Preview: The 2025 challenge

Mon, 07 Jul, 2025

Preview: The 2025 challenge

Kuala Lumpur: Players from Japan and Korea Republic will be aiming for the spectacular in the 2025 (EAFF) E-1 Football Championship which kicks off on Monday.

The women's tournament starts on Wednesday and will have, just as the men's, four teams competing for the title.

The men's championship kicks off with hosts and five-time winners Korea Republic meeting China PR on Monday.

Kulbyte hails Uzbekistan’s resilience after sealing continental return

Sun, 06 Jul, 2025

Kulbyte hails Uzbekistan’s resilience after sealing continental return

Tashkent: Uzbekistan head coach Kotryna Kulbyte praised her players’ resilience and character after they overcame a red card and a spirited Nepal fightback to book their place in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ with a dramatic 4-2 win on penalties on Saturday.

In what proved to be a thrilling finale to Group F, the hosts looked to be cruising after taking a 2-0 lead by the 40th minute, but the game turned on its head after Nozimakhon Ergasheva’s sending off in first half stoppage time. 

Nepal took full advantage, with forward Sabitra Bhandari netting a hat-trick to force a 3-3 draw and sending the match to a penalty shootout as the sides were tied on points and goal difference. Uzbekistan, however, were perfect from the spot while Sabitra and goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar failed to convert for Nepal as the Central Asian side finished top of Group F.

Chinese Taipei deserved qualification, says Chan

Sun, 06 Jul, 2025

Chinese Taipei deserved qualification, says Chan

Tangerang Regency: Three-time champions Chinese Taipei confirmed their spot at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ after beating Indonesia 2-1 in their Qualifiers Group D decider on Saturday.

Head coach Chan Hiu Meng believes that Chinese Taipei’s achievement in securing a second straight Finals appearance is one that is warranted given the drive and focus that the squad has shown towards this path.

Chettri envisions bright future for India

Sun, 06 Jul, 2025

Chettri envisions bright future for India

Chiang Mai: India sealed their place at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Thailand on Saturday with head coach Crispin Chettri attributing the qualification to long-term development.

Sangita Basfore was the star on Saturday, scoring both goals to ensure India finished top of Group B with a perfect record of 12 points, leaving former champions Thailand to miss out on a place in the Finals.

Torcaso proud as Philippines meet all targets

Sun, 06 Jul, 2025

Torcaso proud as Philippines meet all targets

Phnom Penh: Head coach Mark Torcaso was a happy man after the Philippines kept their winning run going by beating Hong Kong, China 1-0 to book their place at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

The Australian had set several targets for the Philippines going into the Qualifiers and was pleased that his players achieved every single one of them as they topped Group G with a perfect nine points. 

Vietnam’s Mai attributes progress to tactical discipline

Sun, 06 Jul, 2025

Vietnam’s Mai attributes progress to tactical discipline

Viet Tri: Head coach Mai Duc Chung was full of praise for Vietnam’s tactical discipline after the Southeast Asian side booked their place at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ with a commanding 4-0 victory over Guam on Saturday.

The win meant a 10th successive appearance at the Finals, with Vietnam topping Group E of the Qualifiers with a perfect nine points.