Central & West Asia Wrap: AGMK stay top; Al Shorta closer to title

Mon, 24 Jun, 2024

Central & West Asia Wrap: AGMK stay top; Al Shorta closer to title

Olmaliq: FC AGMK maintained their grip on the top spot even as second-placed FC Nasaf stayed in hot pursuit in the Uzbek League, while FC Istiklol continued their march in the Tajik League winning their 10th consecutive match.

In Iraq, Al Shorta and Air Force Club both won to continue their battle for the Iraq Pro League title while Al Hussein and Al Wehdat set up a Jordan Cup final clash.

The-AFC.com catches up with all the domestic action from Central and West Asia.

East Asia Wrap: Falcons are Mongolian champions; Gamba overcome Vissel

Mon, 24 Jun, 2024

East Asia Wrap: Falcons are Mongolian champions; Gamba overcome Vissel

Hong Kong: SP Falcons confirmed their first-ever league title in Mongolia after they overcame Khoromkhon 6-2 on Saturday, thereby also punching their ticket for the inaugural AFC Challenge League™ (ACGL) – the group stage of which is slated to kick off on October 26. 

In Japan, reigning champions Vissel Kobe suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of red-hot Gamba Osaka, who moved within two points of the top where Machida Zelvia have a two-point advantage despite settling for a goalless draw against Avispa Fukuoka on Saturday. 

Ulsan Hyundai edged Jeju United in a closely contested encounter to preserve their two-point lead in Korea Republic while there were also matches taking place in China PR, Chinese Taipei and Macau, so join the-AFC.com as we look back at last week’s action from across East Asia.

Know your team: Saudi Arabia

Sun, 23 Jun, 2024

Know your team: Saudi Arabia

Kuala Lumpur: Saudi Arabia will not be short of confidence as they embark on their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26™ campaign, with the West Asian side aiming to qualify for their third consecutive and seventh overall FIFA World Cup.

Despite finishing second in Group G on goal difference, Saudi Arabia demonstrated their strength with 13 points and a solid performance throughout the second round. 

Know Your Team: Palestine

Sun, 23 Jun, 2024

Know Your Team: Palestine

Kuala Lumpur: Palestine will open a new chapter in their footballing history when they compete in the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26™.

A historic second round campaign means Palestine’s FIFA World Cup dream remains alive as the qualifiers head into the third round with the West Asian side hoping to take their place in the 2026 global showpiece which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Know your team: Oman

Sun, 23 Jun, 2024

Know your team: Oman

Kuala Lumpur: Oman will aim to continue from where they left off in their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26™ campaign as the West Asian side strive to secure a maiden FIFA World Cup berth.

Boosted by their top place finish in the second round, Oman head coach Jaroslav Silhavy will not shy away from making changes to his squad ahead of their third round campaign, with eight spots available for the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Know Your Team: Qatar

Sat, 22 Jun, 2024

Know Your Team: Qatar

Kuala Lumpur: Qatar will be aiming for a historic first as they ready themselves for the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26™ with a place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 at stake.

The-AFC.com profiles the prospect of Akram Afif and co taking Qatar to a second appearance at the FIFA World Cup.

Know your team: Kyrgyz Republic

Sat, 22 Jun, 2024

Know your team: Kyrgyz Republic

Kuala Lumpur: Kyrgyz Republic will be looking to create even more history in their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26™ campaign, having qualified for this stage of FIFA World Cup qualification for the first time.

At the helm of the Central Asian side's bid will be Russian Maksim Lisitsyn, who has replaced Stefan Tarkovic as head coach, with the Slovakian having steered Kyrgyz Republic to the third round.

Know Your Team: Kuwait

Sat, 22 Jun, 2024

Know Your Team: Kuwait

Kuala Lumpur: Kuwait are looking to carry the momentum of their late surge into the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26™ with the draw to be conducted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

The West Asian side are once again amongst the elite in Asia and they are the next team the-AFC.com profiles in our in-depth look at the 18 nations vying for a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Asia's best learn Dominican Republic 2024 challengers

Sun, 23 Jun, 2024

Asia's best learn Dominican Republic 2024 challengers

Santo Domingo: Asia's finest learnt their opponents for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Dominican Republic 2024 following the official draw on Saturday.

The continent will be represented by DPR Korea, Japan and Korea Republic, all three former winners of the global showpiece,