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.

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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.

Ito heads to Bolton; Hayashi signs for City

Sat, 29 Aug, 2026

Ito heads to Bolton; Hayashi signs for City

Kuala Lumpur: Bolton Wanderers have confirmed the signing of Japan international Atsuki Ito from Belgian side KAA Gent on a three-year deal.

Also on the move is compatriot Momo Hayashi, who has joined Melbourne City after two seasons with Brisbane Roar, while Philippines international Katrina Guillou, Javi Hernandez and Tyrese Francois were also among those completing moves.

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.

#AFCU20 China 2027 Qualifiers to kick off with new format

Tue, 04 Aug, 2026

#AFCU20 China 2027 Qualifiers to kick off with new format

Kuala Lumpur: The journey towards the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027™ begins on August 31 (Monday), 2026 with the first round of matches in the centralised Qualifiers.

Taking place for a 23rd time since being introduced in 1980, this iteration of the qualification pathway offers 15 berths at next year’s Finals and sees the maiden implementation of a two-tiered format.

Group Stage cast decided

Mon, 24 Aug, 2026

Group Stage cast decided

Kuala Lumpur: The cast for the AFC Women’s Champions League 2026/27™ Group Stage was finalised on Sunday, with six teams booking their tickets.

They join defending champions Naegohyang Women’s FC of DPR Korea, Melbourne City FC (AUS), Hwacheon KSPO WFC (KOR), INAC Kobe Leonessa (JPN), Beijing Jingtan Football Club (CHN) and Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC (VIE), with the Group Stage Draw scheduled for September 3.