Japan stay as Asia’s top side

Thu, 18 Sep, 2025

Japan stay as Asia’s top side

Kuala Lumpur: Japan maintained their status as Asia’s top side in the latest FIFA Men’s World Ranking released on Thursday, despite slipping two places to sit 19th globally, with the top 10 remaining unchanged.

Kuwait made the biggest jump, moving three spots to 135 and 25th in Asia.

There were also positive moves for Tajikistan (104), Malaysia (123), Turkmenistan (138) and the Philippines – who all improved their global rankings by two spots.

Jesus pleased with Al Nassr’s depth

Thu, 18 Sep, 2025

Jesus pleased with Al Nassr’s depth

Riyadh: Jorge Jesus gave opportunities to fringe players in Al Nassr Club’s opening AFC Champions League Two™ 2025/26 Group D tie against FC Istiklol on Wednesday and came away pleased with what he saw.

A 5-0 win against the Tajikistan side was achieved largely without the presence of key players Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic and Kingsley Coman who were not in the starting XI. Cristiano Ronaldo was not even in the matchday squad.

Shin revels in Ulsan’s winning return

Thu, 18 Sep, 2025

Shin revels in Ulsan’s winning return

Ulsan: Head Shin Tae-yong praised Ulsan HD FC’s perseverance after his side came from behind to edge Chengdu Rongcheng 2-1 in dramatic fashion in their AFC Champions League Elite ™ 2025/26 opener on Wednesday.

The contest swung decisively in the closing minutes with Um Won-sang equalising before Heo Yool struck the winner deep in stoppage time, moments after Chengdu were reduced to 10 men.

Yoshida hails Vissel’s versatility, Port’s Muscat promises improvements

Thu, 18 Sep, 2025

Yoshida hails Vissel’s versatility, Port’s Muscat promises improvements

Shanghai: Vissel Kobe underlined their desire to improve on last season’s bitter exit from the AFC Champions League Elite™ as Takayuki Yoshida’s side kickstarted their 2025/26 campaign with an impressive 3-0 win against Shanghai Port on Wednesday.

Reigning J1 League champions Vissel were in their element at Pudong Football Stadium with an outstanding performance with goals from Erik, Taisei Miyashiro and Yuya Osako that drew plaudits from Yoshida.

Group A: Muharraq Club (BHR) 4-0 Al Wehdat (JOR)

Thu, 18 Sep, 2025

Group A: Muharraq Club (BHR) 4-0 Al Wehdat (JOR)

Arad: Bahrain’s Muharraq Club got their bid for the title off to a winning start with a 4-0 defeat of Jordan’s Al Wehdat in their AFC Champions League Two™ 2025/26 Group A tie on Wednesday.

Elliot Simoes, Arthur Rezende and Lucas Morelatto struck for Muharraq, with an own goal then securing them a richly deserved three points. 

Group D: Al Nassr Club (KSA) 5-0 FC Istiklol (TJK)

Thu, 18 Sep, 2025

Group D: Al Nassr Club (KSA) 5-0 FC Istiklol (TJK)

Riyadh: Al Nassr Club displayed their title ambitions with a 5-0 win against FC Istiklol in their opening AFC Champions League Two™ 2025/26 Group D tie on Wednesday.

The Saudi Arabian side were in a class of their own in a thoroughly dominant performance against the Tajikistan outfit and will be a team to beat in this season’s title race.