Tomiyasu, Dabbagh, Egy & Al Taamari: Vote for your AFC International Player of the Week!

Wed, 01 Dec, 2021

Tomiyasu, Dabbagh, Egy & Al Taamari: Vote for your AFC International Player of the Week!

Kuala Lumpur: Asia’s contingent outside the continent were in fine form this week, delivering match-winning goals and assists through Europe and beyond.

The likes of Tomiyasu and Ito flew the flag for Japan, Palestinian forward Oday Dabbagh starred in Portugal, while Indonesia’s Egy Maulana Vikri scored a thunderbolt in an unforgettable match in Slovakia. 

There were also moments of sheer brilliance from Justin Meram and Aias Aosman, while Musa Al Taamari and Cameron Devlin contributed to important wins for their respective sides. 

But who stood out as the best Asian player outside Asia for the week of November 24 to 30? Study our nominees and don’t forget to cast your vote!

Winning start for Qatar, Iraq fight back to hold Oman

Wed, 01 Dec, 2021

Winning start for Qatar, Iraq fight back to hold Oman

Doha: Qatar kicked off their FIFA Arab Cup 2021 campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bahrain in Group A at the Al Bayt Stadium on Tuesday.

 Iraq, meanwhile, salvaged a point against Oman with their equaliser coming deep into added time in their Group A opener earlier on Tuesday. 

UAE edge Syria to lay down early marker

Wed, 01 Dec, 2021

UAE edge Syria to lay down early marker

Doha: The United Arab Emirates opened their FIFA Arab Cup 2021 campaign with a 2-1 win over Syria at Ras Abu Aboud Stadium in Doha on Tuesday.

Bert van Marwijk's men are second in the Group B standings behind Tunisia, who defeated Mauritania 5-1.

AFC’s club competitions set for strategic reforms

Tue, 30 Nov, 2021

AFC’s club competitions set for strategic reforms

Kuala Lumpur: Eagerly anticipated reforms designed to elevate AFC’s club competitions to the next level are set to be introduced in the near future.

While addressing the AFC Executive Committee on November 21, 2021, AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said: “I am pleased to note that the AFC competitions continue to grow. There will be changes to the rules on foreign players, as well as to our competitions calendar. These are all part of the strategy to improve our players, clubs and national teams on the world stage.”

Kuala Lumpur stun Johor Darul Ta'zim to end 32-year wait for Malaysia Cup title

Wed, 01 Dec, 2021

Kuala Lumpur stun Johor Darul Ta'zim to end 32-year wait for Malaysia Cup title

Kuala Lumpur: Kuala Lumpur City defeated Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) 2-0 to win the 2021 Malaysia Cup at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium on Tuesday.

Kuala Lumpur's unlikely triumph saw them end a 32-year wait, having last won the Malaysia Cup in 1989.

Victory was made sweeter by the fact that it was achieved in the centennial edition of the tournament.

Late goals give New Zealand victory over Korea Republic

Tue, 30 Nov, 2021

Late goals give New Zealand victory over Korea Republic

Goyang: A pair of late goals gave New Zealand a 2-0 victory over Korea Republic in a friendly international at Goyang Stadium on Tuesday.

Colin Bell’s side had beaten New Zealand 2-1 three days earlier, but decisive strikes from Paige Satchell and Gabi Rennie ensured the visitors departed with a win to show for their week in East Asia.
 
The match offered Korea Republic vital match practice ahead of January’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022, where they have been drawn alongside Japan, Vietnam and Myanmar.

Australia leave it late to draw against world champion Americans

Tue, 30 Nov, 2021

Australia leave it late to draw against world champion Americans

Newcastle: A late equaliser from Kyah Simon gave Australia a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw against reigning world champions the United States at McDonald Jones Stadium on Tuesday.

The Americans looked like making it two wins from two in their Australian tour when Ashley Hatch put them ahead in the opening minutes, but the hosts kept themselves in the game before levelling via Simon’s deflected effort in the 88th minute.
 
The match formed part of Australia’s preparations for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022, which begins on January 20.

Japan impress as clash of champions ends in stalemate

Tue, 30 Nov, 2021

Japan impress as clash of champions ends in stalemate

The Hague: AFC Women’s Asian Cup holders Japan had the better of the 90 minutes but were ultimately unable to capitalise in a 0-0 draw against the Netherlands on Monday.

In a match featuring the champion teams of Europe and Asia, Futoshi Ikeda’s side held their opponents to just one shot at goal for the match but failed to make their ascendancy count on the scoreboard in one of their final outings before they defend their continental title in India in January.