Europe Wrap: Nakamura shines for Reims

Tue, 15 Apr, 2025

Europe Wrap: Nakamura shines for Reims

Kuala Lumpur: It was another memorable week for Asia’s best as Japanese international Keito Nakamura hit a brace for Reims, while Socceroo Max Balard scored his first goal of the season for Nac Breda.

The rest of the continent’s stars contributed in spades to their respective clubs, so follow the-AFC.com as we look at what they’ve been up to in Europe this past week.

Preview - S-final (2nd Leg): Sharjah FC (UAE) 0 v 1 Al Taawoun FC (KSA)

Wed, 16 Apr, 2025

Preview - S-final (2nd Leg): Sharjah FC (UAE) 0 v 1 Al Taawoun FC (KSA)

Sharjah: Al Taawoun FC will have to brace themselves for a full on assault from Sharjah FC when the sides meet in the return leg of their AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 semi-final on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia's Al Taawoun will be defending a one-goal lead, courtesy of Abdelhamid Sabiri's second minute effort, but UAE's Sharjah will be confident of overturning the deficit.

Q-final: Korea Republic beat Tajikistan in shootout to advance

Fri, 18 Apr, 2025

Q-final: Korea Republic beat Tajikistan in shootout to advance

Jeddah: Korea Republic advanced to the U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 semi-finals after defeating Tajikistan 5-3 on penalties in their last eight tie at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium on Monday. 

With the match having ended 2-2, Korea Republic captain Koo Hyeo-bin emerged their hero after putting away the winning penalty kick in the shootout, with goalkeeper Park Do-hun playing a big role after saving Tajikistan’s second penalty kick.

Korea Republic will face Saudi Arabia in the semi-finals on Thursday.

Q-final: Dominant DPR Korea cruise past Indonesia

Tue, 15 Apr, 2025

Q-final: Dominant DPR Korea cruise past Indonesia

Jeddah: DPR Korea overpowered Indonesia 6-0 to march into the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 semi-finals at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium on Monday.

Goals from six different players will see DPR Korea take on 2012 champions Uzbekistan in what promises to be a showcase of attacking football in the last four showdown on Thursday. 

Aliev sacrifices hat-trick to honour Uzbekistan teammate

Mon, 14 Apr, 2025

Aliev sacrifices hat-trick to honour Uzbekistan teammate

Taif: Uzbekistan’s two-goal hero Asilbek Aliev sacrificed a potential hat-trick in their AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 quarter-final win over United Arab Emirates to give his teammate a morale boost.

Aliev had given the Central Asians a 2-0 lead with a glorious free-kick and a close-range finish after 36-minutes at the King Fahd Sports City Stadium on Sunday.

The forward then earned his team a penalty deep into first half stoppage time after he was fouled in the box, but offered the spot-kick to Sayfiddin Sodikov who had assisted him for the second goal.

Saudi Arabia's Al Otaibi eyes title after quarter-final heroics

Mon, 14 Apr, 2025

Saudi Arabia's Al Otaibi eyes title after quarter-final heroics

Taif: Goalkeeper Abdulrahman Al Otaibi was the toast of the Saudi Arabia team after their quarter-final tie against Japan in the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 went to penalties.

Al Otaibi denied Yuito Kamo from 12 yards as Saudi Arabia won the shootout 3-2 after the match had finished 2-2 in regulation time, sending the defending champions home.

Hosts of AFC women’s age-group competitions confirmed

Mon, 14 Apr, 2025

Hosts of AFC women’s age-group competitions confirmed

Kuala Lumpur: Underpinned by the strategic reforms introduced to further strengthen the development of women’s football, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed the host associations for its upcoming women’s age-group competitions.

Officially ratified by the AFC Executive Committee at its last meeting on April 11, following the recommendations of the AFC Women’s Football Committee on March 31, 2025, The Football Association of Thailand has been confirmed as the Host Association of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup™ 2026.

West Asia Wrap: Al Sadd set for title; Al Ittihad move further clear

Mon, 14 Apr, 2025

West Asia Wrap: Al Sadd set for title; Al Ittihad move further clear

Doha: Al Sadd SC only have to match Al Duhail SC's result in the final round of matches to retain the Qatar Stars League title.

Al Ittihad are also well placed in Saudi Arabia while Shabab Al Ahli strengthened their position in the United Arab Emirates.
 
There were also matches in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon and Oman so join the-AFC.com in our weekly review of the domestic scene across West Asia.

Central & South Asia Wrap: Double delight for Mohun Bagan; Sepahan move on Tractor

Mon, 14 Apr, 2025

Central & South Asia Wrap: Double delight for Mohun Bagan; Sepahan move on Tractor

Mumbai: Mohun Bagan Super Giant claimed the 2024-25 Indian Super League title to complete a domestic double while Tractor FC saw their dominance under threat in the Iran Pro League.

The Bangladesh Football Premier League resumed after the mid-season break, while the Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Nepal leagues continued to generate thrills and spills.
 
Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the domestic action across Central and South Asia this past week.

ASEAN Wrap: Kaya FC make it three in a row

Mon, 14 Apr, 2025

ASEAN Wrap: Kaya FC make it three in a row

Kuala Lumpur: Kaya FC emerged champions in the Philippines for a third consecutive season after a 2-0 win over Stallions on Sunday. .

In Vietnam, Nam Dinh maintained their four-point advantage despite being held by Ho Chi Minh City FC while Buriram United missed a chance to extend their lead in Thailand after a costly loss to BG Pathum United.
 
Persib Bandung were held by Borneo in Indonesia while there were also matches in Australia, Malaysia and Singapore so join the-AFC.com in our weekly wrap of the domestic scene across ASEAN. 

East Asia Wrap: Avispa rise to top; Shanghai Shenhua and Daejeon continue strong form

Mon, 14 Apr, 2025

East Asia Wrap: Avispa rise to top; Shanghai Shenhua and Daejeon continue strong form

Hong Kong: Avispa Fukuoka surged to the top of the J1 League after a crucial win over Yokohama F. Marinos, while Kyoto Sanga made a significant jump to second place.

In Korea Republic, Daejeon Hana maintained their spot at the summit despite a dramatic draw with FC Seoul, while Ulsan HD remained in third after a narrow win over Daegu.
 
In Hong Kong, Tai Po extended their lead, and Lee Man demonstrated their dominance with a resounding victory over Kitchee.
 
Join the-AFC.com as we bring you our weekly round-up of all the action from East Asia's domestic leagues.