West Asia Wrap: Al Hilal lead tight title race; Al Rayyan claim top spot

Mon, 04 Sep, 2023

West Asia Wrap: Al Hilal lead tight title race; Al Rayyan claim top spot

Riyadh: A resilient Al Hilal SFC stormed to the top of the Saudi Pro League standings after edging defending champions Al Ittihad in a seven-goal thriller, as the battle for the title heats up with four teams locked in an exciting race.

Al Rayyan continued to sizzle in the Qatar Stars League at the expense of Al Sadd SC and champions Al Duhail SC, who both dropped points leaving the door open for Leonardo Jardim’s side to lead the table.

There was also action in Kuwait and Oman so join the-AFC.com as we review the past week’s domestic action across West Asia ahead of the International break.

Test your #AFCU23 knowledge!

Fri, 01 Sep, 2023

Test your #AFCU23 knowledge!

Kuala Lumpur: The journey to reach the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Qatar 2024 begins for 42 teams on Wednesday with 15 spots up for grabs.

Over the course of a three-matchday week between September 6 to 12, 11 groups – nine of four and two of three – in the Qualifiers will each be played at a centralised venue in a single round-robin format.
 
The action promises to be thrilling and ahead of the Qualifiers kicking off, the-AFC.com invites you - the fan - to test your knowledge of the AFC U23 Asian Cup.

Central & South Asia Wrap: Mohun Bagan Super Giant claim Durand Cup, Sepahan continue perfect run

Mon, 04 Sep, 2023

Central & South Asia Wrap: Mohun Bagan Super Giant claim Durand Cup, Sepahan continue perfect run

Kolkata: Mohun Bagan Super Giant claimed the bragging rights over East Bengal after winning the 2023 Durand Cup despite going down to 10 men in the second half.

In Islamic Republic of Iran, Sepahan have maximum points from four matches while in Uzbekistan, Pakhtakor won again to open a seven-point lead.

There was also action in Turkmenistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Maldives and Bhutan, so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at  the past week’s action in Central and South Asia.

East Asia & ASEAN Wrap: Vissel return to top; Ulsan beaten again

Mon, 04 Sep, 2023

East Asia & ASEAN Wrap: Vissel return to top; Ulsan beaten again

Hong Kong: Vissel Kobe, with new signing Juan Mata watching from the stands, rose to the top of the standings in Japan with a 2-1 win against Kyoto Sanga displacing defending champions Yokohama F. Marinos who dropped points in a shock 2-0 defeat to strugglers Kashiwa Reysol. 

The top team in Korea Republic also fell to a defeat this week as Ulsan Hyundai’s title defence suffered a minor setback following a 2-0 defeat to third-placed Gwangju FC on Sunday which allowed Pohang Steelers, in second place, to reduce their deficit to the top to eight points.  
 
Persija Jakarta and Persib Bandung faced each other in Indonesia on Saturday, but the honours were even between the fierce rivals in a 1-1 draw while there were also matches in China PR, Thailand, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Cambodia and Mongolia, so join the-AFC.com as we review the week’s action from ASEAN and East Asia.

Former Spanish international Mata joins Vissel Kobe

Sun, 03 Sep, 2023

Former Spanish international Mata joins Vissel Kobe

Kobe: Midfielder Juan Mata, who was a member of Spain's 2010 FIFA World Cup winning squad, has signed for Japan's Vissel Kobe.

The J League side said Mata, 35, has joined them on a free transfer.  

#AFCU23 - Trip down memory lane

Sun, 03 Sep, 2023

#AFCU23 - Trip down memory lane

Kuala Lumpur: The race to reach the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Qatar 2024 kicks off on Wednesday with 42 teams bidding for the 15 available slots in the Finals.

It promises to be a thrilling affair as the teams will not only be chasing continental glory but also three automatic spots to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
 
As the sides get set for pulsating action between September 6-12, the-AFC.com takes a look at previous editions of the tournament.

Ronaldo nets 850th career goal in Al Nassr masterclass

Sun, 03 Sep, 2023

Ronaldo nets 850th career goal in Al Nassr masterclass

Riyadh: Cristiano Ronaldo scored once and made two assists as Al Nassr cruised to a 5-1 win over Al Hazm in a 2023/24 Saudi Pro League tie on Saturday.

It was the Portugal star's 850th career goal as Al Nassr registered their third consecutive win after having opened their season with two defeats.
 
There was misery for Al Ahli Saudi FC as a 5-1 defeat to Al Fateh not only ended their perfect start but denied them a chance to move top of the standings while Al Taawoun sit in second place after a 4-1 victory against Al Wehda.  

China PR's Li Mengwen moves to Albion

Sat, 02 Sep, 2023

China PR's Li Mengwen moves to Albion

Brighton: China PR international Li Mengwen has signed for English side Brighton & Hove Albion.

The 28-year-old left-back joins Brighton following the expiration of her contract with Chinese Super League club Jiangsu.

Jordan's Etihad Club edge Amman FC to lift title

Sat, 02 Sep, 2023

Jordan's Etihad Club edge Amman FC to lift title

Amman: Etihad Club emerged champions of the Women's Clubs Tournament (Saudi Arabia-Jordan) 2023 with a 2-1 win over Amman FC on Friday. 

Al Nassr FC finished third following a 1-0 defeat of Orthodox Club.

Muscat determined to steer Marinos into uncharted territory

Sat, 02 Sep, 2023

Muscat determined to steer Marinos into uncharted territory

Yokohama: Kevin Muscat will lead Yokohama F Marinos into the 2023/24 AFC Champions League™ with the aim of taking the J.League champions deeper into the competition than ever before. 

The Australian tells the-AFC.com of his hopes for the new campaign.