Makino the hero as Urawa Reds clinch Emperor's Cup

Sun, 19 Dec, 2021

Makino the hero as Urawa Reds clinch Emperor's Cup

Tokyo: Tomoaki Makino bid farewell in style as his goal in added time secured Urawa Reds a thrilling 2-1 win over Oita Trinita in the 2021 Emperor's Cup final on Sunday.

Makino, who announced his departure from the club last month, struck the winner in the dying seconds having been sent on as a substitute in the 83rd minute.  

The victory secures Urawa - who won the Emperor's Cup for a fourth time in the J-League era - a berth in the 2022 AFC Champions League, having won the title in 2017 and emerging runners-up two years later. 

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.

Vote for your Best Goal of the 2021 AFC Cup

Sat, 18 Dec, 2021

Vote for your Best Goal of the 2021 AFC Cup

Kuala Lumpur: After last year’s AFC Cup was cancelled, the 2021 edition did not disappoint, with Bahrain’s Muharraq Club crowned champions of a tournament that offered numerous memorable moments. 

As fans of Asian football start to look towards next year, the-AFC.com brings the curtain down on the 2021 AFC Cup by reviewing some of the finest goals scored in the continental competition. 

Enjoy our 10 nominees for the best goal of the tournament and then vote for your favourite at the bottom of the article. 

Sanchez and Qatar look ahead after FIFA Arab Cup adventure

Sun, 19 Dec, 2021

Sanchez and Qatar look ahead after FIFA Arab Cup adventure

Doha: Having concluded a busy year by emerging third in the FIFA Arab Cup 2021, Qatar are now looking forward to the remaining months ahead of the FIFA World Cup on home soil in less than a year.

Goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham’s heroics clinched the reigning AFC Asian Cup champions a 5-4 penalty shoot-out win over Egypt at Stadium 974 on Saturday to help Qatar forget their semi-final heartbreak against eventual champions Algeria.

Uzbekistan legend Odil Ahmedov announces retirement

Sun, 19 Dec, 2021

Uzbekistan legend Odil Ahmedov announces retirement

Tashkent: Uzbekistan midfielder Odil Ahmedov lowered the curtain on his glittering professional career, announcing his retirement at an event in Tashkent on Saturday.

One of Asia’s premier central midfielders throughout the 2010s, Ahmedov’s career included over 100 international caps and successful spells in his homeland, as well as the top leagues of Russia and China PR.

Having called time on his national team career earlier this year, the 34-year-old’s full retirement from competitive football comes days after his departure from Chinese Super League outfit Cangzhou Mighty Lions was confirmed.

AFC President underlines confidence in Qatar to stage greatest-ever FIFA World Cup

Sun, 19 Dec, 2021

AFC President underlines confidence in Qatar to stage greatest-ever FIFA World Cup

Doha: AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has congratulated the Asian teams for their commendable performances at the FIFA Arab Cup 2021™ as well as Qatar for staging a successful tournament which saw Algeria claim the coveted crown in a thrilling final with host Qatar finishing third after the reigning Asian champions defeated Egypt 5-4 on penalties in the third-place playoff match on Saturday.

As the final test event in preparation of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, the 16-team tournament, which was held in six iconic stadiums that will be used at the global showpiece, provided participating teams and passionate fans with an exemplary prelude of Qatar’s capabilities to host a truly exceptional celebration of world football in 2022.