Europe Wrap: Maeda shines as Celtic kick off title defence with win

Tue, 05 Aug, 2025

Europe Wrap: Maeda shines as Celtic kick off title defence with win

Kuala Lumpur: Prolific Japan international striker Daizen Maeda played a hand in Scottish Premiership champions Celtic’s winning start to their 2025/26 campaign while three of his countrymen found the back of the net in the Belgian Pro League.

Follow the-AFC.com as we look at what Asia’s finest have been up to as the 2025/26 action begins in Europe.

Kapadze: Uzbekistan’s aim is to continue creating history

Mon, 04 Aug, 2025

Kapadze: Uzbekistan’s aim is to continue creating history

Kuala Lumpur: Uzbekistan football has been breaking new grounds in recent years, achieving historic feats with Timur Kapadze synonymous with the incredible achievements.

The head coach led the Under-23 side to their first-ever Olympic participation at Paris 2024 and most recently, took the national team to the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Kapadze shares with the-AFC.com on the seismic effect of reaching the World Cup Finals and what lies in store for the Central Asian side at the global showpiece next year.

Australia's Miller signs for Blackburn Rovers

Tue, 05 Aug, 2025

Australia's Miller signs for Blackburn Rovers

Kuala Lumpur: Australia international full-back Lewis Miller has signed a three-year contract with a one-year option with English Championship side Blackburn Rovers from Scottish Premiership outfit Hibernian.

The 24-year-old, a member of the Socceroos squad that has qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, makes the switch after three years in Scotland.

Saudi Arabia's Abdulhamid joins RC Lens on loan

Mon, 04 Aug, 2025

Saudi Arabia's Abdulhamid joins RC Lens on loan

Lens: Saudi Arabia international Saud Abdulhamid has moved to French club RC Lens on a season-long loan from Italy's AS Roma.

The right-back is the first Saudi Arabia player to ply his trade in France’s top flight.

Central, South & West Asia Wrap: Durand Cup delivers thrills; Arkadag, Nasaf remain unbeaten

Mon, 04 Aug, 2025

Central, South & West Asia Wrap: Durand Cup delivers thrills; Arkadag, Nasaf remain unbeaten

Kolkata: Defending champions NorthEast United and 2024 finalists Mohun Bagan Super Giant made winning starts to the Durand Cup 2025, Asia’s oldest football tournament and the curtain-raiser for the Indian domestic football season.

The league leaders in Bhutan, Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan were all in textbook form, while Al Hussein kicked off the defence of their Jordanian title in style.

Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the past week's domestic action across Central, South and West Asia.

East Asia Wrap: Shenhua drop points; Suwon upstage Ulsan

Mon, 04 Aug, 2025

East Asia Wrap: Shenhua drop points; Suwon upstage Ulsan

Hong Kong: Shanghai Shenhua played out an eight-goal classic against Yunnan Yukun as their lead was reduced in China PR while Shanghai Port kept the pressure on with another convincing win.

In Korea Republic, Suwon FC came from behind to beat Ulsan HD in a five-goal contest. Over in Macau, Shao Jiang edged Must IPO in a top-of-the-table clash to reignite the title race.

Join the-AFC.com as we recap the latest round of domestic action across East Asia.