AFC Champions League 2020 - Daily news brief

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AFC Champions League 2020 - Daily news brief

Doha: The 2020 AFC Champions League (West) semi-final between Al Nassr and Persepolis is fast approaching, and we’ve got the pre-match build-up covered from every angle at the-AFC.com.

In our Friday brief, we look at the standout forwards, midfielders and defenders on each side, we crunch the numbers ahead of West Asia’s biggest match of the year, and we take a look back on some of the memorable quotes in recent days in Doha.

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Moriyasu calls up Okazaki for Japan friendlies

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Moriyasu calls up Okazaki for Japan friendlies

Tokyo: Veteran striker Shinji Okazaki has been recalled for Japan’s friendly matches against Cameroon and Ivory Coast next week as head coach Hajime Moriyasu named a Europe-based 23-man squad for the games in the Netherlands.

Okazaki, who plays for Spanish side Huesca, last featured for Japan at the Copa America in June last year and has been named alongside Yuya Osako and Musashi Suzuki as the squad’s three striking options for the matches, which will be played in Utrecht.

AFC rebrands age group championships to AFC Asian Cups

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AFC rebrands age group championships to AFC Asian Cups

Kuala Lumpur: The growing reputation and prestige of the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) competitions have been reflected by a revamping and rebranding of the AFC age group championships to become AFC Asian Cups from 2021.

At the same time the AFC Futsal Championship, AFC Women’s Futsal Championship, AFC U-20 Futsal Championship and AFC Beach Soccer Championship will also become AFC Asian Cups after the AFC Executive Committee ratified a recent decision by the AFC Marketing Committee.

Dato’ Windsor John, the AFC General Secretary, said: “We believe the change reflects the new stature of the competitions and by further strengthening the brand and commercial value of our competitions, there will be significant benefits for the AFC and its Member Associations.

Central & South Asia Domestic Wrap: Dordoi power to title, Afghan Premier League returns

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Central & South Asia Domestic Wrap: Dordoi power to title, Afghan Premier League returns

Bishkek: FC Dordoi secured another Kyrgyz Premier League title, Afghanistan’s football showpiece returned for another year and Altyn Asyr picked up the Turkmenistan Super Cup in a busy week for Central Asian football.

Join the-AFC.com for all the latest from Kabul to Kant and beyond.

Concacaf Gold Cup challenge will help Qatar's growth, says Sanchez

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Concacaf Gold Cup challenge will help Qatar's growth, says Sanchez

Doha: Felix Sanchez has called on Qatar to be prepared to face any situation in the Concacaf Gold Cup 2021, after the reigning AFC Asian Cup champions were drawn in Group D alongside Honduras, Panama and Grenada.

Sanchez welcomed the challenge, saying it would help his young squad grow ahead of their participation in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Vote for your AFC International Player of the Week

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Vote for your AFC International Player of the Week

Kuala Lumpur: After accumulating tens of thousands of votes in the opening two editions, we continue our weekly celebration of some of Asia’s best performers on the global stage; the AFC International Player of the Week.

Among our 10 nominees – up from eight due to the sheer scale of outstanding performers – are some of the continent’s biggest stars, but who deserves this week’s title? It’s up to you to decide.

Here are our contenders from September 22 to 28.

Gustavsson confirmed as new Matildas boss

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Gustavsson confirmed as new Matildas boss

Sydney: The head coach tasked with leading Australia at their home FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 has been revealed, with Tony Gustavsson confirmed as the team’s new boss on Tuesday.

The Swede has been appointed on a four-year deal, which will include the 2023 global Finals, the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, and the Olympic Games of both 2021 and 2024.