Saudi Arabia women’s team determined to scale greater heights

Thu, 03 Mar, 2022

Saudi Arabia women’s team determined to scale greater heights

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia women’s national team returned home on Tuesday following their international debut with Monika Staab’s squad determined to push harder as they seek the step up to competitive football.

Following their preparatory camp in mid-January, Saudi Arabia embarked on their maiden outing to the Maldives capital, Male, where they defeated Seychelles and hosts Maldives by 2-0 scorelines in their international debut.  

The hard work has just begun for the Philippines, says skipper Hali Long

Thu, 03 Mar, 2022

The hard work has just begun for the Philippines, says skipper Hali Long

Manila: After a historic AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ campaign, Philippines captain Hali Long believes the Madiltas must continue working hard with continental tournaments on the horizon.

The Philippines grew from strength to strength at India 2022 to reach the AFC Women’s Asian Cup semi-finals for the first time and also secured a maiden appearance in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the Southeast Asian side to join the world’s best in Australia/New Zealand 2023. 

AFC Champions League 2022™ (West) Group Stage to be held in Saudi Arabia

Thu, 03 Mar, 2022

AFC Champions League 2022™ (West) Group Stage to be held in Saudi Arabia

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League 2022™ (West) Group Stage centralised matches will be held in Saudi Arabia from April 7 to 27, subject to ratification by the AFC Executive Committee of the AFC Competitions Committee’s decision regarding the Hosting of Centralised Matches in the Group Stage.

Four-time Continental club champions Al Hilal SFC will begin their title defence in the Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh, where the 17-time Saudi Pro League winners will face Group A contenders Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol, Qatar’s Al Rayyan SC as well as the winners of the Playoff Stage match between Sharjah from the United Arab Emirates and Iraqi side Al Zawraa Club.

A Welcome Move: Bienvenido Marañón excited by new challenge at Johor Darul Ta’zim

Wed, 02 Mar, 2022

A Welcome Move: Bienvenido Marañón excited by new challenge at Johor Darul Ta’zim

Johor Bahru: After a goal and trophy-laden seven-year spell, the AFC Cup’s all-time top goalscorer Bienvenido Marañón brought an end to his time in the Filipino top flight with a high profile move to Southeast Asian giants Johor Darul Ta’zim ahead of the 2022 Malaysia Super League season.

The Spanish-born Philippines striker joined the-AFC.com for an exclusive interview to discuss his move to JDT, the upcoming domestic and continental campaigns, and his goals and ambitions for 2022.

Meelarp returns to Thailand’s Port FC

Thu, 03 Mar, 2022

Meelarp returns to Thailand’s Port FC

Bangkok: Thai League 1 club Port FC announced the appointment of Jadet Meelarp as interim head coach on Wednesday ahead of their 2022 AFC Champions League™ campaign.

The experienced Meelarp, who made his name with Chonburi FC after winning the domestic league in 2007, the 2010 Thai FA Cup and two Kor Royal Cup titles in 2007 and 2011, replaces Sarawut Treephan at the helm.

2022 Uzbekistan Super League – 5 things to look for

Wed, 02 Mar, 2022

2022 Uzbekistan Super League – 5 things to look for

Tashkent: The signings have arrived, the kits have been launched and the stadiums prepared as the Uzbekistan Super League resumes for a brand new season in 2022.

Will Navbahor’s pre-season signings bear fruit? Who will emerge as Uzbek football’s new young star on the eve of the AFC U23 Asian Cup, and who, if anyone, can challenge Pakhtakor?

With the season to kick off with two matches on Wednesday night, join the-AFC.com as we look at five talking points for the season ahead in one of Central Asia’s top leagues.

Central Asian trio set for Navruz Cup

Wed, 02 Mar, 2022

Central Asian trio set for Navruz Cup

Tashkent: Uzbekistan will host the national teams of Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uganda in the Navruz Cup this month, after the friendly tournament was announced on Tuesday.

Named after the holiday period celebrated in several nations throughout the region, the event will be held at Namangan’s Markaziy Stadium on a knockout basis, with Uzbekistan to face Kyrgyz Republic on March 25, the same day Tajikistan cross paths with Uganda.

The winners of those matches will then meet in the March 29 final, with the two semi-final losers to play off for third.

AFC Cup winner Kdouh dreams of AFC Champions League place with Al Zawraa

Tue, 01 Mar, 2022

AFC Cup winner Kdouh dreams of AFC Champions League place with Al Zawraa

Baghdad: Three years after leading his childhood club Al Ahed to AFC Cup glory, Lebanese international forward Mohammed Kdouh is eyeing a spot amongst the continent’s top clubs having joined Iraqi powerhouse Al Zawraa.

With the Baghdad based side preparing to face Sharjah FC in the 2022 AFC Champions League playoff on March 16, Kdouh spoke to the-AFC.com about his ambitions for club and country.