Ronaldo scores first goal to salvage draw for Al Nassr

Sat, 04 Feb, 2023

Ronaldo scores first goal to salvage draw for Al Nassr

Al Hasa: Cristiano Ronaldo got off the mark for Al Nassr on Friday with a stoppage-time penalty that rescued a 2-2 away draw against Al Fateh.

The Portuguese, who turns 38 on Sunday, buried the spot-kick in the 93rd minute for a point that left the Riyadh club joint top of the Saudi Pro League with a game in hand over Al Shabab.

Preview: Wydad AC (MAR) v Al Hilal SFC (KSA)

Fri, 03 Feb, 2023

Preview: Wydad AC (MAR) v Al Hilal SFC (KSA)

Rabat: AFC representatives Al Hilal SFC kick-off their FIFA Club World Cup Morocco 2022 campaign with a heavyweight clash against host nation representatives Wydad AC at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Saturday.

Embarking on a third appearance in the intercontinental club competition - a record for Asian clubs - Al Hilal will be eager to better their fourth-place finishes from 2019 and 2021, but face a stern test against the African champions who will enjoy the benefit of a massive home support.
 
Al Hilal made their Club World Cup debut in Qatar 2019, reaching the semi-finals before losing to Brazil’s Flamengo and Mexico’s Monterrey to finish fourth. Two years later in Abu Dhabi, it was a similar scenario, with victory against hosts Al Jazira followed by defeats to Chelsea and Al Ahly FC and a second fourth place finish.

Cuper takes over as Syria head coach

Fri, 03 Feb, 2023

Cuper takes over as Syria head coach

Damascus: Veteran Argentine coach Hector Cuper has been appointed head coach of Syria, the national football federation announced on Thursday.

"Argentina's Hector Cuper, new coach of Syria. The new coach of the Syrian national team and his assistant staff will arrive in Syria in the coming days," the Syrian Football Association posted on Facebook, without specifying the duration of his contract.

SAFF ready to stage a spectacular AFC Asian Cup 2027™

Thu, 02 Feb, 2023

SAFF ready to stage a spectacular AFC Asian Cup 2027™

Manama: The 33rd AFC Congress confirmed the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) as the Host Association of the AFC Asian Cup 2027™ in the capital city of Bahrain yesterday.

Having being crowned champions of Asia on three different occasions (1984, 1988, 1996), Saudi Arabia are also among the most successful teams to have ever participated in the flagship contest. 

Transfer Wrap: Big names on the move (West)

Thu, 02 Feb, 2023

Transfer Wrap: Big names on the move (West)

Dubai: The end of January concluded one of the most exciting winter transfer windows in recent times across the world, and Asian football was no exception.

Whether it was replacing injured players, plugging defensive gaps, or boosting their squads ahead of a title charge or a relegation battle, clubs in West Asia were busy throughout the month. The-AFC.com looks at some of the key moves across the region this winter.

Transfer Wrap: Big names on the move (ASEAN & East)

Thu, 02 Feb, 2023

Transfer Wrap: Big names on the move (ASEAN & East)

Kuala Lumpur: It’s been a busy month in the world of transfers across Asia with big names swapping clubs domestically as well as moving between countries and continents. 

With a number of clubs signing players ahead of the kick-off to their 2023 campaigns and others looking to bolster their squads mid-season, the-AFC.com highlights some of the most notable moves involving teams from the East and ASEAN regions in recent weeks.