Akhmedov urges Uzbekistan clubs to aim high

Wed, 26 Aug, 2026

Akhmedov urges Uzbekistan clubs to aim high

Kuala Lumpur: Odil Akhmedov has challenged Uzbekistan clubs to aim for the sky when they compete in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™.

Reaching the semi-finals is the best Uzbekistan clubs have managed on the highest stage of Asian club football, with four separate appearances achieved equally by Pakhtakor and FC Bunyodkor.

Uzbekistan football, however, is enjoying a purple patch - as highlighted by various national team age-group successes and a first FIFA World Cup appearance - and Akhmedov wants to see his nation’s clubs emulating the achievements.

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https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3189254

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.

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.

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.

Watkins joins Al Hilal; Song makes Portugal switch

Mon, 31 Aug, 2026

Watkins joins Al Hilal; Song makes Portugal switch

Kuala Lumpur: Al Hilal SFC have bolstered their attacking options with the signing of England international Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa on a three-year deal.

Also on the move over the weekend was Korea Republic international Song Min-kyu, who left FC Seoul for Portuguese side CD Nacional, while Franck Kessie ended his spell with Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli Saudi FC to return to Italian club Atalanta.

Central & South Asia Wrap: Tractor power on; Paro pull further ahead

Mon, 31 Aug, 2026

Central & South Asia Wrap: Tractor power on; Paro pull further ahead

Bishkek: Tractor FC remained unbeaten after four matches as the defending champions stamped their mark on the newly-started Iran Pro League.

Paro FC’s Yuta Mishima, with 14 goals in 12 appearances, is on a hot streak in the Bhutan Pro League, so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the past week's domestic action across Central and South Asia.