Central & South Asia Wrap: Sepahan stay in pole; Maziya continue winning run

Mon, 19 Jan, 2026

Central & South Asia Wrap: Sepahan stay in pole; Maziya continue winning run

Tehran: Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan SC remained at the top of the Iran Pro League as second-placed and 16-time champions Persepolis lost ground after falling to newcomers Fajr Sepasi. 

Maziya Sports and Recreation Club are on course for their second consecutive championship in the Maldives’ Dhivehi Premier League, so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the past week's domestic action across Central and South Asia.

ASEAN Wrap: Buriram blitz; Perfect Sailors

Mon, 19 Jan, 2026

ASEAN Wrap: Buriram blitz; Perfect Sailors

Kuala Lumpur: A packed week across ASEAN football delivered goals, drama and big statements at both ends of the table, with several title contenders showing their quality when it mattered most.

In Thailand, Buriram United produced the performance of the round with an eight-goal blitz to remain comfortably clear at the summit, while Singapore’s Lion City Sailors FC maintained their flawless start to keep full control of the early pace in the Premier League.

Elsewhere, the pressure stayed high across multiple races as Kaya FC–Iloilo continued to track the Philippines’ leaders step for step, and Preah Khan Rach Svay Rieng FC edged a five-goal thriller in Cambodia to preserve their narrow advantage at the top.

There were also matches in Australia, Malaysia and Myanmar so join the-AFC.com in our weekly wrap of club football across ASEAN.

Miyashiro leaves Kobe to join Las Palmas

Sun, 18 Jan, 2026

Miyashiro leaves Kobe to join Las Palmas

Kuala Lumpur: Japan international Taisei Miyashiro has left former J1 League champions Vissel Kobe to join Spanish club Las Palmas on a six-month loan deal, the Japanese club have confirmed.

Miyashiro, who won the J1 title with Kawasaki Frontale in 2020 before joining Kobe in 2024, scored three times in six matches in the league phase of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ and leaves with Kobe on top of the standings.

Baek expects a more potent Korea Republic against Japan

Sun, 18 Jan, 2026

Baek expects a more potent Korea Republic against Japan

Jeddah:  Baek Ga-on wants Korea Republic to be sharper when they meet Japan in the semi-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Tuesday.

The forward produced a moment of magic to score the opening goal in the East Asian side’s 2-1 win against Australia in Saturday’s quarter-final, with Shin Min-ha netting the winner in the 89th minute after Australia had drawn level. 

Li proud to have played his part for China PR

Sun, 18 Jan, 2026

Li proud to have played his part for China PR

Jeddah:  Li Hao produced another eye-catching performance as China PR reached the semi-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™with a penalty shoot-out success against Uzbekistan on Saturday.

The 21-year-old goalkeeper kept a fourth successive clean sheet as China PR added another chapter to their AFC U23 Asian Cup history, having never advanced past the group stage in their previous five appearances.

They had Li to thank as the custodian pulled off numerous saves to keep the marauding Uzbekistan at bay, and repeated his heroics in the penalty shoot-out which his side won 4-2.

Vidmar positive despite Australia’s exit

Sun, 18 Jan, 2026

Vidmar positive despite Australia’s exit

Jeddah: Tony Vidmar admitted Australia were heartbroken after their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ campaign ended with a 2-1 defeat to Korea Republic in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

Australia reversed a first half deficit through Luka Jovanovic, had chances to go ahead after that but ended up losing after Shin Min-ha struck an 89th minute winner for the East Asian side.