Koln snap up Okon-Engstler, Dahal joins Al Hilal

Fri, 24 Jul, 2026

Koln snap up Okon-Engstler, Dahal joins Al Hilal

Kuala Lumpur: Australian international Paul Okon-Engstler secured a move to German Bundesliga club FC Koln on a four-year deal on Thursday.

Four-time Asian champions Al Hilal SFC, meanwhile, have inked a deal with rising talent Sabri Dahal, signing the youngster from fellow Saudi Pro League, Al Fayha.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3185170

Masoud strengthens Al Ahli; Okuma joins Aston Villa

Thu, 23 Jul, 2026

Masoud strengthens Al Ahli; Okuma joins Aston Villa

Kuala Lumpur: Saudi Arabia midfielder Naif Masoud has joined Al Ahli Saudi FC on a four-year contract while Japan goalkeeper Akane Okuma has completed a move to English Women’s Super League side Aston Villa.

The 25-year-old Masoud arrives from Al Fateh and becomes Al Ahli’s fifth addition of the transfer window, following Abubakar Sidi Kinteh, Francisco Trincao, Eduard Spertsyan and Mishal Al Mutairi.

New settings for Furuhashi, Mohammadi, McNamara

Wed, 22 Jul, 2026

New settings for Furuhashi, Mohammadi, McNamara

Kuala Lumpur: Japan international forward Kyogo Furuhashi has joined Major League Soccer outfit LA Galaxy, the club announced on Wednesday.

Islamic Republic of Iran defender Milad Mohammadi will play his club football at Belarus club FC ML Vitebsk with Australian international Holly McNamara joining English side Everton in the Women’s Super League.

Moriyasu to stay on for Saudi Arabia 2027, to be replaced by Oiwa

Thu, 23 Jul, 2026

Moriyasu to stay on for Saudi Arabia 2027, to be replaced by Oiwa

Kuala Lumpur: Hajime Moriyasu will remain as Japan head coach until the conclusion of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ when he will be replaced by current Olympic team coach Go Oiwa, the Japan Football Association announced on Thursday.

Moriyasu will make a third attempt to lead Japan to the continental title at the Finals in Saudi Arabia in January and February after securing a runners-up finish in 2019 and exiting the competition in the quarter-finals in 2023.

He will then stand down from the post he has held since 2018, when he replaced Akira Nishino as Japan head coach in the aftermath of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Finals in Russia.

Asian Review: Iraq

Thu, 23 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Iraq

Kuala Lumpur: Iraq knew from the start that their return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 40 years would be a huge challenge.

Drawn in Group I, the West Asian side had France, Norway and Senegal to contend with and despite losing all three matches, Graham Arnold was proud with the determination and grit shown by his players.

Preview - Stage set for battle for regional supremacy

Wed, 22 Jul, 2026

Preview - Stage set for battle for regional supremacy

Kuala Lumpur: Southeast Asia’s finest will go all out to achieve glory with Vietnam looking to defend the title won in 2024 when the ASEAN Championship 2026 kicks off on Friday.

Vietnam will have to navigate through a tough Group A comprising fellow AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ qualifiers Singapore and Indonesia with Cambodia and Timor-Leste completing the cast.

In Group B, Thailand head the cast with Malaysia, Philippines, Myanmar and Laos also aiming for a spot in the knockout stage.