Japan edge New Zealand

Mon, 05 Oct, 2026

Japan edge New Zealand

Tokyo: Japan ramped up their preparations for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ with a 2-1 win over New Zealand on Monday in the final of a four-team friendly football tournament in Tokyo.

Ritsu Doan scored a 71st-minute winner for Japan after New Zealand's Ben Old cancelled out Ayase Ueda's opener in the first half.

Japan are looking to win the AFC Asian Cup for the first time since 2011 when the tournament kicks off in Saudi Arabia in January.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3195249

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Player to watch: Mohamed Marhoon (BHR)

Sun, 04 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Mohamed Marhoon (BHR)

Kuala Lumpur: Mohamed Marhoon has long been one of Bahrain’s most influential attacking players and the versatile midfielder will again have a major role to play when they compete at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

Comfortable operating as an attacking midfielder or out wide, Marhoon combines creativity with an eye for goal and is an important figure for both club and country.

Player to watch: Eldor Shomurodov (UZB)

Fri, 02 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Eldor Shomurodov (UZB)

Kuala Lumpur: If Uzbekistan are to excel at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, there will be no doubt that Eldor Shomurodov will play a pivotal role in making that happen.

Closing in on a century of caps for the Central Asian side, the forward has already inspired the team to new heights and it will come as no surprise should Uzbekistan make it deep in the upcoming edition.

Player to watch: Oday Dabbagh (Palestine)

Fri, 02 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Oday Dabbagh (Palestine)

Kuala Lumpur: Oday Dabbagh was at the heart of Palestine’s AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ historic run and the prolific forward will once again carry much of the attacking responsibility when they head to Saudi Arabia 2027.

Dabbagh has long been one of Palestine's potent attacking threats, with his composure in front of goal and ability to find space making him a key figure for the West Asian side.

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.

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.