Kudratova credits qualification to Uzbekistan’s strong mentality

Mon, 09 Mar, 2026

Kudratova credits qualification to Uzbekistan’s strong mentality

Perth: Nilufar Kudratova emerged the star in Uzbekistan sealing AFC AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ quarter-final qualification on Monday, with the midfielder striking the all important goal in the 4-0 win against Bangladesh. 

Her strike - which came in the 88th minute - meant Uzbekistan had the four goals they needed to be assured of advancing as one of the two best third-placed teams with the 28-year-old crediting the team’s strong mentality for meeting their target. 

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Milicic proud of excellent China PR; DPR Korea’s Ri focuses on rebound

Mon, 09 Mar, 2026

Milicic proud of excellent China PR; DPR Korea’s Ri focuses on rebound

Sydney: Ante Milicic was beaming with pride after leading China PR to a 2-1 win over DPR Korea in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ tie to emerge Group B winners on Monday.

The Australian tactician paid tribute to his players for coming out on top in a closely-fought contest with goals from Chen Qiaozhu and Wang Shuang overturning Kim Kyong Yong’s opener.

Kulbyte hails history-makers Uzbekistan

Mon, 09 Mar, 2026

Kulbyte hails history-makers Uzbekistan

Perth: Head coach Kotryna Kulbyte lavished praise on her team after Uzbekistan defeated Bangladesh 4-0 on Monday to reach the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ quarter-finals for the first time.

Despite a slow start, Uzbekistan got the job done, scoring three goals in the second half with Nilufar Kudratova’s 88th-minute strike securing the Central Asian side’s advancement to the Australia 2026 knockout as one of the two best third-placed teams.

Europe Wrap: Abdulhamid shines for Lens

Mon, 09 Mar, 2026

Europe Wrap: Abdulhamid shines for Lens

Kuala Lumpur: Saudi Arabia defender Saud Abdulhamid scored his first Ligue 1 goal of the season for Lens in 18 appearances as his side bids for a second title after their 1997/98 triumph.

Other Continental stars also put their names on the scoresheet, so follow the-AFC.com as we look at what Asia’s finest have been up to in Europe this past week.

Preview – R16 (2nd Leg): Vissel Kobe (JPN) 1 v 0 FC Seoul (KOR)

Tue, 10 Mar, 2026

Preview – R16 (2nd Leg): Vissel Kobe (JPN) 1 v 0 FC Seoul (KOR)

Kobe: Vissel Kobe will be on a mission to maintain their perfect record against FC Seoul when the sides meet in the return leg of their AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ Round of 16 tie on Wednesday.

Japan's Vissel edged the first leg 1-0 and will hope to maximise home ground advantage against Korea Republic's FC Seoul.

Preview – R16 (2nd Leg): Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN) 1 v 3 Johor Darul Ta’zim (MAS)

Tue, 10 Mar, 2026

Preview – R16 (2nd Leg): Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN) 1 v 3 Johor Darul Ta’zim (MAS)

Hiroshima: Sanfrecce Hiroshima will have to go for broke from the first blow of the whistle against Johor Darul Ta'zim in the return leg of their AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ Round of 16 tie on Wednesday.

The Japanese side suffered a 3-1 defeat to the Malaysian champions, who are seeking to make the quarter-finals for the first time.