Bell seeks Korea Republic improvements after USA defeat

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Bell seeks Korea Republic improvements after USA defeat

Minnesota: Korea Republic head coach Colin Bell will look to improve his players’ fitness ahead of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 after seeing his side handed a 6-0 loss by the United States just days after holding Vlatko Andonovski’s team to a goalless draw.

The result at the weekend snapped the United States’ run of 22 straight wins at home, but Bell’s side were punished in Minnesota on Tuesday by an American side that scored three times in the final five minutes against the tiring Koreans.

AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022: Know Your Teams

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022: Know Your Teams

Kuala Lumpur: The stage is set for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 draw in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

With the tournament expanded to 12 teams, the sides will be drawn into three groups for the Continental showpiece on January 20-February 6.
 
India qualified as hosts while Japan, Australia and China PR earned automatic spots based on their 2018 finishes. Eight teams advanced from the qualifiers. Join the-AFC.com as we look at the facts and stats of the 12 teams. 

Hwang, Kyogo and four Iranian stars: Vote for AFC International Player of the Week!

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Hwang, Kyogo and four Iranian stars: Vote for AFC International Player of the Week!

Kuala Lumpur: Some of Asia’s top players outside of the continent were at their brilliant best this week, lighting up league and continental competitions alike.

Team Melli’s European-based stars were unstoppable, with Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun both piling on the goals for their respective clubs, while Hwang Hee-chan and Kyogo Furuhashi continued their stunning early days in British football.
 
But who was Asia’s best player outside of the continent for the week just passed?

Study our list of contenders – based on performances from October 19 to 25 – and don’t forget to cast your vote.

Qualifiers - Group E: UAE defeat India to get back on track

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Qualifiers - Group E: UAE defeat India to get back on track

Al Fujairah: United Arab Emirates needed a late goal to defeat India 1-0 in Group E of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2022 Qualifiers at the Fujairah Stadium on Wednesday.

Abdulla Alhammadi coolly slotted home a spot-kick with seven minutes remaining  to give UAE their first victory of their qualifying campaign.

The result leaves the group finely poised with all four teams having won once each following Oman’s 1-0 victory over Kyrgyz Republic earlier on Wednesday.

Qualifiers - Group E: Late strike takes Oman past Kyrgyz Republic

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Qualifiers - Group E: Late strike takes Oman past Kyrgyz Republic

Al Fujairah: Arshad Said Al Alawi’s last minute free-kick saw Oman sneak a 1-0 win over Kyrgyz Republic to revive their AFC U23 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2022 Group E qualifying campaign on Wednesday. 

After 90 intense minutes of end to end action at the Fujairah Stadium, the Omani skipper’s last ditch effort proved to be the difference as the West Asians bounced back from their 2-1 defeat to India.

Qualifiers - Group D: Kuwait see off Bangladesh

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Qualifiers - Group D: Kuwait see off Bangladesh

Tashkent: Kuwait took a positive step forward in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2022 qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bangladesh at the Jar Stadium on Wednesday.

Yousef Alrasheedi scored the only goal of the game with a delightful lob to give Kuwait the three points.

The result means Kuwait lead the standings with a crunch match up next against  Saudi Arabia on Saturday, with the 2020 runners-up having played to a 2-2 draw with Uzbekistan - who are playing in the qualifiers for exposure ahead of hosting the tournament next year.

Qualifiers - Group D: Uzbekistan fight back to hold Saudi Arabia

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Qualifiers - Group D: Uzbekistan fight back to hold Saudi Arabia

Tashkent: Uzbekistan twice came back from a goal down to salvage a 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia in their opening Group D tie of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2020 Qualifiers on Wednesday. 

Twice Saudi Arabia led, only to be pegged back by a gritty Uzbekistan in a pulsating tie which doesn't harm the West Asian side's chances as the 2022 tournament hosts are playing in the Qualifiers for exposure.

Saudi Arabia's real test comes on Saturday when they play Kuwait, who defeated  Bangladesh 1-0 in their opening tie on Wednesday.