Double delight for Korea Republic’s Kang

Sun, 08 Mar, 2026

Double delight for Korea Republic’s Kang

Sydney: Kang Chae-rim played a pivotal role in Korea Republic securing top spot in Group A following a 3-3 stalemate with Australia in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ meeting on Sunday.

The midfielder was one of two half-time changes made by Shin Sang-woo that changed the course of the game with Australia having gone into the break 2-1 ahead.

The 27-year-old’s introduction - together with Kim Shin-ji - proved to be a masterstroke by Shin with the two contributing to put Korea Republic 3-2 in front after only 11 minutes on the pitch.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3160992

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3160993

Korea Republic’s Shin pleased with top spot; Montemurro promises a better Australia

Mon, 09 Mar, 2026

Korea Republic’s Shin pleased with top spot; Montemurro promises a better Australia

Sydney: The six goals shared between Korea Republic and Australia in their fascinating AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ encounter on Sunday had a contrasting impact on the respective teams as the former finished top of Group A.

Shin Sang-woo was the happier of the two head coaches with the result meaning his side do not have to travel for the rest of the tournament, should they continue to win and advance to subsequent rounds.

Having trailed 2-1 at half-time, Shin was proud to see his second-half substitutions turn the game back into their favour, going within minutes of achieving a famous victory at Stadium Australia.

Torcaso hails Philippines’ spirit; Jafari proud of IR Iran efforts

Mon, 09 Mar, 2026

Torcaso hails Philippines’ spirit; Jafari proud of IR Iran efforts

Gold Coast: Needing nothing less than victory in their final Group A clash on Sunday, Philippines head coach Mark Torcaso was delighted after coming away with a 2-0 win against the Islamic Republic of Iran for their first points at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

Having fallen short against Australia and Korea Republic in two difficult matches, Torcaso hailed his players’ performance in a result that kept alive their hopes of advancing as one of the two best third-placed teams.

Philippines’ Eggesvik looking to inspire next generation

Sun, 08 Mar, 2026

Philippines’ Eggesvik looking to inspire next generation

Gold Coast: Having gone almost a year without scoring for her country, Sara Eggesvik broke the duck at a crucial time on Sunday when she netted the opener in the Philippines’ victory against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The midfielder’s smart finish in the 31st minute at the Gold Coast Stadium settled the nerves in an eventual 2-0 win, which sealed third place in Group A to give the Philippines a chance of progressing to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ knockouts.

It was Eggesvik’s seventh goal in 53 appearances and further underlined her importance to the team, having started all three matches in her first AFC Women's Asian Cup, and she is hopeful of more to come as they await their knockout stage fate.

East Asia Wrap: Port stunned on opening day; Kashima extend lead

Mon, 09 Mar, 2026

East Asia Wrap: Port stunned on opening day; Kashima extend lead

Hong Kong: Defending champions Shanghai Port FC suffered a shock defeat on the opening weekend of the Chinese Super League, while Chengdu Rongcheng FC surged to the top after an emphatic win.

In Japan’s group stage action, Kashima Antlers strengthened their position at the summit of Group A and Gamba Osaka moved clear in Group B.

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC dropped points again in Korea Republic as the new season gathered pace, while Must IPO delivered a 13-goal performance in Macau. Join the the-AFC.com for a look back at the past week’s domestic action across East Asia.

ASEAN Wrap: Pacesetters tighten grip as title races intensify across region

Mon, 09 Mar, 2026

ASEAN Wrap: Pacesetters tighten grip as title races intensify across region

Kuala Lumpur: Several leagues across ASEAN delivered decisive results as leaders strengthened their positions and challengers attempted to keep pace.

In Australia, Newcastle Jets continued their push at the summit with another important victory, while in Indonesia Borneo produced one of the standout performances of the week to close the gap on Persib Bandung.

There were also interesting results in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Cambodia and the Philippines so join the-AFC.com in our weekly wrap of the domestic action across ASEAN.