Wins for Thailand, Malaysia, Iraq, Saudi Arabia

Fri, 05 Sep, 2025

Wins for Thailand, Malaysia, Iraq, Saudi Arabia

Kuala Lumpur: Thailand, Malaysia, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates all achieved victories in their respective international friendlies as part of their preparations towards important qualifying tournaments.

Malaysia carved out a 2-1 win against Singapore at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium with Stuart Wilkin (24th) and Joao Figueiredo (54th) giving the home side a 2-0 lead before Ilhan Fandi (72nd) pulled a goal back for the visitors.

Both sides are gearing up for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round Matchday Three in October.

Preview - Qualifiers: Matchday Two

Fri, 05 Sep, 2025

Preview - Qualifiers: Matchday Two

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday Two of the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers is set to deliver another round of drama and excitement after a stunning 122 goals lit up the opening day of action, where the early pacesetters were identified.

The-AFC.com takes a look at what’s in store on Matchday Two as the 44 teams resume their campaigns on Saturday.

UAE remain grounded after Guam win

Thu, 04 Sep, 2025

UAE remain grounded after Guam win

Abu Dhabi: Captain Eisa Khalfan praised the United Arab Emirates’ for their collective effort in their 13-0 AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers Group I victory against Guam on Wednesday.

The UAE were in rampant form against 10-man Guam, with Mayed Alkas netting a hat-trick and the Emiratis will aim to maintain their form when they face Hong Kong, China on Saturday.

Bahri pleased with Syria’s persistence

Thu, 04 Sep, 2025

Bahri pleased with Syria’s persistence

Dushanbe: Head coach Maher Bahri acknowledged that Syria’s AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers Group K tie against the Philippines was tougher than expected following their hard-earned 2-1 win on Wednesday.

The win set Syria up nicely for their match against India on Saturday, with the Philippines facing Tajikistan.

Khaydarov demands more from Uzbekistan after opening victory

Thu, 04 Sep, 2025

Khaydarov demands more from Uzbekistan after opening victory

Bishkek: Ravshan Khaydarov had mixed emotions despite former champions Uzbekistan getting their AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers Group E campaign off to a great start on Wednesday.

The Central Asian side defeated Sri Lanka 4-0 but head coach Khaydarov - while praising his charges for displaying good control in the match - felt they were wasteful with the chances created.

Group B: Tajikistan 2-2 IR Iran; Afghanistan 0-0 India

Fri, 05 Sep, 2025

Group B: Tajikistan 2-2 IR Iran; Afghanistan 0-0 India

Hisor: Islamic Republic of Iran finished top of Group B after being held to a 2-2 draw by Tajikistan, to book their place in the final of the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 on Thursday.

Iran advanced with seven points, three ahead of India, whose 0-0 stalemate against Afghanistan means they will face either Oman or Uzbekistan in the third-place playoff.