Kim’s dream debut seals Red Angels’ semi-final spot

Sun, 23 Mar, 2025

Kim’s dream debut seals Red Angels’ semi-final spot

Incheon: New Hyundai Steel Red Angels Women's FC recruit Kim Myeong-jin made an instant impact on her debut, delivering a match-winning performance to secure her team a 1-0 victory over the Islamic Republic of Iran’s BAM Khatoon in their AFC Women’s Champions League™ 2024/25 quarter-final on Saturday.

Kim, who was introduced as a 46th-minute substitute, repaid head coach Hur Jung-jae’s trust with a stunning strike in the 81st minute, sealing the win and booking Red Angels' place in the semi-finals, with Australia's Melbourne City FC their next opponents.

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Hong’s tactical adjustments pay off for Ho Chi Minh City

Sun, 23 Mar, 2025

Hong’s tactical adjustments pay off for Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City: Head coach Hong Pham Nguyen praised his players' mental fortitude after Ho Chi Minh City Women's FC staged an incredible comeback to defeat Abu Dhabi Country Club 5-4 in the AFC Women’s Champions League™ 2024/25 quarter-finals on Saturday. 

A beaming Hong praised Ho Chi Minh City's fighting spirit which saw them come from 3-0 and 4-2 down to set up a semi-final meeting with either Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies of Japan or China PR's Wuhan Jiangda Women's FC in May.

#AsianQualifiers - MD7: 5 Takeaways

Sun, 23 Mar, 2025

#AsianQualifiers - MD7: 5 Takeaways

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 returned after a four-month break with Matchday 7 on Thursday.

It was a highly eventful day across the continent with crucial wins, thrilling fightbacks and heartbreaking results so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at some key facts and figures from Thursday's action.

Endo urges fans to believe Japan can go all the way

Sat, 22 Mar, 2025

Endo urges fans to believe Japan can go all the way

Saitama: Wataru Endo said Japan can win the FIFA World Cup 2026 after becoming the first team to qualify and the Liverpool ace urged fans to buy into the ambitious target.

Japan beat Bahrain 2-0 in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Group C tie on Thursday to punch their ticket to next year's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico after a dominant run in qualifying.

Son promises Korea Republic will bounce back

Sat, 22 Mar, 2025

Son promises Korea Republic will bounce back

Goyang: Son Heung-min said he "let my teammates down" after Korea Republic were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw with Oman in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Group B tie on Thursday.

The draw meant Korea Republic missed a chance to take a big step towards the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Oman equalised with 10 minutes remaining as Korea Republic's lead was cut to three points ahead of both Jordan and Iraq, with only the top two teams qualifying automatically.

Thailand’s Nanan basks in hat-trick glory

Sun, 23 Mar, 2025

Thailand’s Nanan basks in hat-trick glory

Pattaya: Thailand’s Komkrit Nanan was the star of the evening as the hosts eked out a thrilling 5-4 victory over a resolute Lebanon side in their second Group A fixture in the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 on Saturday.

Nanan, who recently turned 40, sealed the win for Thailand with four seconds remaining and said his first goal fuelled the team to stay focused even as Lebanon applied pressure on their defence throughout the match.

Kuwait's Hajeyah targeting greater heights

Sun, 23 Mar, 2025

Kuwait's Hajeyah targeting greater heights

Pattaya: Two-goal hero Mohammed Hajeyah intends to use Saturday’s 4-2 win over India as the springboard for Kuwait to reach the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 quarter-finals.

Hajeyah netted two brilliant overhead goals in the space of six minutes towards the end of the third period as Kuwait went level on three points with Lebanon, who lost 5-4 to Thailand in the later game.

Best yet to come, says Japan’s Ozu

Sun, 23 Mar, 2025

Best yet to come, says Japan’s Ozu

Pattaya: Ozu Moreira has warned that Japan can only get better after the three-time champions became the first team to book a place in the quarter-finals of the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 on Saturday.

Seeking to win the title after suffering heartbreak in the 2023 final, Japan confirmed their spot following an emphatic 7-2 victory over Saudi Arabia on Saturday which assured them of a top two finish in Group B.

Mendes pleased with China PR’s response

Sun, 23 Mar, 2025

Mendes pleased with China PR’s response

Pattaya: Head coach Marcelo Mendes was a relieved man after his China PR side gave themselves a fighting chance of progressing to the knockout stage of the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 with victory against Iraq on Saturday.

China PR twice fought back to draw level before eventually sealing a 3-2 win thanks to Liu Yisi’s extra time winner with Mendes applauding the improvement shown by his charges compared to their opening game.

Only one more qualification spot is left in Group B after Japan booked their quarter-final berth with a 7-2 win against Saudi Arabia with China PR trailing the West Asians by a point.