Indonesia, Vietnam draw sets stage for exciting Group B finale, Cambodia bag first victory

Wed, 15 Dec, 2021

Indonesia, Vietnam draw sets stage for exciting Group B finale, Cambodia bag first victory

Singapore: Indonesia and Vietnam settled for a goalless draw on Matchday Four of the AFF Cup, while Cambodia beat Laos to secure their first win in Group B on Wednesday. 

The draw means an exciting final matchday with Indonesia - leading the standings ahead of Vietnam on goal difference - needing to avoid defeat against Malaysia on Sunday to advance. 

Vietnam will also go through should the Indonesia-Malaysia tie finish without a winner, with the defending champions to play Cambodia, who defeated Laos 3-0 on Wednesday thanks to a first half brace from Chan Vathanaka and Sieng Changthea’s second half strike. 

Azmoun, Tomiyasu, Carpenter and more: Vote for your AFC International Player of the Week!

Wed, 15 Dec, 2021

Azmoun, Tomiyasu, Carpenter and more: Vote for your AFC International Player of the Week!

Kuala Lumpur: The year may be drawing to a close, but Asia’s cohort of players abroad shows little sign of slowing down, delivering another week of excellent performances on the other side of the globe.

It was a seven-day period that produced standout displays in both the men’s and women’s UEFA Champions Leagues, plus brilliance in league action in England, France, Germany and more.

But who was Asia’s best performer outside the continent? Study our carefully selected list of nominees – based on performances from December 7 to 13 – and don’t forget to cast your vote.

Thailand, Singapore through to semis

Tue, 14 Dec, 2021

Thailand, Singapore through to semis

Singapore: Thailand and Singapore confirmed their places in the AFF Cup semi-finals after securing wins over the Philippines and Timor-Leste respectively on Tuesday. 

Teerasil Dangda was the star of the night for Thailand with two goals against a resilient Philippines side, while a goal in each half saw Singapore stay perfect in Group A. 

Yemen win WAFF U15 championship

Tue, 14 Dec, 2021

Yemen win WAFF U15 championship

Dammam: Yemen registered their first regional title, lifting  the WAFF U15 championship after defeating hosts Saudi Arabia 4-3 in a penalty shootout at the Prince Muhamad Bin Fahad Stadium in Dammam on Monday.

Watched by 20,000 spectators, Yemen celebrated exuberantly following the shootout win after the match ended 1-1.

Hatem ready to shine as Qatar brace for Algeria test

Thu, 16 Dec, 2021

Hatem ready to shine as Qatar brace for Algeria test

Doha: In-form Qatar will meet Algeria at the Al Thumama Stadium on Wednesday in what promises to be an exciting semi-final showdown of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021.

The Al Annabi have maintained their perfect start, winning all three of their group games and following that up with a resounding 5-0 win over UAE in the quarter-final.

Vermaelen leaves Vissel Kobe

Mon, 13 Dec, 2021

Vermaelen leaves Vissel Kobe

Kobe: Belgium international defender Thomas Vermaelen has left 2022 AFC Champions League qualifiers Vissel Kobe following the conclusion of his contract, the J1 League club announced on Monday.

The 36-year-old parts company with Kobe two-and-a-half years after joining from Barcelona having helped Vissel win the Emperor’s Cup and participate in the AFC Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.

Ai Kesen parts ways with Guangzhou

Mon, 13 Dec, 2021

Ai Kesen parts ways with Guangzhou

Hong Kong: Two-time AFC Champions League winner Ai Kesen has confirmed his departure from Chinese Super League side Guangzhou FC, but insists he will continue to make himself available for the China PR national team during the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar.

The 32-year-old won the continental title with Guangzhou Evergrande in 2013 and 2015 as well as five Chinese Super League titles, four with Guangzhou and one with Shanghai SIPG.