Santo takes charge of Al Ittihad

Tue, 05 Jul, 2022

Santo takes charge of Al Ittihad

Jeddah: Al Ittihad have appointed Nuno Espirito Santo as head coach until 2024, the Saudi Pro League side announced on Monday.

The 48-year-old Portuguese last worked with English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, leaving the club after 17 matches in charge.

Six Asian players who impressed in Europe in 2021-22

Sun, 03 Jul, 2022

Six Asian players who impressed in Europe in 2021-22

Dubai: It was a season of exciting beginnings, growth, trophies and personal accolades for Asian players in European football in 2021-22 as the continent’s finest continued to make their mark abroad.

With the season ending and preparations for a new campaign getting underway, the-AFC.com profiles six players who had a positive 2021-22 campaign in Europe. While there were many names to choose from and the likes of Takehiro Tomiyasu, Wataru Endo, Sardor Azmoun and Lee Kang-in all making an impact, here are the six players who made the final cut for this feature.

ASEAN Wrap: Hai Phong move clear; JDT held

Mon, 04 Jul, 2022

ASEAN Wrap: Hai Phong move clear; JDT held

Kuala Lumpur: Hai Phong opened up a three-point lead at the top of the V.League after a 3-1 victory over bottom side Saigon on Saturday.

Table-toppers Johor Darul Ta’zim were held by Melaka United in Malaysia, while the cast for the Indonesian President’s Cup semi-finals has been confirmed. 

There were also games in Singapore and Cambodia, so join the-AFC.com as we wrap up the action from around Southeast Asia.

Central and South Asia Wrap: Alay, Navbahor record wins; Saif stun Abahani

Mon, 04 Jul, 2022

Central and South Asia Wrap: Alay, Navbahor record wins; Saif stun Abahani

Bishkek: FC Alay bounced back to winning ways in the Kyrgyz Premier League, securing an impressive 4-0 win over Kara-Balta, while FC Ilbirs were held to a 1-1 draw against Nur-Batken on Friday.

In Tashkent, PFC Navbahor Namangan regained the Uzbekistan Pro League top spot with a one point lead FC Sogdiana, who have a match in hand.

Meanwhile, Bashundhara Kings were held to a 1-1 draw, while closest rivals Abahani Dhaka fell to a 4-2 defeat in Bangladesh 

Join the-AFC.com for all the latest news and results from Bishkek to Dhaka.

East Asia Wrap: Khaan Khuns-Erchim crowned Mongolian champions; Pohang claim derby joy

Mon, 04 Jul, 2022

East Asia Wrap: Khaan Khuns-Erchim crowned Mongolian champions; Pohang claim derby joy

Hong Kong: Khaan Khuns-Erchim won the Mongolian Premier League after a dramatic final week of the season that saw them edge title rivals FC Ulaanbaatar as they were crowned champions for the first time since 2018.

There was a setback for league leaders Ulsan Hyundai in Korea Republic as they were beaten 2-0 by East Coast Derby rivals Pohang Steelers, while J1 League table-toppers Yokohama F. Marinos won their fifth successive game to stay three points clear. 

Elsewhere, Wuhan Three Towns’ fine early-season form continued in China PR, so join the-AFC.com as we review the latest action from around East Asia.

West Asia Wrap: Al Faisaly set pace in Jordan; Al Shorta cap amazing season with draw

Mon, 04 Jul, 2022

West Asia Wrap: Al Faisaly set pace in Jordan; Al Shorta cap amazing season with draw

Dubai: Al Faisaly opened a four-point lead at the top of the Jordanian Pro League with a win over Shabab Al Aqaba on Sunday.

The Iraqi Premier League, meanwhile, concluded with the rest of West Asia on summer break.

AFC Cup™ 2022: Group Stage in Numbers

Sat, 02 Jul, 2022

AFC Cup™ 2022: Group Stage in Numbers

Kuala Lumpur: Thursday’s AFC Cup™ 2022 action across the continent brought the curtain down on the group stage as seven teams from the ASEAN, Central and East Zones joined five from the West and South Zones in the knockout rounds.

A record 38 clubs from 22 nations took part in the first round of an AFC Cup that was bigger than ever before, while the 10 groups were hosted in 10 different countries. 

As the competition takes a break before returning for the knockout rounds in August, the-AFC.com highlights some of the other standout numbers.