Uzbekistan 2027 hopefuls discover qualification path

Thu, 27 Aug, 2026

Uzbekistan 2027 hopefuls discover qualification path

Kuala Lumpur: Teams aiming to vie for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027™ title discovered their Qualifiers challenge following the Draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

The 35 teams were divided into seven groups of five to contest a single round-robin centralised league for the qualifying rounds that run from November 8 to 20, 2026.

The seven group winners will join the nine AFC representatives from the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 who have automatically qualified - Australia, China PR, Japan (defending champions), Korea Republic, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Vietnam - in the Finals.

Dominant Al Ahli delight Pusic

Thu, 27 Aug, 2026

Dominant Al Ahli delight Pusic

Jeddah: Marino Pusic was beaming with pride after Al Ahli Saudi FC produced a dominant performance to stay on course in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup on Wednesday.

Despite only winning 1-0, two-time AFC Champions League Elite™ winners Al Ahli overpowered Auckland FC in their African-Asian-Pacific Cup Playoff at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

Guiagon joins Al Taawoun; Al Hamadi seals Wednesday loan

Thu, 27 Aug, 2026

Guiagon joins Al Taawoun; Al Hamadi seals Wednesday loan

Kuala Lumpur: Cote d’Ivoire International Parfait Guiagon has penned a deal with Saudi Pro League side Al Taawoun FC while Iraq’s Ali Al Hamadi has gone on loan to English outfit Sheffield Wednesday.

Punjab FC strengthened their defence with Patrick Bahanack, Hinata Kida completed a permanent switch to JEF United Ichihara Chiba and Jessika Nash returned to Australia with Melbourne City.

Vietnam hold off Thailand to clinch title

Wed, 26 Aug, 2026

Vietnam hold off Thailand to clinch title

Hanoi: Vietnam retained their ASEAN Championship title on Wednesday as Kim Sang-sik’s side twice battled back to draw 2-2 with Thailand in Hanoi to complete a 4-2 aggregate win over the seven-times champions.

Yotsakon Burapha struck in the 12th minute to pull Thailand back into the tie after losing 2-0 in the first leg in Bangkok but an own goal by Chatchai Bootprom saw Vietnam level in the 52nd minute, three minutes after Thailand’s Kakana Khamyol had fired a penalty over the bar.

 

Wanchai Jarunongkran gave Thailand late hope when he netted in the 84th minute, only to put the ball in his own net with virtually the last kick of the game to hand Vietnam a draw that completed their title defence.

New pastures for Fujio, Al Obud

Wed, 26 Aug, 2026

New pastures for Fujio, Al Obud

Kuala Lumpur: Shota Fujio completed a permanent move to Kashiwa Reysol from FC Machida Zelvia after two seasons with the club.

Over in Saudi Arabia, Abdulrahman Al Oboud was confirmed as Al Shabab FC’s new signing.

Arnold promises a strong Iraq

Wed, 26 Aug, 2026

Arnold promises a strong Iraq

Baghdad: Graham Arnold has vowed that Iraq will work to be a force in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ after the Australian signed a contract extension as head coach on Monday.

The new contract will see the tactician in charge of Iraq for September's Gulf Cup and the continental showpiece in January, with Arnold signing a six-month extension although the Iraq Football Association had offered a four-year deal