Japan stay Asia's best; Brunei Darussalam surge

Thu, 19 Sep, 2024

Japan stay Asia's best; Brunei Darussalam surge

Kuala Lumpur: Japan remain Asia's top side in the latest FIFA World Ranking published on Thursday.

The Samurai Blue, who produced impressive performances in their opening two matches of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26, improved two spots to 16th.

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Oman and Silhavy part ways

Thu, 19 Sep, 2024

Oman and Silhavy part ways

Muscat: The Oman Football Association announced on Thursday the departure of men’s head coach Jaroslav Silhavy by mutual consent. 

The Czech assumed his role in February and guided Oman through to the third round of the Asian Qualifiers but mixed results since has left OFA seeking different avenues. 

Kawasaki’s Marcinho targets title after Ulsan HD win

Thu, 19 Sep, 2024

Kawasaki’s Marcinho targets title after Ulsan HD win

Ulsan: Match winner Marcinho is confident of Kawasaki Frontale’s title chances following their 1-0 win over Korea Republic’s Ulsan HD in their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 tie on Wednesday. 

The Brazilian forward’s second-half strike earned the Japanese side the three points at the Ulsan Munsu World Cup Stadium.

Shanghai’s Muscat, JDT’s Bidoglio happy with shared points

Thu, 19 Sep, 2024

Shanghai’s Muscat, JDT’s Bidoglio happy with shared points

Shanghai: Shanghai Port head coach Kevin Muscat and his Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) counterpart  Hector Bidoglio expressed their satisfaction after the two sides settled for a battling draw in their  AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 tie on Wednesday. 

Malaysia’s JDT twice led through Arif Aiman in a pulsating match at the Pudong Football Stadium only for Shanghai to fight back through goals from Gustavo and Willian Popp.

Arruabarrena confident of Al Taawoun’s chances

Thu, 19 Sep, 2024

Arruabarrena confident of Al Taawoun’s chances

Riffa: Al Taawoun head coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena believes his side are well equipped to challenge for the AFC Champions League Two 2024/25 title after opening their Group B campaign with a 3-2 win against Al Khaldiya on Wednesday. 

Despite the scoreline suggesting otherwise, Saudi Arabia’s Al Taawoun were in full control of the tie at the Bahrain National Stadium.

Kuwait SC’s Jovovic, Nasaf’s Berdiev satisfied despite stalemate

Thu, 19 Sep, 2024

Kuwait SC’s Jovovic, Nasaf’s Berdiev satisfied despite stalemate

Ardiya: While both wanted a win, the point earned from their goalless draw in their AFC Champions League Two™ Group D match was still an acceptable outcome for Kuwait SC’s Nebojsa Jovovic and Ruzikul Berdiev of PFC Nasaf.

In a game littered with chances for both sides, a combination of profligacy in front of goal as well as solid performance from the two goalkeepers meant a share of the points with Shabab Al Ahli Dubai of UAE the early leaders in the group.

Contenders ready for battle in #AFCU20 Qualifiers

Thu, 19 Sep, 2024

Contenders ready for battle in #AFCU20 Qualifiers

Kuala Lumpur: The quest to reach the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 kicks off for 45 teams on September 21 with the Qualifiers for the 42nd edition of the tournament.

To run until September 29, the 10 groups - five of four teams each and five of five – will be contested in a centralised league format. All group winners, along with the five best-placed runners-up, will progress to the final tournament and be joined by 1985 champions China PR, who are hosting for a second time after their first in 2010.

Japan beat Netherlands to set up all-Asian decider

Thu, 19 Sep, 2024

Japan beat Netherlands to set up all-Asian decider

Cali: Japan will meet DPR Korea in the final of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Colombia 2024 after a 2-0 win over the Netherlands in their last four tie on Wednesday.

Manaka Matsukubo scored a second half brace to take Japan into Sunday's showdown, which will be a repeat of the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2024 decider, which DPR Korea won 2-1 in March.

DPR Korea edge United States to make final

Thu, 19 Sep, 2024

DPR Korea edge United States to make final

Cali: DPR Korea edged the United States 1-0 to advance to the final of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Colombia 2024 on Wednesday.

The win took the East Asian side within one match of lifting the trophy for a third time, having emerged champions in 2006 and 2016.

Al Nassr appoint Pioli as head coach

Thu, 19 Sep, 2024

Al Nassr appoint Pioli as head coach

Riyadh: Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr announced on Wednesday the appointment of Stefano Pioli as head coach.

The Italian replaces Luis Castro, who parted ways with the club on Tuesday.