Central & South Asian Wrap: Sepahan close in on Esteghlal

Mon, 18 Dec, 2023

Central & South Asian Wrap: Sepahan close in on Esteghlal

Isfahan: Sepahan SC showed that they mean business after a solid win against Foolad enabled them to cut two points off Esteghlal FC’s lead in the Iran Pro League.

Over in Tajikistan, recently crowned champions FC Istiklol closed out their season with two wins while FC Arkadag’s search for perfection in the Turkmenistan Yokary Liga continues.

League action also took place in India and Maldives, so join the-AFC.com as we look back on a week of incredible action from Central and South Asia.

ASEAN & East Asia Wrap: Binh Duong go top; Bangkok extend lead

Mon, 18 Dec, 2023

ASEAN & East Asia Wrap: Binh Duong go top; Bangkok extend lead

Kuala Lumpur: Four-time champions Becamex Binh Duong emerged as the new leaders in Vietnam after defeating incumbents Nam Dinh 3-2 on Saturday to displace them from the top on goal difference, six rounds into the campaign.

In Thailand, BG Pathum United were held by Khon Kaen United and lost further ground on leaders Bangkok United who earned a last-gasp win against Trat FC to increase their advantage to four points with a game in hand. 
 
Borneo FC's 1-0 win against RANS Nusantara helped them strengthen their hold on the top spot in Indonesia while matches also took place in Australia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Cambodia and Myanmar, so join the-AFC.com as we review the week’s action from ASEAN and East Asia.

#AFCCup - Group Stage Review

Sat, 16 Dec, 2023

#AFCCup - Group Stage Review

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Cup™ 2023/24 is set for the business end following the conclusion of the group stage on Thursday.

As the qualified teams take a break before the tournament resumes in February, the-AFC.com takes a look at the group stage which had an abundance of thrills and spills. 

#ACL - Matchday Six: What They Said

Mon, 18 Dec, 2023

#ACL - Matchday Six: What They Said

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Group Stage came to an end this week after a fortnight of dramatic and exciting ties across Asia deciding the final 16 teams for the knockout stage.

Historic moments, national pride, disappointments, and fond farewells all feature as the-AFC.com talks to those involved in the latest edition of the Continent's most prestigious competition.

#ACL: Matchday Six in Numbers

Fri, 15 Dec, 2023

#ACL: Matchday Six in Numbers

Kuala Lumpur: The group stage of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 drew to a close on Wednesday as the 16 teams for the knockout rounds were confirmed.

Among the stories from the final round of group stage fixtures were defending champions Urawa Red Diamonds being eliminated, while six former champions have advanced to the last 16. 
 
As the continental competition now takes a break until after the upcoming AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, the-AFC.com looks back at the stats and facts that caught the eye on Matchday Six. 

Player to Watch: Arif Aiman (Malaysia)

Fri, 15 Dec, 2023

Player to Watch: Arif Aiman (Malaysia)

Kuala Lumpur: At the tender age of 21, exciting Malaysian winger Arif Aiman Hanapi is already establishing himself as one of the rising stars of Southeast Asian football.

He has been labelled a “genius” by his coach at Johor Darul Ta’zim, Esteban Solari, with his trickery on the right proving to be a devastating weapon for both club and country as he has shone domestically and on the international stage.

Player to Watch: Mostafa Matar (Lebanon)

Sat, 16 Dec, 2023

Player to Watch: Mostafa Matar (Lebanon)

Kuala Lumpur: As Lebanon face a difficult AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ group where they are pitted against the hosts as well as China PR and Tajikistan, the exceptional abilities of goalkeeper Mostafa Matar will be vital for any chances of success.

Despite being part of the squad that participated in the previous edition in the UAE, Matar’s debut only came a few months after the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019™, starting between the sticks in a 2019 WAFF Championships encounter against Yemen. Since then, he has not looked back, establishing himself as the undisputed starting goalkeeper for the Cedars.
 
So good were Matar’s performances for his previous club Salam Zgharta and the national team that 2019 AFC Cup™ winners Al Ahed made him the most expensive domestic transfer in Lebanese football at the time, as he joined the Beirut club in 2020 to start a new chapter in his career.

Test Your Knowledge - Round 10

Sun, 17 Dec, 2023

Test Your Knowledge - Round 10

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Asian Cup™ quiz turns its focus on to the players - past and present - with more challenging questions about the continent's premier national team tournament.

Try it out to see how well versed you - the fans - are as the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ rapidly approaches.