ASEAN Wrap: Pacesetters tighten grip as title races intensify across region

Mon, 09 Mar, 2026

ASEAN Wrap: Pacesetters tighten grip as title races intensify across region

Kuala Lumpur: Several leagues across ASEAN delivered decisive results as leaders strengthened their positions and challengers attempted to keep pace.

In Australia, Newcastle Jets continued their push at the summit with another important victory, while in Indonesia Borneo produced one of the standout performances of the week to close the gap on Persib Bandung.

There were also interesting results in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Cambodia and the Philippines so join the-AFC.com in our weekly wrap of the domestic action across ASEAN.

East Asia Wrap: Port stunned on opening day; Kashima extend lead

Mon, 09 Mar, 2026

East Asia Wrap: Port stunned on opening day; Kashima extend lead

Hong Kong: Defending champions Shanghai Port FC suffered a shock defeat on the opening weekend of the Chinese Super League, while Chengdu Rongcheng FC surged to the top after an emphatic win.

In Japan’s group stage action, Kashima Antlers strengthened their position at the summit of Group A and Gamba Osaka moved clear in Group B.

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC dropped points again in Korea Republic as the new season gathered pace, while Must IPO delivered a 13-goal performance in Macau. Join the the-AFC.com for a look back at the past week’s domestic action across East Asia.

West Asia Wrap: Late drama keeps Al Nassr in pole; Shabab Al Ahli drop points

Mon, 09 Mar, 2026

West Asia Wrap: Late drama keeps Al Nassr in pole; Shabab Al Ahli drop points

Riyadh: A dramatic late goal secured Al Nassr Club a 1-0 win against Neom as they stayed two points clear at the top of the Saudi Pro League.

Shabab Al Ahli squandered a chance to regain the UAE Pro League top spot while there were also matches in Iraq, Jordan, Oman and Syria so join the-AFC.com in our weekly wrap of the domestic scene across West Asia.

Central & South Asia Wrap: Action kicks off in Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan

Mon, 09 Mar, 2026

Central & South Asia Wrap: Action kicks off in Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan

Bishkek: The Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan leagues started their 2026 seasons as FC Bars Issyk-Kul and FC Istiklol look to defend their respective titles.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant continued their winning start to the Indian Super League while the Bangladesh Football Premier League returned to action, so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the past week's domestic action across Central and South Asia.

Korea Republic’s Shin pleased with top spot; Montemurro promises a better Australia

Mon, 09 Mar, 2026

Korea Republic’s Shin pleased with top spot; Montemurro promises a better Australia

Sydney: The six goals shared between Korea Republic and Australia in their fascinating AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ encounter on Sunday had a contrasting impact on the respective teams as the former finished top of Group A.

Shin Sang-woo was the happier of the two head coaches with the result meaning his side do not have to travel for the rest of the tournament, should they continue to win and advance to subsequent rounds.

Having trailed 2-1 at half-time, Shin was proud to see his second-half substitutions turn the game back into their favour, going within minutes of achieving a famous victory at Stadium Australia.

Torcaso hails Philippines’ spirit; Jafari proud of IR Iran efforts

Mon, 09 Mar, 2026

Torcaso hails Philippines’ spirit; Jafari proud of IR Iran efforts

Gold Coast: Needing nothing less than victory in their final Group A clash on Sunday, Philippines head coach Mark Torcaso was delighted after coming away with a 2-0 win against the Islamic Republic of Iran for their first points at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

Having fallen short against Australia and Korea Republic in two difficult matches, Torcaso hailed his players’ performance in a result that kept alive their hopes of advancing as one of the two best third-placed teams.