IR Iran, UAE, Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait claim victories

Wed, 29 Mar, 2023

IR Iran, UAE, Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait claim victories

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran defeated Kenya 2-1, while United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait also registered wins in Wednesday’s international friendlies.

Saudi Arabia, meanwhile fell to a 2-1 defeat against Bolivia, while Uzbekistan played to a 1-1 stalemate against Venezuela. India defeated Kyrgyz Republic to finish top of a three-nation tournament. 

One Month to the Final - How They're Shaping Up: Al Hilal SFC

Tue, 28 Mar, 2023

One Month to the Final - How They're Shaping Up: Al Hilal SFC

Riyadh: Next week marks exactly one year since new signing Michael made the difference for Al Hilal SFC in a 2-1 scrappy win over Sharjah FC which launched their AFC Champions League™ and set them on a journey that is set to culminate in a third final date with Urawa Red Diamonds.

It has been a ride full of ups and downs for Asia’s most decorated club who are aiming to extend their record to five AFC Champions League titles, while preventing their final opponents from closing the gap to one title.
 
With just a month to go until the resumption of one of Asia’s greatest club rivalries when the first leg takes place at King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, and having looked at how things are shaping up at Urawa, the-AFC.com reviews the status quo at King Fahd International Stadium.

One Month To The Final – How They're Shaping Up: Urawa Red Diamonds

Tue, 28 Mar, 2023

One Month To The Final – How They're Shaping Up: Urawa Red Diamonds

Saitama: It’s been more than seven months since Urawa Red Diamonds defeated Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors on penalties to book their ticket to a fourth AFC Champions League™ final and, as it subsequently turned out, a third meeting with Al Hilal SFC in the showpiece event in the past six editions. 

Much has changed in that time, with a host of arrivals and departures at the Saitama club who, like their opponents, are aiming to become the first three-time winners of the competition in the AFC Champions League era, although the Saudi side did win a further two Asian Club Championships prior to 2002-03.
 
With just a month to go until the resumption of one of Asia’s greatest club rivalries when the first leg takes place at King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh on April 29, the-AFC.com takes a look at how the two clubs are shaping up, starting with Urawa. 

#ACBeachSoccer Thailand 2023: In Numbers

Wed, 29 Mar, 2023

#ACBeachSoccer Thailand 2023: In Numbers

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2023 will be remembered for producing high drama and breathtaking goals over 32 matches with Islamic Republic of Iran winning a record-equalling third title in Pattaya.

With the sun settling on the Jomtien Beach Arena, the-AFC.com highlights some interesting facts and figures that caught the eye throughout the tournament.

Renard steps down as Saudi Arabia head coach

Wed, 29 Mar, 2023

Renard steps down as Saudi Arabia head coach

Riyadh: Herve Renard has resigned as Saudi Arabia head coach, the country's football federation announced on Tuesday.

Frenchman Renard, 54, took the Green Falcons to a memorable FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 group stage victory over Argentina in November.

Australia, Japan, Korea Republic suffer narrow defeats

Wed, 29 Mar, 2023

Australia, Japan, Korea Republic suffer narrow defeats

Kuala Lumpur: Korea Republic slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Uruguay while Japan and Australia also lost by the same scoreline to Colombia and Ecuador respectively as the trio were beaten by South American opposition in Tuesday’s international friendlies.

Malaysia, meanwhile, defeated Hong Kong 2-0, Bangladesh fell 1-0 to Seychelles, Nepal scored a last gasp equaliser to force a 1-1 draw against Bhutan as did Indonesia in a 2-2 stalemate with Burundi.