Hudson delighted as Thailand show resilience to qualify

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Hudson delighted as Thailand show resilience to qualify

Bangkok: Anthony Hudson was a relieved man after Thailand dug deep to overcome Turkmenistan 2-1 to advance to the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ following a pulsating tie at Rajamangala Stadium on Tuesday.

Thailand were staring at elimination with the score tied at 1-1 as Turkmenistan held the better head-to-head record having won the reverse fixture 3-1 but Manuel Bihr’s 89th minute goal turned agony into ecstasy for the War Elephants.

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Stevanovic proud of Tajikistan’s tenacity

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Stevanovic proud of Tajikistan’s tenacity

Hisor: Head coach Goran Stevanovic hailed Tajikistan’s collective spirit after his side sealed qualification for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, stressing that unity and belief proved decisive in a hard-fought campaign.

A tense 1-1 draw against the Philippines in their final Group A qualifying tie at the Hisor Central Stadium on Tuesday sent Tajikistan through, with Sheriddin Boboev’s first-half equaliser securing the crucial point. 

The result saw both teams finishing on 14 points, with Tajikistan advancing with a superior goal difference.

Qualifiers - Final Round: MD6 Results & Reports

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Qualifiers - Final Round: MD6 Results & Reports

Kuala Lumpur: Tajikistan and Thailand booked their tickets to the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ after topping their respective groups in the final round of the Qualifiers on Tuesday.

Tajikistan took the Group A top spot after coming from behind to force a 1-1 draw with the Philippines, with the Central Asian side advancing thanks to a superior goal difference.

Thailand left it late in their Group D decider against Turkmenistan, with the Southeast Asian side scoring in the 89th minute to clinch a 2-1 win.

Tajikistan and Thailand join Singapore (Group C), Syria (Group E) and Vietnam (Group F) at the Finals, which will also feature the 18 teams from the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26. The team from Group B, meanwhile, will be decided in June with Lebanon and Yemen to square off for the top spot.

Japan stun England; wins for Australia, IR Iran

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Japan stun England; wins for Australia, IR Iran

Kuala Lumpur: Japan made history with their first ever win against England as Kaoru Mitoma sealed a 1-0 victory in Tuesday's international friendly at Wembley.

There were also wins for fellow FIFA World Cup-bound Australia and Islamic Republic of Iran. Jordan played to a draw with Nigeria while Korea Republic and Saudi Arabia suffered defeats.

Preview - Group B: Korea Republic v Uzbekistan

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Preview - Group B: Korea Republic v Uzbekistan

Nonthaburi: Both Korea Republic and Uzbekistan will head into their AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ Group B tie on Thursday brimming with confidence.

Eyeing a third title after triumphs in 2004 and 2013, Korea Republic head coach Park Youn Jeong is welcoming the opportunity for the young Taeguk Ladies to gain valuable experience while also showcasing their talent on the continental stage.

Preview - Group C: Australia v Chinese Taipei

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Preview - Group C: Australia v Chinese Taipei

Pathum Thani: Australia will not make the mistake of underestimating Chinese Taipei when the sides kick off their AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ Group C campaigns on Thursday.

The Young Matildas beat the East Asian side 3-0 in the Qualifiers en route to a perfect three-match run. Australia, who finished third in the last edition, also boast a superior head-to-head record, winning their previous encounters in 2009 and 2024.