South Asia Wrap: ISL playoff cast confirmed; Abahani keep pace in Bangladesh

Mon, 27 Feb, 2023

South Asia Wrap: ISL playoff cast confirmed; Abahani keep pace in Bangladesh

New Delhi: The regular ISL season has come to an end after last week’s enticing action, paving the way for the playoff action to begin with Mumbai City and Hyderabad with the advantage. 

The I-League drama continues with RoundGlass Punjab and Sreenidi Deccan battling it out at the top, while the Bangladesh Premier League also saw another round of exciting action. 
 
Join the-AFC.com as we recap the latest domestic news in the region.

ASEAN Wrap: JDT clinch Malaysia Charity Shield; Albirex and Sailors make winning starts

Mon, 27 Feb, 2023

ASEAN Wrap: JDT clinch Malaysia Charity Shield; Albirex and Sailors make winning starts

Kuala Lumpur: Johor Darul Ta’zim kicked off their season by securing the first silverware on offer in Malaysia with a 2-0 win over last season’s runners-up Terengganu FC in the league opener, which also served as the Charity Shield, at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on Friday. 

In the opening fixtures of the Singapore Premier League, defending champions Albirex Niigata (S) defeated Young Lions 3-0 and Lion City Sailors beat Tanjong Pagar United 3-1, while Melbourne City returned to winning ways in Australia by defeating Sydney FC 3-2. 
 
In Thailand, leaders Buriram United were made to sweat for their 1-0 win over PT Prachuap, while there were also matches taking place in Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar and Laos, so join the-AFC.com as we review the week’s action from across Southeast Asia. 

East Asia Wrap: Ulsan down Jeonbuk in opener; Kawasaki off the mark

Mon, 27 Feb, 2023

East Asia Wrap: Ulsan down Jeonbuk in opener; Kawasaki off the mark

Hong Kong: Defending champions Ulsan Hyundai kicked off their league campaign in Korea Republic with a hard-earned 2-1 victory over FA Cup winners Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors at the Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium where Swedish striker Gustav Ludwigson supplied the winning goal on his debut on Saturday.

Akihiro Ienaga scored from the spot in the dying embers of the contest to help Kawasaki Frontale edge Kashima Antlers 2-1 for their first win of the season in Japan, while leaders Kitchee SC made it 10 wins in a row in Hong Kong and there were also matches in Guam, so join the-AFC.com as we review the week’s action from East Asia.

West Asia Wrap: Sharjah lift UAE Super Cup; Ronaldo hat-trick keeps Al Nassr ahead

Mon, 27 Feb, 2023

West Asia Wrap: Sharjah lift UAE Super Cup; Ronaldo hat-trick keeps Al Nassr ahead

Doha: Sharjah edged Al Ain 1-0 to lift the UAE Super Cup on Saturday.

In Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo starred with a hat-trick as Al Nassr stayed ahead in the race for the title.
 
There was also action in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine and Qatar so join the-AFC.com as we review the past week's domestic scene across West Asia. 

2023 #AFCU20 Uzbekistan - Facts & Figures

Mon, 27 Feb, 2023

2023 #AFCU20 Uzbekistan - Facts & Figures

Tashkent: The AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 kicks off on Wednesday as the competition - formerly known as the AFC U19 Championship - makes a return after five years. 

Asia’s rising talent are set to showcase their skills in what promises to be a spectacular tournament. 
 
Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at some of the facts and figures ahead of the continental showpiece. 

2023 #AFCU20 Uzbekistan: Players To Watch

Sun, 26 Feb, 2023

2023 #AFCU20 Uzbekistan: Players To Watch

Tashkent: The AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 is sure to be a highly competitive affair as the tournament - previously known as the AFC U19 Championship - makes a return after five years.

The action - going by the breathtaking action seen in the Qualifiers - promises to be thrilling as Asia’s future generation of stars look to make a mark on the continental showpiece.

Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at one player from each of the 16 teams, although more are sure to shine in the March 1-18 Finals. 

2023 #AFCU20 Uzbekistan - Know Your Teams

Sat, 25 Feb, 2023

2023 #AFCU20 Uzbekistan - Know Your Teams

Tashkent: The AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 kicks off on Wednesday with 16 teams aiming for the title. 

The erstwhile U-19 championship, returning under its new U-20 brand, will also serve as the qualifiers for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Indonesia 2023, which is scheduled to be held from May 20 to June 11.
 
Saudi Arabia will be aiming to defend the title won in 2018, with the remaining 15 teams also fancying their chances so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the cast, with the group stage matches to be played in Tashkent and Fergana and the final scheduled for March 18.

Diaz confident of different outcome in Urawa rematch

Mon, 27 Feb, 2023

Diaz confident of different outcome in Urawa rematch

Doha: Ramon Diaz is confident of a different outcome when Al Hilal SFC play Urawa Red Diamonds in the AFC Champions League™ 2022 final. 

The Argentine coach was in charge when Al Hilal suffered a heartbreaking defeat to the Japanese side in the 2017 decider, losing 2-1 on aggregate.
 
Al Hilal, however, are a different side now from then as the Saudi Arabian side went on to lift the trophy twice - in 2019 and 2021 - and Diaz is confident they will become only the second side to emerge back-to-back champions in the AFC Champions League era. 

Ighalo: Fast start secured emphatic victory

Mon, 27 Feb, 2023

Ighalo: Fast start secured emphatic victory

Doha: Four-goal hero Odion Ighalo attributed Al Hilal SFC’s fast start for their sensational AFC Champions League™ 2022 semi-final win over Qatar's Al Duhail SC at the Thumama Stadium on Sunday.

Ighalo’s second-minute opener laid the groundwork for defending champions Al Hilal cruising to a 7-0 win, with the Saudi Arabian side taking a hefty five-goal lead into the half-time break. 

Al Duhail must learn from defeat, says Crespo

Mon, 27 Feb, 2023

Al Duhail must learn from defeat, says Crespo

Doha: Hernan Crespo raised his hand in defeat after Al Duhail SC were taught a sobering lesson by Al Hilal SFC in their AFC Champions League™ 2022 semi-final at the Al Thumama Stadium on Sunday.

The defending champions were in imperious form as they cruised to a 7-0 victory, leading to Crespo admitting that the Saudi Arabian side thoroughly deserved the win which booked them a final date with Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds.