Vine lands in Melbourne; Cho heads to Spain

Wed, 12 Aug, 2026

Vine lands in Melbourne; Cho heads to Spain

Kuala Lumpur: Melbourne City FC have secured one of Australian football’s most recognisable names, with Matildas star Cortnee Vine signing with the club for the 2026/27 campaign.

The 28-year-old Vine returned home following two seasons in the United States with North Carolina Courage in the National Women’s Soccer League.

Djimsiti joins Diriyah; Dewa United add Ripal

Tue, 11 Aug, 2026

Djimsiti joins Diriyah; Dewa United add Ripal

Kuala Lumpur: Albania international Berat Djimsiti has swapped Atalanta for Saudi Arabia’s Pro League side Diriyah, while Dewa United continued their squad overhaul with the signing of Indonesian midfielder Ripal Wahyudi.

Persita Tangerang, Bhayangkara Presisi Lampung FC, Garudayaksa FC and Isenmulang Kalteng FC were also active.

Sano makes PSV step up

Mon, 10 Aug, 2026

Sano makes PSV step up

Kuala Lumpur: Japan international Kodai Sano’s upward trajectory continues after the central midfielder moved from NEC Nijmegen to PSV Eindhoven.

Three seasons with NEC saw the 22-year-old become a regular with 84 appearances and the former Fagiano Okayama player will now ply his trade under new boss Peter Bosz.

PS: Al Jazira FSC (UAE) 1-4 Al Ittihad Club (KSA)

Wed, 12 Aug, 2026

PS: Al Jazira FSC (UAE) 1-4 Al Ittihad Club (KSA)

Abu Dhabi: Al Ittihad Club powered to a 4-1 win against Al Jazira FSC to secure their place in the league phase of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium on Tuesday.

Steven Bergwijn starred with a brace, with further goals from Houssem Aouar and Marwan Al Sahafi sealing the win for the Saudi Pro League side. Simon Banza netted a late consolation for UAE’s Al Jazira.

PS: Pakhtakor (UZB) 3-0 Al Hussein (JOR)

Wed, 12 Aug, 2026

PS: Pakhtakor (UZB) 3-0 Al Hussein (JOR)

Tashkent: Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor cruised into the League Stage of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ after overpowering Al Hussein of Jordan 3-0 at the Pakhtakor Stadium on Tuesday.

Dostonbek Khamdamov’s brace and a solo effort by Bashar Rasan ensured Pakhtakor will take part for the 20th time in the continental showpiece. 

PS: Gangwon FC (KOR) 0-1 Gamba Osaka (JPN)

Tue, 11 Aug, 2026

PS: Gangwon FC (KOR) 0-1 Gamba Osaka (JPN)

Gangneung: Gamba Osaka secured their place in the league phase of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ on Tuesday as Gaku Nawata’s extra-time strike earned the J1 League side a 1-0 win over hosts Gangwon FC from Korea Republic.

Nawata scored 13 minutes into extra-time for the reigning AFC Champions League Two™ title-holders after neither side had managed to find a way through during the regulation 90 minutes.

Osaka will join compatriots Kashima Antlers, Vissel Kobe, Kashiwa Reysol and Kyoto Sanga in the draw for the league phase, which has been expanded from 24 to 32 teams, in Kuala Lumpur on August 18.

Gangwon were eliminated despite dominating for long periods against a Gamba side that exhibited obvious signs of rustiness in a match that was played after just one week of action in the new J1 League season.