Japan impress; frustration for Australia

Sat, 10 Oct, 2026

Japan impress; frustration for Australia

Kuala Lumpur: Japan produced a five-star performance as they handed Haiti a 5-1 defeat in their international women’s friendly on Friday.

Strikes from Kiko Seike (26th), Maika Hamano (33rd) and Yui Hasegawa (38th) gave the Asian champions a 3-1 lead at the break before Remina Chiba (57th) and Maya Hijikata (81st) put further shine on the victory.

Russia too strong for India

Fri, 09 Oct, 2026

Russia too strong for India

Kolkata: India suffered a 4-0 defeat to Russia in their women’s international friendly at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on Thursday.

Iana Sheina gave Russia the lead shortly before the break before substitute Kira Petukhova struck twice in five second-half minutes, with Iana Svistunova completing the victory nine minutes from time.  

Player to watch: Omar Khrbin (SYR)

Thu, 08 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Omar Khrbin (SYR)

Kuala Lumpur: Proven striker Omar Khrbin will be central to Syria’s hopes when the Qasioun Eagles compete for continental glory at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

The 2017 AFC Player of the Year – the first Syria footballer to win the award - combines fluid movement, composure and an eye for goal and remains one of his country’s most influential attacking players.

Player to watch: Mehdi Taremi (IR Iran)

Thu, 08 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Mehdi Taremi (IR Iran)

Kuala Lumpur: Talismanic striker Mehdi Taremi will look to end more than 50 years of AFC Asian Cup™ near-misses and disappointment for the Islamic Republic of Iran in Saudi Arabia 2027™ when the widely-travelled forward seeks to lead his nation to their first title since 1976.

The 34-year-old is already considered one of his nation’s finest-ever players, forging a successful career at the highest level in European club football as well as scoring at the FIFA World Cup.

#U17WAC Qualifiers - MD2 Results & Reports

Fri, 09 Oct, 2026

#U17WAC Qualifiers - MD2 Results & Reports

Kuala Lumpur: It will be battles to the finish following the conclusion of Matchday Two of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2027™ Qualifiers on Thursday.

All eight groups will be decided on Sunday, with only the group winners advancing to join the quartet of teams that have qualified directly as the top four finishers from 2026: defending champions DPR Korea, runners-up Japan, and semi-finalists Australia and China PR.

Stay updated on all the action with the-AFC.com.

Japan consolidate as Asia’s best

Thu, 08 Oct, 2026

Japan consolidate as Asia’s best

Kuala Lumpur: Japan strengthened their position as the top side in Asia following the latest updates to the FIFA World Ranking released on Wednesday.

The East Asian nation stayed in 17th spot after playing four matches in the September-October international window where they won against Uruguay, Venezuela and New Zealand as well as drawing with Ecuador.