ASEAN Wrap: Cong An seal V.League title; JDT made to wait

Mon, 28 Aug, 2023

ASEAN Wrap: Cong An seal V.League title; JDT made to wait

Kuala Lumpur: Cong An Hanoi secured a historic league crown by the narrowest of margins on their first season back in Vietnam’s top flight after a 1-1 draw with Thanh Hoa on the final day helped them finish ahead of 2022 winners and crosstown rivals Hanoi FC on goal difference. 

Nafuzi Zain’s Kedah Darul Aman became the first team to take points from defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim in Malaysia this season as the Southern Tigers, who could have sealed their 10th title in a row with a win, were held to an entertaining 3-3 draw in their 21st league outing. 
 
Borneo FC closed in on early-season leaders Madura United following a 2-1 win against Persita Tangerang in Indonesia while there were also matches taking place in Thailand, Australia, Cambodia, the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam, so join the-AFC.com as we review the week’s action from ASEAN.

East Asia Wrap: Derby defeat for Marinos; Ulsan held by Seoul

Mon, 28 Aug, 2023

East Asia Wrap: Derby defeat for Marinos; Ulsan held by Seoul

Hong Kong: Only six points separate the top four teams in Japan after leaders Yokohama F. Marinos suffered a shock 4-1 defeat at the hands of crosstown rivals Yokohama FC while Vissel Kobe are only one point behind the title holders with Nagoya Grampus and Urawa Red Diamonds also involved in the chase. 

Leaders Ulsan Hyundai have only one win in their last four matches after they were held to a 2-2 draw by FC Seoul for whom Brazilian striker Willyan scored a stoppage-time equaliser, but the defending champions still enjoy an 11-point advantage over second-placed Pohang Steelers with five matches left. 
 
In China PR, frontrunners Shanghai Port’s struggles continued as they fell to a 3-1 defeat to Henan FC on Friday while there were also matches taking place in Hong Kong and Mongolia, so join the-AFC.com as we bring you up to speed with the action from across East Asia. 

Mancini takes charge of Saudi Arabia

Mon, 28 Aug, 2023

Mancini takes charge of Saudi Arabia

Riyadh: Roberto Mancini has been named head coach of the Saudi Arabia men’s national team, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation announced on Sunday.

Mancini had resigned from his previous post as Italy head coach earlier in August, having spent five years in charge of The Azzurri, leading them to winning UEFA Euro 2020 title and finishing third in the UEFA Nations League twice in 2020-21 and 2022-23.

Vietnam edge Indonesia on penalties to retain title

Sun, 27 Aug, 2023

Vietnam edge Indonesia on penalties to retain title

Rayong: Vietnam defeated Indonesia 6-5 on penalties to defend their AFF U23 Championship title at the Rayong Stadium on Saturday.

With the match ending goalless after 120 minutes, Vietnam maintained their composure to win the shootout. 

#FIFAWWC: Asia’s unforgettable moments

Fri, 25 Aug, 2023

#FIFAWWC: Asia’s unforgettable moments

Kuala Lumpur: It was the FIFA Women’s World Cup that elevated the women’s game to unprecedented heights with incredible drama on the pitch and record numbers of spectators off it as Australia & New Zealand 2023 left a lasting legacy. 

For Asia’s six representatives there were unforgettable performances, huge upsets, individual accolades and much more as the continent’s sides were involved in some of the most talked-about matches of the tournament. 
 
The-AFC.com looks back at Asia's best moments from a World Cup that delivered on a spectacular level. 

Azmoun joins Italy's Roma, Spain's Veiga signs for Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli

Sat, 26 Aug, 2023

Azmoun joins Italy's Roma, Spain's Veiga signs for Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli

Rome: Italian Serie A side AS Roma have confirmed the signing of Islamic Republic of Iran forward Sardar Azmoun on loan from Bayer Leverkusen.

Roma said they have brought in Azmoun, 28, "on a temporary basis until 30 June 2024" with "the option to make the transfer permanent".

#ACL: Teams learn path to glory

Thu, 24 Aug, 2023

#ACL: Teams learn path to glory

Kuala Lumpur: Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan will kick off the defence of their AFC Champions League title in Group J following the 2023/24 Official Draw in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday. 

Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal SFC - who won the 2019 and 2021 titles and were runners-up last season - were drawn in Group D. 

The draw saw the 40 teams divided into 10 groups - five each in the East and West Zones.

The 10 group winners along with the three best runners-up of each Zone will book their places in the Knockout Stages, which will take place from February to April before the final is held over two legs on May 11 and 18, 2024.

#AFCCup: Group Stage Draw finalised

Thu, 24 Aug, 2023

#AFCCup: Group Stage Draw finalised

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Cup™ 2023/24 has all the ingredients to be a thriller following the conclusion of the Official Draw in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

Joint-record three-time champions Kuwait SC lead the cast of 36 teams who were divided into nine groups across the five AFC zones.