Central and South Asia Wrap: Sepahan show resilience; Bengaluru in final after Mumbai City win

Mon, 13 Mar, 2023

Central and South Asia Wrap: Sepahan show resilience; Bengaluru in final after Mumbai City win

Tehran: Sepahan earned a dramatic win over Persepolis in the Iran Pro League, while Navbahor lead the early Uzbekistan Super League standings alongside Neftchi Fergana.  

There was high-octane action in the Indian Super League (ISL) as Bengaluru reached the final after defeating Mumbai FC 9-8 on penalties, so join the-AFC.com as we recap the latest domestic news in Central and South Asia. 
 

Japan’s fighting spirit delights Togashi

Mon, 13 Mar, 2023

Japan’s fighting spirit delights Togashi

Tashkent: Japan head coach Koichi Togashi believes his side’s fighting spirit made the difference in Sunday’s 2-0 win against Jordan that sent Japan into the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 semi-finals and confirmed their qualification to the FIFA U20 World Cup Indonesia 2023.

The young Samurai Blue never looked in danger at Lokomotiv Stadium, ending the first half the better of the two sides despite not scoring, before unlocking the Jordanian defence twice in the second half through Isa Sakamoto and Naoki Kumata to seal the victory.

Ghalenoei named IR Iran head coach

Mon, 13 Mar, 2023

Ghalenoei named IR Iran head coach

Tehran: The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran  (FFIRI) on Sunday named Iranian Amir Ghalenoei as head coach of the national team for a second time, succeeding Portuguese Carlos Queiroz.

"Based on the technical and expert review and the agreement made, Mr. Amir Ghalenoei, the valuable coach of our country is selected as the head coach of the national football team," FFIRI said in a statement.

Title is Korea Republic's ultimate goal, says Sung

Mon, 13 Mar, 2023

Title is Korea Republic's ultimate goal, says Sung

Tashkent: Goal scorer Sung Jin-young said Korea Republic will put their celebrations to one side to focus on winning the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 after booking a spot at this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup in Indonesia with a 3-1 extra-time quarter-final win over China PR on Sunday.

Sung gave the Koreans the lead 100 minutes into the game at JAR Stadium after Kim Yong-hak’s penalty had cancelled out Mutalifu Yimingkari’s opener for China before Choi Seok-hyun sealed a victory that takes Kim Eun-jung’s side into a meeting with hosts Uzbekistan.

Fayzullaev thanks family, vows to deliver trophy for Uzbekistan fans

Mon, 13 Mar, 2023

Fayzullaev thanks family, vows to deliver trophy for Uzbekistan fans

Tashkent: Abbosbek Fayzullaev broke away from his celebrating teammates and made his way to the Bunyodkor Stadium stands after Uzbekistan had sealed their place in the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ 2023 semi-finals on Saturday. 

Advancing to the last four meant a place in the FIFA U20 World Cup Indonesia 2023 had also been sealed and Fayzullaev, named Player-of-the-Match in the penalty shootout semi-final win over Australia wanted to celebrate with the most important people in his life - his family. 

ASEAN Wrap: Albirex sink Sailors in Singapore; JDT remain perfect in Malaysia

Mon, 13 Mar, 2023

ASEAN Wrap: Albirex sink Sailors in Singapore; JDT remain perfect in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur: Defending champions Albirex Niigata (S) claimed early-season bragging rights in the race for the Singapore Premier League title as they defeated rivals Lion City Sailors 4-0 while Tampines Rovers signalled their title credentials by posting back-to-back wins during the week. 

In Malaysia, Johor Darul Ta’zim have scored 12 goals in their last two games as they followed up their 7-0 win over Negeri Sembilan earlier in the week with a 5-1 defeat of Kelantan on Saturday, but Sabah and Selangor are only two points behind as they attempt to stop JDT from winning a 10th consecutive league title. 
 
Melbourne City bounced back from last week’s defeat in Australia with a 2-1 win over Brisbane Roar while matches also took place in Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos, so join the-AFC.com as we review the week’s action from across Southeast Asia. 

East Asia Wrap: Marinos and Vissel defeated in Japan; Ulsan maintain perfect start

Mon, 13 Mar, 2023

East Asia Wrap: Marinos and Vissel defeated in Japan; Ulsan maintain perfect start

Hong Kong: Defending champions Yokohama F. Marinos suffered their first defeat of the season in Japan as they were beaten 2-0 by Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo on Sunday while leaders Vissel Kobe’s perfect start was also snapped following a 1-0 defeat to Urawa Red Diamonds. 

In Korea Republic, Ulsan Hyundai mounted a comeback to make it three wins in a row, defeating FC Seoul 2-1 while Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors posted their first win of the season. There were also matches in Hong Kong and Guam, so join the-AFC.com as we review the week’s action from East Asia.

West Asia Wrap: Al Ittihad move top in Saudi Arabia; Shabab Al Ahli widen lead in UAE

Mon, 13 Mar, 2023

West Asia Wrap: Al Ittihad move top in Saudi Arabia; Shabab Al Ahli widen lead in UAE

Doha: Al Ittihad moved one point ahead at the top of the Saudi Pro League with a 1-0 win over Al Nassr.

In the United Arab Emirates, Shabab Al Ahli Dubai opened a mini gap in a tight race while Qatar Stars League leaders Al Duhail SC were held by defending champions Al Sadd SC. 
 
There was also plenty of other domestic action across West Asia so join the-AFC.com on our weekly wrap.