Westwood rues Hong Kong, China’s missed opportunity

Wed, 15 Oct, 2025

Westwood rues Hong Kong, China’s missed opportunity

Hong Kong: Ashley Westwood did not hide his disappointment after Hong Kong, China were held to a 1-1 draw by Bangladesh in their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round Group C tie on Tuesday.

Victory would have placed the East Asian side within touching distance of the Finals but Rakib Hussain's 84th minute goal meant the spoils were shared, with captain Matt Orr having given Hong Kong, China the lead in the 36th minute much to the delight of the more than 45,000 fans in the Kai Tak Stadium.

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Focused Malaysia make Cklamovski proud

Wed, 15 Oct, 2025

Focused Malaysia make Cklamovski proud

Kuala Lumpur: Peter Cklamovski was delighted with his team’s response after Malaysia came from behind to register a comprehensive 5-1 win against Laos in their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round Group F tie on Tuesday.

The home side’s perfect record looked to be under threat after Laos took the lead through Chanthavixay Khounthoumphone in the 19th minute but Malaysia roared in the second half with a brace from Romel Morales, Faisal Halim and Paulo Josue. Khammanh Thapaseut added to their haul with an own goal.

Singapore comeback thrills Lee

Wed, 15 Oct, 2025

Singapore comeback thrills Lee

Goa: Head coach Gavin Lee applauded his team’s resilience after Singapore reversed a deficit to beat India 2-1 in their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round Group C tie on Tuesday.

Song Ui-yong netted both goals as the Southeast Asian team drew level on eight points with Hong Kong, China, with the sides clashing on November 18 in a winner-takes-all showdown. 

Mixed feelings for Vietnam’s Kim

Wed, 15 Oct, 2025

Mixed feelings for Vietnam’s Kim

Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam head coach Kim Sang-sik was left with mixed feelings after his side edged Nepal 1-0 in their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round Group F tie on Tuesday.

Inclement weather caused a 30-minute delay to the start of the match at Thong Nhat Stadium with Kim blaming the difficult conditions and poor finishing as the reasons for not achieving a bigger win.

Qualifiers - Final Round: MD4 Results & Reports

Wed, 15 Oct, 2025

Qualifiers - Final Round: MD4 Results & Reports

Kuala Lumpur: Syria were the biggest winners as Matchday Four of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round concluded on Tuesday.

The West Asian side turned on the power in the second half to defeat Myanmar 3-0 to assure themselves the Group E top spot and confirm qualification irrespective of what happens in the remaining two matchdays.

Several other sides also took huge steps towards the Finals and will be eagerly awaiting Matchday Five, which will be played on November 18.

Stay with the-AFC.com for all the latest action.

We deserved to qualify, says Qatar's Lopetegui

Wed, 15 Oct, 2025

We deserved to qualify, says Qatar's Lopetegui

Doha: Julen Lopetegui paid tribute to his players and the fans after Qatar booked their ticket to the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday.

A 2-1 win over the United Arab Emirates confirmed the two-time AFC Asian Cup™ winners' first ever FIFA World Cup appearance through the Qualifiers with Lopetegui expressing his pride in his players' never-say-die attitude.