Div 1: Thailand top Group B; Vietnam to vie for third place

Fri, 02 Oct, 2026

Div 1: Thailand top Group B; Vietnam to vie for third place

Jakarta: Thailand claimed top spot in Group B despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to the Philippines in their FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 Division 1 tie on Thursday.

A second-half comeback saw Vietnam rally to sink a stubborn Pakistan side 4-2 and secure their place in the third place playoff against Malaysia. 

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Player to watch: Issam Sabhi (OMA)

Thu, 01 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Issam Sabhi (OMA)

Kuala Lumpur: Issam Sabhi will be determined to make up for lost time when Oman compete in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ in January.

The Qatar 2023 edition was Sabhi’s first participation in the continental showpiece and the 29-year-old will be out to make his mark for his nation.

Japan triumph; Uzbekistan, Lebanon impress

Fri, 02 Oct, 2026

Japan triumph; Uzbekistan, Lebanon impress

Kuala Lumpur: Japan edged Ecuador 5-4 on penalties after the sides played out a goalless draw in their friendly at International Yokohama Stadium on Thursday.

In Tashkent, Uzbekistan cruised 4-1 past Syria, while Lebanon impressed with a 6-0 victory over Maldives at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium in Bishkek.

Div 1: Indonesia pip Malaysia in Group A to reach decider

Fri, 02 Oct, 2026

Div 1: Indonesia pip Malaysia in Group A to reach decider

Jakarta: There was plenty of drama in the conclusion of Group A of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 as late goals earned Indonesia a spot in the final ahead of Malaysia on Thursday.

Two stoppage time goals saw Indonesia defeat Bangladesh 9-2 to overtake Malaysia - who won 6-0 against Singapore - with both teams finishing on seven points and with the same goal difference but John Herdman's side advanced on goals scored.

#U17WAC Qualifiers cast sets sights on China 2027

Thu, 01 Oct, 2026

#U17WAC Qualifiers cast sets sights on China 2027

Kuala Lumpur: A record number of teams will kickstart their mission to reach the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2027™ on October 5 (Monday), 2026.

The cast of 29 is the largest-ever to be assembled for a Qualifiers—one more than the previous high of 28 for 2019—and will contend for the eight available berths at the 11th edition of the Finals.

Player to watch: Mohammad Daham (KUW)

Thu, 01 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Mohammad Daham (KUW)

Kuala Lumpur: Mohammad Daham has developed into an influential attacking player and will be among the names expected to carry Oman’s hopes at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

Capable of operating across the attacking line, Daham’s rise began with Al Nasr Sporting Club, where his performance during the 2022/23 season propelled him into the national spotlight.