Makino: I will always love Urawa, but my focus now is on Vissel Kobe

Tue, 22 Feb, 2022

Makino: I will always love Urawa, but my focus now is on Vissel Kobe

Kobe: After 10 trophy-laden years at Urawa Red Diamonds, the familiar figure of Tomoaki Makino will no longer be wearing the famous red shirt of the Saitama side after joining Vissel Kobe ahead of the 2022 J1 League season.

The charismatic Samurai Blue defender joined the-AFC.com for an exclusive interview to discuss his move to Vissel Kobe, the J1 League and AFC Champions League play-off match against Melbourne Victory, as well as Wednesday’s emotional return to Saitama Stadium when his new side face Urawa.

Kaya’s Bedic targeting AFC Champions League group stage

Mon, 21 Feb, 2022

Kaya’s Bedic targeting AFC Champions League group stage

Iloilo: Kaya FC-Iloilo captain Jovin Bedic believes the Filipino side can repeat the feat of last year and secure their place in the group stage of the 2022 AFC Champions League. 

The Southeast Asians overcame China PR's Shanghai Port in 2021 to advance to the continental competition for the first time, and they face arguably an even tougher task this time with two qualification rounds to navigate.

Groups finalised for AFF Futsal Championship 2022

Mon, 21 Feb, 2022

Groups finalised for AFF Futsal Championship 2022

Kuala Lumpur: Nine teams will battle for the AFF Futsal Championship 2022 title following the official draw on Monday.

The AFF Futsal Championship 2022 will also serve as ASEAN's qualifying tournament to the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Kuwait 2022™, with three teams to advance to the Finals.

Winning debut for Saudi Arabia women’s national team

Mon, 21 Feb, 2022

Winning debut for Saudi Arabia women’s national team

Male: Saudi Arabia's women’s national team marked their international debut with a 2-0 win over  Seychelles on Sunday. 

On a historic day, Al Bandari Mubarak scored Saudi Arabia’s first ever international goal in the 14th minute with Maryam Al Tamimi then converting from the penalty spot four minutes into the second half to clinch the win at the National Football Stadium in Male, Maldives.

Laos sail past Malaysia to book semi-final berth

Mon, 21 Feb, 2022

Laos sail past Malaysia to book semi-final berth

Phnom Penh: Laos booked a place in the AFF Under-23 Championship 2022 semi-finals after defeating Malaysia 2-0 in Group B on Monday.

Bounpachan Bounkong’s first half strike separated the sides going into the break before Souksakhone Bouaphaivanh doubled the advantage to seal the victory.

Central and South Asian Wrap: Machhindra secure title, Esteghlal continue relentless run

Mon, 21 Feb, 2022

Central and South Asian Wrap: Machhindra secure title, Esteghlal continue relentless run

Bishkek: Nepal’s title race was decided, while the action is reaching the business end in the league seasons in Islamic Republic of Iran and India as Central and South Asian football continued this week.

Elsewhere, the semi-finalists are in place in Tajikistan’s FFT Cup, while there are plenty of early contenders putting their hands up in the Bangladesh Premier League.
 
Join the-AFC.com for all the key news and results from Khatlon Region to Katmandu.

West Asia Wrap: Al Ittihad held in Saudi Arabia; Al Ain, Al Shorta roll on in UAE, Iraq

Mon, 21 Feb, 2022

West Asia Wrap: Al Ittihad held in Saudi Arabia; Al Ain, Al Shorta roll on in UAE, Iraq

Dubai: Leaders Al Ittihad were held to a 1-1 draw by Al Taawoun but maintained their seven-point lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings.

Al Ain, meanwhile, also stayed firmly in the driver's seat with a 2-0 defeat of Baniyas in the UAE Pro League while Al Shorta continued to power towards the Iraqi Premier League title.

Join the-AFC.com as we review the latest round of domestic league action across West Asia.

East Asia & ASEAN Wrap: Winning starts for Kawasaki, Jeonbuk

Mon, 21 Feb, 2022

East Asia & ASEAN Wrap: Winning starts for Kawasaki, Jeonbuk

Hong Kong: The 2022 league seasons in Japan and Korea Republic got underway over the weekend, with defending champions Kawasaki Frontale and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors each picking up three points in winning starts.

Western United won to stay on top in Australia, while Buriram United are surging away in Thailand and there was more drama in Indonesia, where five sides remain in the hunt for the title. 

Lion City Sailors claimed the Singapore Community Shield and, after several weeks without games, Macau’s Liga de Elite also resumed, so join the-AFC.com as we review the latest rounds of fixtures from across East Asia and ASEAN.