Singapore, Indonesia settle for first leg draw

Wed, 22 Dec, 2021

Singapore, Indonesia settle for first leg draw

Singapore: Singapore fought back from a goal down to salvage a 1-1 draw against Indonesia in the first left of the AFF Cup semi-finals on Wednesday. 

Witan Sulaeman’s first half strike gave Indonesia the lead, with Ikhsan Fandi drawing Singapore level 20 minutes from time, leaving Saturday’s second leg tantasilingly poised. 

Kyogo Furuhashi, Son Heung-min and more – Vote for your AFC International Player of the Week

Wed, 22 Dec, 2021

Kyogo Furuhashi, Son Heung-min and more – Vote for your AFC International Player of the Week

Kuala Lumpur: It was a week of cup final winners, high-profile league goals and brilliance throughout the biggest leagues in Europe for Asia’s players abroad.

Kyogo Furuhashi was the hero as he and Australia’s Tom Rogic lifted the Scottish League Cup, while Son Heung-min and Takehiro Tomiyasu thrived in England, and no less than four players were nominated for their exploits in German football. 

But which Asian player outside the continent shone brightest of all? Study our list of 10 nominees – based on matches from December 14 to 20 – and don’t forget to register your vote.

30 days to go: Excitement builds ahead of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™

Wed, 22 Dec, 2021

30 days to go: Excitement builds ahead of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™

Navi Mumbai: The anticipation to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ is reaching an all-time high with only 30 days to go before the tournament kicks off across three venues in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Pune from January 20 to February 6.

With an expanded 12 teams, an additional four from the 2018 edition, and potentially a maximum of 29 matches including play-offs expected to be played, the tournament is poised to celebrate the best of Asian women’s football. 

AFF Cup: The Semi-Finalists

Wed, 22 Dec, 2021

AFF Cup: The Semi-Finalists

Singapore: The AFF Cup semi-finals will take place in the coming days with hosts Singapore facing Indonesia in the first leg of their semi-final on Wednesday and defending champions Vietnam up against Thailand a day later. 

The matches see Singapore compete in the last four of the regional tournament for the first time since 2012, while five-time runners-up Indonesia are desperate to get their hands on the trophy for the first time. 

Vietnam have not lost a match in the competition since 2016 but finishing second in Group B meant a date with many peoples' favourites – the record five-time winners Thailand. 

Ahead of the semi-finals, the-AFC.com takes a closer look at the contenders. 

Alexandre Gama takes charge of Daegu FC

Wed, 22 Dec, 2021

Alexandre Gama takes charge of Daegu FC

Seoul: Former Buriram United head coach Alexandre Gama will lead Daegu FC into the 2022 AFC Champions League, the K League club announced on Wednesday.

The Brazilian, who had two stints at the Thai club, takes over from Lee Byung-keun after he stood down from the position at the end of the just-completed season.
 
Lee led Daegu to third place in the K league standings behind Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Ulsan Hyundai to enter into the qualifying rounds of the competition next year.

Kuwait SC win Emir Cup

Wed, 22 Dec, 2021

Kuwait SC win Emir Cup

Kuwait City: Kuwait SC defeated Al Qadsia 1-0 in the final of this year’s Kuwait Emir Cup at Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium on Tuesday to win the title for the 15th time.  

Kuwait SC's eventual winner was scored in the 26th minute after a defensive error by Al Qadsia saw Congolese forward Dieumerci Mbokani finishing with a powerful shot from close range past goalkeeper Khaled Al Rashidi.

Tajikistan youngsters Safarov, Hanonov sign for Persepolis

Tue, 21 Dec, 2021

Tajikistan youngsters Safarov, Hanonov sign for Persepolis

Tehran: Two of Tajikistan’s brightest prospects have joined one of Asia’s biggest clubs, with Iranian giants FC Persepolis confirming the signings of Manuchehr Safarov and Vahdat Hanonov on Tuesday.

The duo arrived in Tehran from Tajik champions FC Istiklol last month but couldn’t be registered in Yahya Golmohammadi’s squad until now, paving the way for them to compete in the second half of the Iran Pro League season.
 
Persepolis have reportedly secured the pair on three-year deals.

China PR's Li Lei joins Grasshopper Zurich

Tue, 21 Dec, 2021

China PR's Li Lei joins Grasshopper Zurich

Beijing: China PR international Li Lei has signed for Grasshopper Zurich, the Swiss Super League side has announced.

The 29-year-old left-back joins Zurich from Beijing FC and is expected to report to his new club in January, 2022.