Central and South Asian Wrap: Esteghlal announce themselves as contenders, Kerala stun Mumbai City

Mon, 20 Dec, 2021

Central and South Asian Wrap: Esteghlal announce themselves as contenders, Kerala stun Mumbai City

Bishkek: The early stages of the Iranian title race continued to excite, while the Indian Super League leaders suffered a heavy defeat as league action continued in Central and South Asia.

Also this week, we look ahead to Wednesday’s Turkmenistan Cup Final.

Vote For Your Best 2021 AFC Champions League Team: Forwards

Sun, 19 Dec, 2021

Vote For Your Best 2021 AFC Champions League Team: Forwards

Kuala Lumpur: The goalkeeper, four defenders and three midfielders have been decided and now the-AFC.com asks fans of Asian football to vote for their favourite forwards at the 2021 AFC Champions League.  

Using a statistics-based approach, we’ve selected 10 of the star performers from the continental competition as we look to complete the All-Star XI. 

Review our list of AFC Champions League frontmen and don’t forget to vote for your favourite at the foot of the article.

West Asia Wrap: Al Nassr defeat Al Hilal; Al Shorta widen lead in Iraq

Mon, 20 Dec, 2021

West Asia Wrap: Al Nassr defeat Al Hilal; Al Shorta widen lead in Iraq

Dubai: Al Hilal SFC lost a chance to narrow the gap at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Al Nassr.

In Iraq, Al Shorta widened their lead to six points after a 3-2 win over Newroz. Join the-AFC.com as we review the latest domestic action across West Asia.

East Asia and ASEAN Wrap: Urawa lift Emperor’s Cup; Macarthur FC, Western United continue to set pace

Mon, 20 Dec, 2021

East Asia and ASEAN Wrap: Urawa lift Emperor’s Cup; Macarthur FC, Western United continue to set pace

Hong Kong: Tomoaki Makino scored in the 93rd minute of the 2021 Emperor’s Cup final to see Urawa Red Diamonds defeat Oita Trinita 2-1 to lift the title as the centre-back brought the curtain down on 10 years at the Saitama club in perfect fashion. 

Macarthur FC and Western United both won in Australia as they continue to lead the way, while the 2021 Chinese Super League is back in full swing. 

Elsewhere, there were matches in Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei, so join the-AFC.com as we review the action from across East Asia and ASEAN.

Luo Guofu leaves Guangzhou FC

Mon, 20 Dec, 2021

Luo Guofu leaves Guangzhou FC

Hong Kong: China PR international striker Luo Guofu has announced his departure from two-time AFC Champions League winners Guangzhou FC.

The Brazil-born forward, also known as Aloisio, posted a farewell message to Guangzhou fans on Chinese social media platform Weibo at the weekend.

Furuhashi at the double as Postecoglou's Celtic win Scottish League Cup final

Mon, 20 Dec, 2021

Furuhashi at the double as Postecoglou's Celtic win Scottish League Cup final

Glasgow: Kyogo Furuhashi scored twice as Celtic came from behind to beat Hibernian 2-1 in the Scottish League Cup final on Sunday, winning their first trophy of Australian Ange Postecoglou's era.

The game burst to life after a cagey first half during which Celtic's David Turnbull hobbled off with an injury.

Indonesia, Vietnam through to semi-finals

Sun, 19 Dec, 2021

Indonesia, Vietnam through to semi-finals

Singapore: Indonesia and Vietnam confirmed their places in the AFF Cup semi-finals after commanding wins over Malaysia and Cambodia respectively on Sunday. 

Indonesia came from behind to defeat Malaysia 4-1, a result which meant Shin Tae-yong’s side topped Group B ahead of Vietnam - who beat Cambodia 4-0 - on goal difference. 

Indonesia’s reward is a last four showdown with hosts Singapore while defending champions Vietnam will face five-time winners Thailand in the two-leg semi-finals.