Central & West Asia Wrap: Al Shorta close in on Iraq title

Mon, 03 Jul, 2023

Central & West Asia Wrap: Al Shorta close in on Iraq title

Basra: Al Shorta moved closer to retaining the Iraqi Premier League title as they widened their lead at the top of the standings to seven points.

In Uzbekistan, Navbahor took advantage of Pakhtakor dropping points to move back to the top of the summit.
 
There were also matches in Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan, so join the-AFC.com as we review the latest round of domestic action in Central and West Asia. 

Japan power past Korea Republic to lift title

Mon, 03 Jul, 2023

Japan power past Korea Republic to lift title

Pathum Thani: Japan became the first side to have their name engraved on the new AFC U17 Asian Cup™ trophy after defeating 10-man Korea Republic 3-0 in the Thailand 2023 final at the Pathum Thani Stadium on Sunday.

Gaku Nawata scored twice with Yutaka Michiwaki netting the third after Korea Republic had been reduced to 10 men in the 44th minute with Japan adding the title to the three AFC U-16 Championship crowns won previously.

Nawata takes MVP, Cremo Top Goalscorer Awards

Tue, 25 Jul, 2023

Nawata takes MVP, Cremo Top Goalscorer Awards

Pathum Thani: Japan’s Gaku Nawata was named Most Valuable Player of the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Thailand 2023 on Sunday while his two goals in the 3-0 win against Korea Republic in the final saw him emerge as the Cremo Top Goalscorer as well. 

The brace took Nawata's total to five goals in a tournament he played a major role in as Japan became the first team to have their named engraved on the newly-minted trophy. 

Goto crowned Best Goalkeeper

Sun, 02 Jul, 2023

Goto crowned Best Goalkeeper

Pathum Thani: Japan’s Wataru Goto was named the Best Goalkeeper of the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Thailand 2023 on Sunday.

Goto played a key role in Japan's campaign, which climaxed with a 3-0 win over Korea Republic in the final.

Portuguese Jesus back in charge of Al Hilal

Sun, 02 Jul, 2023

Portuguese Jesus back in charge of Al Hilal

Jeddah: Al Hilal SFC have reappointed Portuguese Jorge Jesus as their head coach on a one-year deal, the Saudi Pro League club said on Saturday.

Former Benfica manager Jesus, who joins Al Hilal from Turkish side Fenerbahce, previously managed the two-time AFC Champions League™ winners in 2018-19, leading them to a Saudi Super Cup win over Al Ittihad in his first game in charge.

India, Kuwait to battle for title

Sun, 02 Jul, 2023

India, Kuwait to battle for title

Bengaluru: India will meet Kuwait in the final of the 2023 SAFF Championship after hard-fought semi-final triumphs on Saturday.

India defeated Lebanon 4-2 on penalties after their semi-final ended goalless over 120 minutes while Kuwait edged Bangladesh 1-0 in their last four tie.

Jacewicz looks forward to second Finals

Mon, 03 Jul, 2023

Jacewicz looks forward to second Finals

Kuala Lumpur: Only months after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s match officials are now ready to represent the Continent on the biggest stage in women’s football with five women referees from Asia being selected to officiate at the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023. 

Besides being appointed as referee in two successive FIFA Women’s World Cups, Kate Jacewicz is also an eight-time recipient of the W-League Referee of the Year and along with compatriot Casey Reibelt, Japan’s Yoshimi Yamashita and Korea Republic’s Kim Yu-jeong and Oh Hyeon-jeong, forms the Asian quintet who were named among the appointed referees at the upcoming global showpiece.