South & West Asia Wrap: Al Ansar denied triumphant sign off; Paro stretch run

Mon, 21 Jul, 2025

South & West Asia Wrap: Al Ansar denied triumphant sign off; Paro stretch run

Doha: Champions Al Ansar had to settle for a losing end as the Lebanese Premier League came to a close over the weekend.

Paro won their seventh consecutive match in the Bhutan Premier League to maintain their unblemished record and look on track to retain their 2024 title. 

 

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

East Asia Wrap: Vissel go top; Shenhua win summit clash

Mon, 21 Jul, 2025

East Asia Wrap: Vissel go top; Shenhua win summit clash

Kuala Lumpur: Defending champions Vissel Kobe surged to the summit of the J1 League after a key win away to Okayama, while Kashiwa Reysol lost their hold on the top spot after a defeat to Kashima Antlers.

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors widened their lead in Korea Republic and Shanghai Shenhua won the battle of the top two in China PR.

In Mongolia, Falcons extended their lead in the title race after defeating closest rivals Khangarid.

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

Japan's Yamada moves to Celtic

Sun, 20 Jul, 2025

Japan's Yamada moves to Celtic

Glasgow: Japan international forward Shin Yamada has signed for Scottish Premiership champions Celtic from AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 finalists Kawasaki Frontale.

The 25-year-old, who played 12 times as Kawasaki finished runners-up behind Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli Saudi FC in the continental championship, has signed a four-year deal with the club to become the latest Japanese player to make the move.
 
Yamada becomes the fourth Japanese player currently on the Glasgow-based outfit’s books, joining Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda and Hyato Inamura in the squad.

Know your team: India

Sun, 20 Jul, 2025

Know your team: India

Kuala Lumpur: India will spare no effort in their buildup to the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ with a meticulous training programme planned.

The South Asian side sealed automatic qualification to the continental showpiece for the first time and will be determined to stamp their mark against Asia's best next March. 

Know your team: DPR Korea

Sat, 19 Jul, 2025

Know your team: DPR Korea

Kuala Lumpur: DPR Korea will be determined to be title contenders at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

Making a return to the continental showpiece for the first time since finishing runners-up in 2010, Ri Song Ho’s squad will be armed with pedigree, tactical discipline and an exciting new generation of talent.

Know your team: Chinese Taipei

Fri, 18 Jul, 2025

Know your team: Chinese Taipei

Kuala Lumpur: Chinese Taipei will aim to maximise their chance to recapture past glories as they look forward to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

Chinese Taipei were in a class of their own between 1977 and 1981 - which yielded three consecutive titles - but have gone through a leaner period since.

Reaching successive Finals for the first time since 2008, Chinese Taipei will be out to reclaim their place at the summit of women’s football in Asia.