Iniesta has 'big goals' after extending career with Vissel Kobe

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Iniesta has 'big goals' after extending career with Vissel Kobe

Tokyo: Spanish football legend Andres Iniesta said on Friday he wants to "achieve big goals" with Japan's Vissel Kobe after signing a two-year contract extension.

The former Barcelona maestro, who has battled back to action after a serious thigh injury, inked the two-year deal on Tuesday, his 37th birthday.

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/andres_iniesta-vissel_kobe-afp.html

Group E: Ahal sizzle in AFC Cup opener against Ravshan 

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Group E: Ahal sizzle in AFC Cup opener against Ravshan 

Bishkek: Turkmenistan’s FC Ahal took an important step towards the 2021 AFC Cup knockout stage, registering a 3-1 win over FC Ravshan of Tajikistan in their tournament opener at Dolen Omurzakov Staidum on Friday.

Ahal captain Elman Tagayev was the star of the night, scoring twice in the opening 20 minutes, with Gurban Annayev making the points safe for Hojaahmet Arazov’s side after Ravshan's Daler Shomurodov had pulled a goal back from the penalty spot early in the second half.

The Turkmen can seal their place in the knockout stage with a win over Kyrgyz Premier League champions FC Dordoi on Monday, while Ravshan’s defeat means their chances of advancing are no longer totally in their hands.

Group F: Nasaf cruise past Alay to kick off AFC Cup campaign in style

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Group F: Nasaf cruise past Alay to kick off AFC Cup campaign in style

Dushanbe: FC Nasaf of Uzbekistan got their 2021 AFC Cup campaign underway with an emphatic 4-0 win over Kyrgyz Republic's FC Alay on Matchday One of Group F on Friday.

The Uzbek side dominated from start to finish, but were unable to find a break in the opening 45 minutes as Shohmalik Komilov and Marko Stanojevic both hit the crossbar from long range.

Alay’s only chance of the first half came against the run of play as Emmanuel Yaghr broke free from Tijani Belaid’s through pass but with just the goalkeeper to beat, he was unable to apply the finish.

Group F: Altyn Asyr, Khujand share points in AFC Cup cracker

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Group F: Altyn Asyr, Khujand share points in AFC Cup cracker

Dushanbe: Returning fans at Dushanbe’s Central Republican Stadium were treated to a fine display of attacking football as home side FC Khujand played out a 2-2 draw against Turkmenistan powerhouse Altyn Asyr in Group F of the 2021 AFC Cup on Friday.

The draw means it is Uzbekistan’s FC Nasaf who lead the group after Matchday One, having beaten Kyrgyz Republic’s FC Alay 4-0 in the opening match. Altyn Asyr next face Alay on Monday while Khujand play Nasaf later on the same day.

Bahrain set for Ukraine training stint ahead of Asian Qualifiers 

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Bahrain set for Ukraine training stint ahead of Asian Qualifiers 

Manama: Bahrain head coach Helio Sousa has named a 23-player training squad ahead of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023. 

Also scheduled during the final tune-up are two friendly matches, including one against Ukraine in Kiev, as Bahrain gear up for Group C of the Asian Qualifiers.

Japan to meet Jamaica and Serbia in friendlies

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Japan to meet Jamaica and Serbia in friendlies

Tokyo: Japan will play friendly matches against Jamaica and Serbia either side of their final two fixtures in the second round of the Asian Qualifiers, the Japan Football Association has announced.

The new schedule means Hajime Moriyasu’s side will play five matches in 19 days from May 28 to June 15, with three games for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 also on during that period.

Gamba Osaka part ways with Tsuneyasu Miyamoto 

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Gamba Osaka part ways with Tsuneyasu Miyamoto 

Kuala Lumpur: Gamba Osaka have parted company with head coach Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, the 2021 AFC Champions League participants announced on Friday following a disappointing run of results in the J.League.

Miyamoto was appointed to lead the team in 2018 and steered Gamba to a second place finish in last year’s J1 standings, the club’s best showing since 2015. 

But the form of the 2008 AFC Champions League winners dipped markedly this season, recording one win in the first 10 games during which Gamba scored just three goals to leave the club in 18th place in the 20-team division.