima and hit the highest of peaks in 2018 when he helped the club to their only Asian title with a 2-0 aggregate victory against Persepolis FC of Islamic Republic of Iran in the AFC Champions League™ final.

Since a quarter-final exit ended their title defence in 2019, Kashima finally booked a return to the top tier of Asian football by emerging J1 League champions in 2025.

Nakayama pens deal with Serbian champions

Sun, 30 Aug, 2026

Nakayama pens deal with Serbian champions

Kuala Lumpur: Yuta Nakayama is jetting off for another European adventure after signing with Serbian Superliga side FK Crvena Zvezda on Saturday.

The Japanese defender had previously played for PEC Zwolle and Huddersfield Town between 2019 and 2024.

Uzbekistan 2027 hopefuls discover qualification path

Thu, 27 Aug, 2026

Uzbekistan 2027 hopefuls discover qualification path

Kuala Lumpur: Teams aiming to vie for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027™ title discovered their Qualifiers challenge following the Draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

The 35 teams were divided into seven groups of five to contest a single round-robin centralised league for the qualifying rounds that run from November 8 to 20, 2026.

The seven group winners will join the nine AFC representatives from the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 who have automatically qualified - Australia, China PR, Japan (defending champions), Korea Republic, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Vietnam - in the Finals.

Dominant Al Ahli delight Pusic

Thu, 27 Aug, 2026

Dominant Al Ahli delight Pusic

Jeddah: Marino Pusic was beaming with pride after Al Ahli Saudi FC produced a dominant performance to stay on course in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup on Wednesday.

Despite only winning 1-0, two-time AFC Champions League Elite™ winners Al Ahli overpowered Auckland FC in their African-Asian-Pacific Cup Playoff at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.