China PR legend Fan urges players to maximise opportunities

Thu, 27 Aug, 2026

China PR legend Fan urges players to maximise opportunities

Kuala Lumpur: China PR legend Fan Zhiyi has urged players set to compete in the AFC Champions League Two 2026/27™ to embrace the opportunity and give everything on the continental stage.

Affectionately known as “General Fan”, the former defender knows what it takes to perform at the highest level, having captained China PR to their only FIFA World Cup appearance in 2002, which was after he had become the first Chinese star to be named AFC Player of the Year in 2001.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3189338

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3189340

Tolic praises patient Persib; Esteva proud despite heartbreak

Tue, 01 Sep, 2026

Tolic praises patient Persib; Esteva proud despite heartbreak

Soreang: Head coach Igor Tolic felt Persib Bandung were deserving winners after their patience and defensive discipline earned the Indonesian side 1-0 victory over Manila Digger FC and a place in the AFC Champions League Two 2026/27™ Group Stage.

Mariano Peralta struck in the 88th minute to settle a difficult contest on Monday, with Tolic pleased with the way his side limited Manila Digger’s opportunities while remaining composed in search of the breakthrough.

Korea Republic appoint Moreno as interim head coach

Wed, 02 Sep, 2026

Korea Republic appoint Moreno as interim head coach

Seoul: Korea Republic Football Association (KFA) announced the appointment of former Spain boss Robert Moreno as the interim men’s national team head coach on Tuesday.

Korea Republic will compete in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ which runs from January 7 to February 5, with KFA saying Moreno could lead the team "subject to an evaluation" of his performance.

Hwang moves to Schalke; Diaby leaves Al Ittihad

Wed, 02 Sep, 2026

Hwang moves to Schalke; Diaby leaves Al Ittihad

Kuala Lumpur: Korea Republic international Hwang Hee-chan sealed a loan move to Schalke 04, while Moussa Diaby ended his spell with Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad Club to return to Bayer Leverkusen on transfer deadline day for European clubs on Tuesday.

Also making a switch were Japan internationals Yukinari Sugawara and Kota Takai, while Australia forward Kusini Yengi joined Sanfrecce Hiroshima on loan.

Know your team: China PR

Tue, 01 Sep, 2026

Know your team: China PR

Kuala Lumpur: China PR will be on a mission to impress when they compete in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026.

The East Asian side are making a return to the global stage after missing the previous two editions.

Ueda makes Lille switch; Choudhury off to United

Tue, 01 Sep, 2026

Ueda makes Lille switch; Choudhury off to United

Kuala Lumpur: Japan international Ayase Ueda traded Dutch football for the French Ligue as he secured a move to four-time champions Lille OSC.

Bangladesh international Hamza Choudhury will also be playing in new colours, having signed for Sheffield United in the English Championship.