AFC Cup: Magic Moments

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AFC Cup: Magic Moments

Kuala Lumpur: After bringing you three of the AFC Cup’s most memorable moments last week, the-AFC.com has selected another trio for fans of Asian football to look back upon as you #StayAtHome and #BreakTheChain.

From a history-making night in Basra to a Chhetri-inspired Bengaluru and Filipino joy in Bacolod City, this week's magic moments are sure to bring back happy – or perhaps sad – memories.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/2018_afc_cup_final_-_air_force_club_v_altyn_asyr_3.html

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

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_cup/video/2016_afc_cup_semi-final_jsw_bengaluru_fc_3-1_johor_darul_tazim.html

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/ceres_celebrate_2017.html

Vitalij Lux: My favourite match

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Vitalij Lux: My favourite match

Bishkek: From fourth-tier football to international stardom, on January 16, 2019, Vitalij Lux lived out the sort of sporting fairy-tale usually only seen in Hollywood.

The Kara-Balta-born, Germany-based striker carried the Kyrgyz Republic national team on his shoulders on January 16, 2019, bagging the side’s first ever international hat-trick to help them to a crucial 3-1 win over the Philippines, which ultimately sealed their progression to the Round of 16.

Speaking to the-AFC.com, Lux reflected on the day which defined his international career; and one which made him a national hero.

Host invitation for AFC Asian Cup 2027 extended

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Host invitation for AFC Asian Cup 2027 extended

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has decided to extend the deadline for Member Associations to submit their “Expression of Interest” for hosting the AFC Asian Cup 2027 from March 31, 2020 to June 30, 2020.

The decision was taken in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic to allow Member Associations, many of whom have been affected by the global outbreak, sufficient time to meet their internal processes and timelines.

Al Naber, Djeparov, Sasalak latest to join #BreakTheChain’s worthy cause

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Al Naber, Djeparov, Sasalak latest to join #BreakTheChain’s worthy cause

Kuala Lumpur: Jordan’s women’s team captain Stephanie Al Naber, Uzbekistan legend Server Djeparov and Thailand and Buriram United winger Sasalak Haprakhon are the latest Asian stars to support the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) commitment towards raising awareness in tackling the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The overwhelming backing of Member Associations, players and officials has seen numbers grow with close to 100 Asian football luminaries declaring their support behind the trending #BreakTheChain campaign.

5 Asian FIFA World Cup Heroes

Tue, 09 Jun, 2026

5 Asian FIFA World Cup Heroes

Kuala Lumpur: Over the years a number of Asian players have produced the goods at the FIFA World Cup, lighting up arenas around the globe and providing incredible moments that have gone down in the Continent’s footballing folklore.

With the kick-off for the FIFA World Cup 2026 only two days away, we turn back the clock to highlight the achievements of five Asian players who have shone brightest on the global showpiece.

You can tell us who you think is the best Asian player at the FIFA World Cup by voting at the bottom of the article.

KFA recognised as full member of the AFC Elite Youth Scheme

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

KFA recognised as full member of the AFC Elite Youth Scheme

Kuala Lumpur: The structured and successful elite youth development system put in place by the Korea Football Association (KFA) has been recognised by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) after being accepted as a full member of the AFC Elite Youth Scheme.

KFA’s success in AFC and FIFA youth competitions, most recently their gallant runner-up finish at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Poland 2019, underlines their commitment towards building and improving their foundation for youth football.

Asia's greatest national teams: Saudi Arabia 1980-90s

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Asia's greatest national teams: Saudi Arabia 1980-90s

Kuala Lumpur: Over the past few decades, Asian football has produced some iconic national teams. In this series, the-AFC.com looks at some of those generations that shaped the sport in the world’s largest continent.

When Japan defeated China PR to be crowned continental champions in 2004, that was the first AFC Asian Cup final not to feature Saudi Arabia for 24 years. This incredible stat is perhaps the best testament to how dominant the Green Falcons had been in the last part of the 20th century.