Social Wrap: International Duty, Jet Setters & Family Time

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Social Wrap: International Duty, Jet Setters & Family Time

Kuala Lumpur: With the focus having firmly been on the opening games of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Asian Qualifiers, the AFC Champions League has taken a back seat in recent weeks. 

Whether on international duty, jetting off far and wide or simply enjoying some downtime with their families, the players still involved in the Continental competition have remained active on social media, though. Here's the-AFC.com's look at some of the highlights.

Elkeson: I want to play my part for China PR

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Elkeson: I want to play my part for China PR

Beijing: Elkeson is in the running to make his debut for China PR when they open their FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Asian Qualifiers campaign on Tuesday.

China will face Maldives in a Group A tie in Male and 30-year-old Elkeson, who recently received his Chinese citizenship, is determined to play his part in China qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

It has been an exciting few days for the Brazilian born, who is now also known as Ai Kesen, and he shares with the-AFC.com his hopes and plans as he embarks on an exciting new journey.

Al Wahda sign Nicolás Milesi on permanent deal

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Al Wahda sign Nicolás Milesi on permanent deal

Abu Dhabi: Uruguayan midfielder Nicolás Milesi has joined United Arab Emirates Pro League outfit Al Wahda FSCC on a permanent basis from Al Dhafra, the club have announced.

Milesi appeared for Al Wahda against Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr in this season’s AFC Champions League Round of 16 after initially agreeing a temporary loan deal with the Abu Dhabi giants.

Al Wahda have subsequently decided to make the move permanent, signing the 26-year-old midfielder until 2021.

Sanchez: Win the perfect boost for Qatar

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Sanchez: Win the perfect boost for Qatar

Doha: Qatar coach Felix Sanchez believes his side has been given a major boost following Thursday's comfortable 6-0 victory against Afghanistan in Group E of the Asian Qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar and AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

A hat-trick from this year's AFC Asian Cup MVP and Golden boot winner Almoez Ali as well as goals from Hassan Al Haydos, Abdulkarim Hassan and Boualem Khoukhi at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium gave Asia's reigning champions a perfect start to their campaign.

We will be on our toes, says Japan's Moriyasu

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

We will be on our toes, says Japan's Moriyasu

Tokyo: Head coach Hajime Moriyasu will not be underestimating Japan’s opposition in Round 2 of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 when the Samurai Blue launch their quest against Myanmar on September 10.

Moriyasu’s side are the top seeds in Group F and travel to Yangon to take on the Southeast Asian nation in their second round opener with the Japan coach sounding a note of caution to his players.

Transfer watch: All of Asia's moves

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Transfer watch: All of Asia's moves

Kuala Lumpur: With the transfer window set to close soon, teams are bolstering their ranks with various national leagues kicking off over the coming days. 

The-AFC.com highlights the ins and outs across the Continent.

Quarter-finals 1st Leg: The Week In Numbers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Quarter-finals 1st Leg: The Week In Numbers

Kuala Lumpur: There was little to separate the sides in the first legs of the 2019 AFC Champions League quarter-finals last week, with only Al Nassr securing a victory and the other three games ending in stalemates.

The Continental competition now takes a three-week break ahead of the second legs, with many of those involved heading off for international duty. In the meantime, here's the-AFC.com's look back at the week in numbers.

Photos: Al Ittihad, Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Urawa Red Diamonds