Korea Republic hold United States to goalless stalemate

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Korea Republic hold United States to goalless stalemate

Kansas City: Korea Republic held world champions United States of America 0-0 in an international friendly at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, on Thursday.

The draw is a boost for Korea Republic ahead of the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022 as they ended World No 1 Unites States' winning home streak of 22 matches.

A win, however, continues to elude Korea Republic as Thursday's result took their record to four draws and 10 losses against the Americans.

Vote for your Best Goal of the 2021 AFC Champions League Quarter and Semi-Finals

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Vote for your Best Goal of the 2021 AFC Champions League Quarter and Semi-Finals

Kuala Lumpur: The 2021 AFC Champions League finalists have been confirmed after an action-packed few days which saw both the quarter-finals and the semi-finals held in Saudi Arabia and Korea Republic.

The six games produced some incredible drama with sizzling action, penalty shootouts and, of course, some stunning goals. The-AFC.com has selected five of the best and ask you, the fans, to vote for your favourite at the foot of the article.

Grant: Pohang Steelers have the belief to go all the way

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Grant: Pohang Steelers have the belief to go all the way

Jeonju: An emotional Alex Grant hailed Pohang Steelers’ ‘amazing achievement’ after a penalty shootout win over arch-rivals and holders Ulsan Hyundai saw the Australian defender and his teammates into the 2021 AFC Champions League final.

Following a goalless first half, the defending champions took the lead on 52 minutes via Yun Il-lok’s close-range finish but after captain Won Du-jae’s 68th minute sending off Pohang took full advantage of their numerical superiority with Grant rising highest to head home the equaliser a minute before normal time.

Grant’s fellow defender Dave Bulthuis then missed the opening spot-kick for Ulsan with the remainder of the penalties coolly converted by both sides leaving captain Kang Sang-woo to net the winner for Pohang.

Nasaf's Berdiev congratulates players, but warns of Alikulov absence

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Nasaf's Berdiev congratulates players, but warns of Alikulov absence

Nasaf: Head coach Ruzikul Berdiev congratulated his FC Nasaf players on reaching the 2021 AFC Cup final, but warned that they may need to play the decider without Khusniddin Alikulov, after Wednesday’s 3-2 extra-time win over Lee Man of Hong Kong.

Strong favourites to advance in front of a 10,000-strong crowd at Markaziy Stadium, the Uzbekistan Super League side looked a class above in the first half, going ahead within four minutes through a Fernando Recio own goal before Khusain Norchaev doubled the lead with his seventh goal of the tournament. 

But Lee Man refused to wilt, and managed to force extra-time after goals from Gil Martins and Jose Angel, before substitute Andrija Kaluđerović delivered the decisive goal in the 106th minute to spark jubilant scenes of celebration.

AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ set to inspire young girls

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ set to inspire young girls

New Delhi: The impending football fever in India is fast approaching for Asia’s flagship tournament for women’s football - the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™, which is set to commence on January 20 next year. 

The best 12 teams from the Continent will battle it out for the top honours in the competition which will be played across Navi Mumbai, Mumbai and Pune till February 6, 2022.
 
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC), which unveiled ‘Our Goal for All’ as the official tagline of the prestigious tournament on the 100 days to go milestone date, have confirmed 10 teams for the competition and two more teams will be finalised this week. 

Bahrain end Laos' qualifying dream after stalemate

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Bahrain end Laos' qualifying dream after stalemate

Manama: Laos’ bid to reach the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 came to an end, while Bahrain kept their hopes alive as the two sides played out a goalless draw at Khalifa Sports City Stadium on Thursday.

Playing in the second of their two fixtures in the three-team Group A, Laos couldn’t find the big win they needed to stay in contention following Monday’s 4-0 defeat to Chinese Taipei.
 
The result is more useful for group hosts Bahrain, who avoided defeat in their first appearance of these qualifiers, meaning they can still qualify for the first AFC Women’s Asian Cup if they beat Chinese Taipei in Sunday’s group finale.

Myanmar breeze past Guam to close in on Finals

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Myanmar breeze past Guam to close in on Finals

Bishkek: Myanmar are on the verge of sealing a place at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 thanks to a 8-0 victory over Guam on Thursday.

Win Theingi Tun scored twice and lit up Dolen Omurzakov Stadium with a virtuoso performance that included a direct involvement in six out of the eight goals as Myanmar surged three points clear at the top of the Group D standings with one Matchday remaining.
 
The result means Tin Myint Aung’s side will simply need to avoid defeat against United Arab Emirates on Sunday to qualify for the continental Finals, a feat they last achieved in 2014.

Lebanon defeat UAE to revive qualification hopes

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Lebanon defeat UAE to revive qualification hopes

Bishkek: Lebanon kept their AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 qualification hopes alive with a 1-0 win over United Arab Emirates at Dolen Omurzakov Stadium on Thursday.

In a game of few chances, a Syntia Salha strike early in the second half proved decisive for the youthful Lebanese outfit, who atoned somewhat for Monday’s 4-0 loss to Myanmar by claiming only their second ever win in AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifying.

Despite Wednesday’s victory, Lebanon still need to defeat Guam on Sunday, and see at least one other result fall their way, if they are to reach the Finals as Group D winners, while UAE also remain in contention despite their defeat, with both sides on three points after two matches.

Young stars ready for action at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2022™ Qualifiers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Young stars ready for action at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2022™ Qualifiers

Kuala Lumpur: The stage is set for Asia’s future stars to shine when the AFC U23 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2022™ Qualifiers kick off on Saturday in centralised venues.

With the excitement building up, 39 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Member Associations (MAs) will be vying for 15 available spots to join host Uzbekistan at the keenly anticipated AFC U23 Asian Cup in 2022, which will be staged in the Central Zone for the first time in Asian football history.

IR Iran remain Asia's top side, Indonesia surge in latest FIFA World Ranking

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

IR Iran remain Asia's top side, Indonesia surge in latest FIFA World Ranking

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran remain number one  with the top five Asian sides unchanged in the latest FIFA World Ranking issued on Thursday.

Saudi Arabia were rewarded for their fine form in the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar, rising seven spots to 49 following impressive victories over Japan (1-0) and China PR (3-2) in October.

Indonesia were Asia’s biggest movers, climbing 10 spots to 165 after defeating Chinese Taipei 2-1 and 3-0 in the AFC Asian Cup China 2023 qualification playoff