Central Asian Domestic Wrap: Region’s defending champions reign supreme 

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Central Asian Domestic Wrap: Region’s defending champions reign supreme 

Bishkek: 2020 may be a distinctly different footballing year than the one which preceded it, but history looks set to likely to repeat itself in the leagues of Central Asia, with the champions of 2019 retaining an iron grip on leagues in Uzbekistan, Islamic Republic of Iran and Tajikistan.

Join the-AFC.com for all the key results and news from Samarkand to Shiraz.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/afc_cup_2019_-_action_19_1.html

Catley: 2023 will change the game forever in Australia

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Catley: 2023 will change the game forever in Australia

Melbourne: Australia’s vice-captain Steph Catley is set to play in her third FIFA Women’s World Cup on home soil after Australia and New Zealand were recently announced as co-hosts for the 2023 edition. Typically one of the first names on the Matildas’ teamsheet, the personable and articulate 26-year-old has enjoyed additional spotlight of late as one of the faces of the bid.

Catley was then in the headlines again after being named as a new recruit for English high-flyers Arsenal, where she will link with a familiar coach in fellow Melburnian Joe Montemurro.

Already with a nearly a decade of international experience on her CV, the left-sided attacking full-back is set to be at the peak of her career when the world’s elite head Down Under in three years time.

Before her departure for North London, Catley spoke to FIFA.com about her emotions when the 2023 hosting rights were announced, France 2019 experiences, her expectations for a home World Cup and the newest chapter in her club career.

The best Asian team at the FIFA World Cup announced!

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

The best Asian team at the FIFA World Cup announced!

Kuala Lumpur: Over the past four weeks, we've taken a trip down memory lane to recall some of the greatest performances seen by Asia's footballers at the FIFA World Cup.

With the aim of finding out the fans' all-time favourite team, the-AFC.com has presented a number of candidates who have all excelled at the World Cup over the years, contributing considerably to their respective countries' success at the global showpiece.

And after you have voted in your tens of thousands, Asia's Best XI at the FIFA World Cup can now be revealed, while an XI by OPTA, the official statistics provider for the AFC, is also included as a comparison.

Oman legend Al Habsi shares motivational message to youths at e-Goal

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Oman legend Al Habsi shares motivational message to youths at e-Goal

Kuala Lumpur: Former Oman national goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi, one of the Continent’s most renowned shot stoppers made a special appearance on the fifth day of the e-Goal programme by sharing his inspiring football journey to the Youth Social Responsibility Ambassadors.

Al Habsi, the first player from Oman to play in the English Premier League and to win the FA Cup with Wigan Athletic in 2013, gave a motivational talk of how footballers can make a lasting impact on communities by using the power of the sport.

ACL Legends: Syria

Tue, 30 Nov, -0001

ACL Legends: Syria

Kuala Lumpur: Having revisited legends from Australia, Japan, Korea Republic, Saudi Arabia, Islamic Republic of Iran and the UAE, the latest part of the series looks at five players from Syria who have left a mark on the AFC Champions League.

While the last appearance of Syrian clubs in the AFC Champions League dates all the way back to 2008, players from the Eastern Mediterranean nation have continued to make an impact in the competition with clubs from across West Asia.

The Best ACL2017 XI announced!

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

The Best ACL2017 XI announced!

Kuala Lumpur: After more than 200,000 votes, the fans' Best XI from the 2017 AFC Champions League has been decided with an exciting array of talent making the final line-up.

The 2017 AFC Champions League was full of thrills and spills with breathtaking matches and standout performers and now, after taking a trip down memory lane in recent weeks, we present the 'Dream Team' as voted by you, the fans.

Below are the 11 players who made the cut on the public polls on the-AFC.com, while an XI by OPTA, the official statistics provider for the AFC, is also included as a comparison.

Magical Moments: Japan’s 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup glory

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Magical Moments: Japan’s 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup glory

Kuala Lumpur: When it comes to global triumphs, few have been more emotive than Japan’s thrilling defeat of the United States of America in the final of the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

While Saki Kumagai’s winning penalty in a tense shootout sparked scenes of incredible joy in Frankfurt, those celebrating were just as quick to reflect on the thousands of lives lost just over three months earlier when a deadly earthquake and tsunami rocked the north-eastern coast of Japan.