West Asia Wrap: Al Sadd march on in Qatar, Al Ittihad stay ahead in Saudi Arabia

Tue, 04 Jan, 2022

West Asia Wrap: Al Sadd march on in Qatar, Al Ittihad stay ahead in Saudi Arabia

Dubai: Al Sadd SC made it 10 wins out of 11 as they remained in firm control of the Qatar Stars League.

In Saudi Arabia, Al Ittihad edged Al Batin 3-2 to stay top while Al Ain remain in firm control in the UAE Pro League.

Join the-AFC.com as we review a busy week of domestic action across West Asia.

The time is now for Korea Republic, says iconic Ji So-yun

Tue, 04 Jan, 2022

The time is now for Korea Republic, says iconic Ji So-yun

Namhae: Ji So-yun has won all but a few accolades in her glittering career, but the Korea Republic star knows the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 is a rare opportunity to capture an elusive international title,

In the history of Asian football, few players in either women's or men's football can point to a more impressive list of achievements than Ji.
 
A senior international debutant, and goal scorer, at the age of just 15, the Seoul-born superstar has gone on to represent her country 131 times, scoring a national record 59 goals, but that tells only a portion of the story.

Dennerby: I’m nurturing a dream with India

Sun, 02 Jan, 2022

Dennerby: I’m nurturing a dream with India

New Delhi: India, under Swedish Thomas Dennerby, enter the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022 aiming to rebuild their team’s reputation on the continental scene. The hosts were a competitive side in the early editions of the Asian finals, notably finishing as runners-up in 1979 and 1983.

But the decades since have brought little to celebrate for the Blue Tigresses. Indeed, India have featured in just five of the past 14 editions, never progressing beyond the group stage. 

Competing as hosts of the upcoming Women's Asian Cup, however, provides India with the chance to rewrite a few of those statistics, although Dennerby - who took over in August - is aware of how tough his task is. 

The former Sweden and Nigeria coach, who has been managing India’s U-17 side over the past two years, sat down with FIFA.com to share his vision for India football, the current squad and the trends in modern-day women’s football.

East Asia & ASEAN Wrap: Adelaide claim first win of season

Mon, 03 Jan, 2022

East Asia & ASEAN Wrap: Adelaide claim first win of season

Hong Kong: Adelaide United moved up to mid-table in the A-League Men on Saturday after they saw off Wellington Phoenix to pick up their first victory of the 2021-22 campaign. 

The season is drawing to its close in China PR, where there was a dress rehearsal for the FA Cup final, while Qingdao have had their relegation confirmed. 

And Eastern SC continue to lead the way in Hong Kong’s Sapling Cup, so join the-AFC.com as we wrap up the action from across East Asia and ASEAN. 

Tan steps down as Malaysia head coach

Mon, 03 Jan, 2022

Tan steps down as Malaysia head coach

Kuala Lumpur: Tan Cheng Hoe has relinquished his position as head coach of the Malaysian national team.

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) said in a media release that Tan's decision was prompted by the team's recent 2020 AFF Cup campaign.

Yoon Bit-garam leaves Ulsan Hyundai for Jeju United

Mon, 03 Jan, 2022

Yoon Bit-garam leaves Ulsan Hyundai for Jeju United

Ulsan: Ulsan Hyundai FC have announced 2020 AFC Champions League-winning midfielder Yoon Bit-garam has left the club to return to Jeju United .

Yoon, who joined Ulsan ahead of the 2020 campaign from Jeju United, was named the AFC Champions League’s Most Valuable Player as Ulsan defeated Persepolis FC from the Islamic Republic of Iran to claim their second title in Doha.