Qualifiers Final Round - MD3: 5 Takeaways

Sat, 11 Oct, 2025

Qualifiers Final Round - MD3: 5 Takeaways

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday Three of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round was a sizzling affair with all 12 matches delivering thrills and spills.

Clear favourites began to emerge while there were also last gasp wins and draws.

The-AFC.com highlights five key takeaways from a pulsating matchday.

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Cuadrat applauds Philippines’ winning mentality

Fri, 10 Oct, 2025

Cuadrat applauds Philippines’ winning mentality

Darwin: Head coach Carles Cuadrat praised his players’ winning mentality after the Philippines powered to a 4-1 win against Timor-Leste in Group A of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round on Thursday.

Bjorn Kristensen scored all four goals as Philippines moved to seven points, with the sides to face off again on Tuesday.

Singapore’s Lee frustrated by India stalemate; Jamil draws confidence

Fri, 10 Oct, 2025

Singapore’s Lee frustrated by India stalemate; Jamil draws confidence

Singapore: Head coach Gavin Lee cut a frustrated figure after 10-man India held his Singapore side to a last gasp 1-1 draw in their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round Group C tie on Thursday. 

The inability to take advantage of Sandesh Jhingan’s sending off two minutes into the second half saw Singapore drop two precious points as Rahim Ali equalised in the 90th minute to cancel out Ikhsan Fandi’s first half opener.

Ishii praises Thailand’s response; Thayaparan salutes Sri Lanka’s collective effort

Fri, 10 Oct, 2025

Ishii praises Thailand’s response; Thayaparan salutes Sri Lanka’s collective effort

Bangkok: Masatada Ishii was full of praise for his Thailand side after they bounced back from their Matchday Two defeat with a 2-0 win against Chinese Taipei in their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round Group D tie on Thursday.

Having lost to Turkmenistan in June, the pressure was high on Ishii and Thailand but second half goals from Seksan Ratree and Chanathip Songkrasin secured victory against Chinese Taipei, with the Japanese tactician pleased with the fighting spirit of his players. 

Playoffs - Preview: Group A: UAE v Oman

Sun, 12 Oct, 2025

Playoffs - Preview: Group A: UAE v Oman

Doha: Oman’s only option will be victory when they face the United Arab Emirates in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Playoffs Group A tie on Saturday.

Carlos Queiroz’s side battled to a goalless draw with Qatar on Wednesday, giving them hope of a first qualification to the FIFA World Cup Finals should they defeat UAE at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.

Playoffs - Preview: Group B: Iraq v Indonesia

Sun, 12 Oct, 2025

Playoffs - Preview: Group B: Iraq v Indonesia

Jeddah: Iraq and Indonesia will lock horns in Group B of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Playoffs on Saturday with both sides needing victory to keep their FIFA World Cup dreams alive.

Iraq are aiming for a long-awaited return to the global stage, while Indonesia know that anything other than a win will end their hopes.