Takai inks deal with Tottenham Hotspur

Tue, 08 Jul, 2025

Takai inks deal with Tottenham Hotspur

London: Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the signing of Japan international defender Kota Takai from AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 finalists Kawasaki Frontale.

The 20-year-old, who made his debut for the Samurai Blue in September 2024 and was a key member of the Kawasaki side that reached the final of the continental championship in May, has signed a five-year contract with the Premier League outfit.

Buriram strengthen ahead of new season

Tue, 08 Jul, 2025

Buriram strengthen ahead of new season

Buriram: Buriram United have announced 10 new signings, including Indonesia’s Shayne Pattynama, Thailand defender Elias Dolah and Singapore forward Ilhan Fandi, as the Thai champions strengthen their squad ahead of the new AFC Champions League Elite™ 2025/26 campaign.

The club, who reached the quarter-finals of the 2024/25 edition of the continental championship, also confirmed the arrival of Serbian striker Fejsal Mulic and Thai winger Pathompol Charoenrattanapirom in a bid to bolster Osmar Loss’ squad.

Spaniard Juan Ibiza, Filip Stojkovic from Montenegro, Serbia’s Nemanja Nikolic, German defender Robert Bauer and Robert Zulj, older brother of Buriram United’s Austrian midfielder Peter Zulj, complete the raft of signings made by the club.

#AsianQualifiers - Vote for your best NEOM Future Star

Wed, 09 Jul, 2025

#AsianQualifiers - Vote for your best NEOM Future Star

Kuala Lumpur: A number of youngsters from across the continent dazzled at the recently concluded third round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26. 

Asian football continues to produce talent with huge potential to reach the highest level, with the likes of Lee Kang-in and Takefusa Kubo among those who have earned global recognition in recent years. 
 
After the completion of the third round of AFC Asian Qualifiers, the-AFC.com picks 11 players who impressed for their respective nations and asks you to vote for your favourite rising star. 

Nascimento pleased with Jordan’s strong start

Tue, 08 Jul, 2025

Nascimento pleased with Jordan’s strong start

Amman: Head coach David Nascimento expressed delight after Jordan began their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Qualifiers Group A campaign with a 4-0 victory over Lebanon on Monday,

Taking control from the outset in their Group A opener, Jordan produced an impressive display which will give them confidence ahead for their next fixture against Singapore on Sunday.

Qualifiers - Group A: Lebanon 0-4 Jordan

Tue, 08 Jul, 2025

Qualifiers - Group A: Lebanon 0-4 Jordan

Amman: Jordan cruised to a 4-0 victory over Lebanon in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Qualifiers Group A tie on Monday.

Jordan, who will next play Singapore on Sunday, joined Bhutan on three points. Lebanon will look to bounce back with victory against Bhutan on Thursday. 

Qualifiers - Group A: Bhutan 3-2 Singapore

Mon, 07 Jul, 2025

Qualifiers - Group A: Bhutan 3-2 Singapore

Amman: Bhutan fought back to beat Singapore 3-2 in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Qualifiers Group A match on Monday.

Bhutan will next face Lebanon while Singapore take on Islamic Republic of Iran, with both matches to be played on Thursday.

Korea Republic off to great start

Mon, 07 Jul, 2025

Korea Republic off to great start

Yongin: Korea Republic kickstarted their 2025 (EAFF) E-1 Football Championship campaign with a 3-0 win against China PR on Monday.

Five-time winners of the competition, Hong Myung-bo’s side will next take on Hong Kong, China on Friday while China PR will look to bounce back against Japan on Saturday.

Furuhashi joins Birmingham City

Mon, 07 Jul, 2025

Furuhashi joins Birmingham City

Kuala Lumpur: Japan forward Kyogo Furuhashi has moved to English Championship side Birmingham City, penning a three-year deal with the newly promoted outfit.

Furuhashi has joined City after a disappointing six-month spell with French side Stade Rennes, who he moved to in January after three-and-a-half trophy laden seasons with Celtic in Scotland.

Central, South and West Asia Wrap: Al Ansar close in on Lebanese title; Nasaf keep it late in Uzbekistan

Mon, 07 Jul, 2025

Central, South and West Asia Wrap: Al Ansar close in on Lebanese title; Nasaf keep it late in Uzbekistan

Doha: Al Ansar moved closer to the Lebanese Premier League title with a crucial win over Sagesse while the season came to a close in Iraq.

FC Nasaf struck a late equaliser to maintain their unbeaten run in the Uzbekistan Super League while Paro continued their winning ways in the Bhutan Premier League.
 
Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the past week's domestic action across Central, South and West Asia.

East Asia Wrap: Kashiwa take top spot; Kobe close in

Mon, 07 Jul, 2025

East Asia Wrap: Kashiwa take top spot; Kobe close in

Hong Kong: Kashiwa Reysol moved to the summit of the J1 League after edging FC Tokyo, while defending champions Vissel Kobe capitalised on a double gameweek to close the gap.

In Mongolia, Falcons maintained their lead with back-to-back wins as Khangarid stayed in pursuit. Over in Macau, Must IPO and Shao Jiang continued their title battle in the Championship Group.

Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the past week's domestic action across East Asia.

Kulbyte hails Uzbekistan’s resilience after sealing continental return

Sun, 06 Jul, 2025

Kulbyte hails Uzbekistan’s resilience after sealing continental return

Tashkent: Uzbekistan head coach Kotryna Kulbyte praised her players’ resilience and character after they overcame a red card and a spirited Nepal fightback to book their place in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ with a dramatic 4-2 win on penalties on Saturday.

In what proved to be a thrilling finale to Group F, the hosts looked to be cruising after taking a 2-0 lead by the 40th minute, but the game turned on its head after Nozimakhon Ergasheva’s sending off in first half stoppage time. 

Nepal took full advantage, with forward Sabitra Bhandari netting a hat-trick to force a 3-3 draw and sending the match to a penalty shootout as the sides were tied on points and goal difference. Uzbekistan, however, were perfect from the spot while Sabitra and goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar failed to convert for Nepal as the Central Asian side finished top of Group F.