Lee wants history-makers Singapore to inspire pride and growth

Thu, 06 Aug, 2026

Lee wants history-makers Singapore to inspire pride and growth

Riyadh: Trailing by a goal in their penultimate fixture of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round, Singapore’s hopes were fading fast in front of a near-capacity home crowd.

Defeat to Hong Kong, China in the winner-takes-all showdown would eliminate the Lions via the head-to-head criterion and extend an absence from Asia’s crown jewel that dates back to their debut in 1984, while sealing back-to-back qualifications for the home side.

But a two-goal salvo within five minutes saw Gavin Lee’s charges flip the script and stun the hosts, as they held on for a historic victory last November that sealed a maiden qualification on merit to the AFC Asian Cup™.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3186165

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3186167

Prosinecki sees bright future for Kyrgyz football

Mon, 03 Aug, 2026

Prosinecki sees bright future for Kyrgyz football

Riyadh: Robert Prosinecki knew he was stepping into a unique challenge when he accepted the role of Kyrygz Republic head coach.

Convinced by the potential of the Central Asian side, Prosinecki didn’t require much convincing and the 57-year-old Croat is now plotting Kyrgyz Republic’s AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ challenge.

Donis confident of Saudi Arabia's chances

Mon, 03 Aug, 2026

Donis confident of Saudi Arabia's chances

Riyadh: Georgios Donis fully comprehends the weight of the responsibility on his shoulders as he looks to lead Saudi Arabia to their first AFC Asian Cup™ title in more than 30 years in the 2027 edition in January.

Donis, who hails from Greece and was appointed last April ahead of Saudi Arabia’s FIFA World Cup 2026 challenge, believes his long-standing knowledge and experience in West Asia puts him in good stead for what lies ahead.

Abu Jazar wants Palestine to soar higher

Sun, 02 Aug, 2026

Abu Jazar wants Palestine to soar higher

Riyadh: Ihab Abu Jazar is coming close to two years being in charge of the Palestine national team and it has been a period where the head coach can look back on fondly and also be encouraged of what’s to come.

Qualification to the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ was achieved after the West Asian side finished second behind Australia in Group I of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

Tomiyasu joins Kamada at Palace

Sat, 08 Aug, 2026

Tomiyasu joins Kamada at Palace

Kuala Lumpur: Crystal Palace announced the signing of Japan defender Takehiro Tomiyasu on a free transfer on Friday, joining fellow international Daichi Kamada at the Premier League club.

The 27-year-old former Arsenal player is manager Pierre Sage's second signing of the summer transfer window, following the arrival of defender Oscar Mingueza.

Tomiyasu, capable of playing at full-back and centre-back, spent the second half of last season at Dutch giants Ajax.

#ChallengeLeague set for Preliminary Stage showdowns

Tue, 04 Aug, 2026

#ChallengeLeague set for Preliminary Stage showdowns

Kuala Lumpur: Eighteen clubs are ready to do battle in the AFC Challenge League (ACGL) 2026/27™ Preliminary Stage, which kicks off on August 11 (Tuesday).

The quartet of Bangladesh Police FC, Central Stallions FC, Fortis FC and Karketu Dili FC will be making their Continental debuts as they vie for a spot among the winners of the nine single-leg ties—five in the West and four in the East—that will advance to the Group Stage of Asia’s third-tier men’s club competition, previously known as the AFC President’s Cup.