#AFCU23 Qualifiers - All you need to know

Tue, 02 Sep, 2025

#AFCU23 Qualifiers - All you need to know

Kuala Lumpur: The Road to the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 kicks off with Matchday One of the Qualifiers on Wednesday.

The action promises to be thrilling, with matches to be played across 11 groups as the teams bid to join hosts Saudi Arabia at the Finals on January 7-25, 2026.

The-AFC.com tells you all you need to know about the Qualifiers. 

Europe wrap: Goals galore for Asia’s best

Tue, 02 Sep, 2025

Europe wrap: Goals galore for Asia’s best

Kuala Lumpur: It proved a fruitful week for Japan internationals Ko Itakura and Ritsu Doan, as well as Australia’s Jordan Bos and Zachary Sapsford, who all bagged their first goals for their respective clubs in key leagues across Europe.

Japan’s international midfielder Takumi Minamino also found the back of the net, striking his first Ligue 1 goal of the season and what turned out to be the match winner for Monaco.

Follow the-AFC.com as we look at what Asia’s finest have been up to as the 2025/26 action gathers pace in Europe.

Group B: India 0-3 IR Iran; Afghanistan 0-2 Tajikistan

Tue, 02 Sep, 2025

Group B: India 0-3 IR Iran; Afghanistan 0-2 Tajikistan

Hisor: Islamic Republic of Iran cruised to 3-0 win over India  in their CAFA Nations Cup 2025 Group B tie to storm to the top of the standings on Monday.

Tajikistan, meanwhile, secured their first win after defeating Afghanistan 2-0.

Sangita delighted as East Bengal secure Group Stage spot

Mon, 01 Sep, 2025

Sangita delighted as East Bengal secure Group Stage spot

Phnom Penh: Sangita Basfore expressed relief after her goal helped India’s East Bengal secure qualification to the Group Stage of the AFC Women’s Champions League™ 2025/26 despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Kitchee SC of Hong Kong in their final Group E tie on Sunday.

Sangita struck to give East Bengal the lead but Kitchee hit back to take a share of the spoils.
 
The result saw the Indian side finish on four points, enough to seal their passage to the next round, while Kitchee were eliminated after finishing two points adrift.

Ri thrilled with Naegohyang’s qualification

Mon, 01 Sep, 2025

Ri thrilled with Naegohyang’s qualification

Vientiane: DPR Korea’s Naegohyang Women’s FC highlighted their AFC Women’s Champions League™ 2025/26 title credentials with a perfect run in Group D of the Preliminary Stage.

In registering three wins from three, Ri Yu Il’s side scored a total 23 goals and kept clean sheets in matches against Laos’ Master FC (11-0), RTC FC (7-0) of Bhutan and Chinese Taipei’s Kaohsiung Attackers FC (5-0).

West Asia Wrap: Al Ittihad impress as season kicks off in Saudi Arabia

Mon, 01 Sep, 2025

West Asia Wrap: Al Ittihad impress as season kicks off in Saudi Arabia

Doha: Al Ittihad kicked off their Saudi Pro League title defence with a 5-2 win against Al Akhdoud with Al Ahli Saudi FC, Al Hilal SFC and Al Nassr Club also enjoying victories. 

Al Shamal and Qatar SC continued their perfect starts in Qatar while Al Ain and Al Nasr made it two wins out of two in the United Arab Emirates.

Join the-AFC.com in our weekly review of the West Asian domestic scene.