ASEAN Domestic Wrap: Ceres Negros complete league-cup double

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

ASEAN Domestic Wrap: Ceres Negros complete league-cup double

Kuala Lumpur: Ceres Negros rounded off a near perfect season in the Philippines by defeating Kaya FC-Iloilo on Saturday to lift the 2019 Copa Paulino Alcantara as they also ended their domestic season unbeaten. 

Elsewhere across Southeast Asia, two wins in a week have eased Persija Jakarta’s relegation fears in Indonesia, while Brisbane Roar completed a stunning comeback to deal A-League leaders Melbourne City a first loss of the season.

For all the action in the Philippines, Indonesia and Australia, here’s the-AFC.com’s weekly round-up of the state of play in ASEAN.

Philippines on right track, says Ramsay

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Philippines on right track, says Ramsay

Male: Midfielder Iain Ramsay believes Philippines have peaked at the right time as they prepare for the crucial Asian Qualifiers Group A tie against Syria in the Asian Qualifiers on Tuesday.

Philippines defeated Maldives 2-1 on Thursday, with Ramsay breaking the deadlock in the second half, before John-Patrick Strauss sealed the victory for the Azkals.

The win kept Philippines in the hunt for a place the third round of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifying and a confirmed berth in the AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Finals as they are now tied with China PR with seven points.

Taggart overjoyed as Australia stay perfect

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Taggart overjoyed as Australia stay perfect

Amman: Goal-scoring hero Adam Taggart said Australia executed their game plan to perfection in their 1-0 Asian Qualifiers win over Jordan on Thursday.

Taggart scored after just 12 minutes in Amman, getting on the end of Jackson Irvine’s incisive pass before lifting the ball over the keeper with a classy finish.

Vietnam not there yet despite win over UAE, says Park

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Vietnam not there yet despite win over UAE, says Park

Hanoi: Head coach Park Hang-seo credited Thursday's 1-0 Asian Qualifiers victory against United Arab Emirates as a team effort but warned that Vietnam still have a long, difficult road ahead.

Nguyen Tien Linh’s super strike was the difference as Vietnam held on for victory at My Dinh Stadium on Thursday to move top of Group E, while the UAE dropped to third place with six points from two wins and two defeats.

Vietnam still have four games left in FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 qualification, and their next match is against regional rivals Thailand in Hanoi on Tuesday.

MD6 Preview - Group A: Syria, Philippines primed for decisive clash

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

MD6 Preview - Group A: Syria, Philippines primed for decisive clash

Kuala Lumpur: Syria have a chance to go eight points clear on top of Group A, while the Philippines can put themselves in the thick of the qualification race when the two sides meet in Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers.

Dubai will play host to that fixture, while Guam will travel to Malé for a clash with Maldives as the race to appear at two major tournaments continues.

Australian officials appointed for Mexico-Brazil final

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Australian officials appointed for Mexico-Brazil final

Brasilia: Australia's Chris Beath has been appointed as the fourth official for Sunday's FIFA U-17 World Cup 2019 final between hosts Brazil and Mexico.

Fellow Australian match official Anton Shchetinin will be the Reserve Assistant Referee for the same match which will be played at the Bezerrao Stadium in Brasilia.

Football Federation Australia Chairman and Chair of the FFA Referees committee, Chris Nikou, commended the Australian match officials on their historic achievement.

Rejuvenated Australia progressing to Arnold's expectations

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Rejuvenated Australia progressing to Arnold's expectations

Amman: Australia have travelled to Amman to take on a Jordan side that 10 months ago handed the Socceroos a surprise loss at the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, but head coach Graham Arnold is confident his squad is well placed to avoid a repeat defeat when the teams meet in the Asian Qualifiers on Thursday.

The reversal – courtesy of a goal from Anas Bani Yaseen in Al Ain – saw the Australians begin the defence of their Continental title in disappointing fashion and, although Arnold and his team advanced to the knockout rounds, their campaign was ended in the quarter-finals by hosts the United Arab Emirates.