Nagano caps birthday celebrations in style

Wed, 11 Mar, 2026

Nagano caps birthday celebrations in style

Perth: Fresh off celebrating her birthday on Monday, Fuka Nagano proved why she is Japan’s No.10 with a fabulous showing in their 4-0 defeat of Vietnam in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ Group C tie on Tuesday.

Nagano was the key link between the lines, orchestrating Japan’s attack with pinpoint passes all across the Perth Rectangular Stadium – leaving Riko Ueki, Maika Hamano, Aoba Fujino and Kiko Sieke to complete the job.

The 27-year-old Liverpool midfielder had a pass completion rate of over 90 percent - with more than 90 percent accuracy in Vietnam’s half, showcasing her ability to control play and initiate opportunities.

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Nielsen expects Japan to get even better

Tue, 10 Mar, 2026

Nielsen expects Japan to get even better

Perth: Japan may have sizzled but head coach Nils Nielsen believes there is still room for improvement after Japan stayed perfect in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Vietnam in Group C on Tuesday.

Riko Ueki opened Japan’s account at the Perth Rectangular Stadium in the first half, with further goals from Maika Hamano, Aoba Fujino and Koko Seike completing the impressive victory as Japan concluded the group stage with 17 scored and none conceded. 

Prasobchoke basks in Chinese Taipei’s progress

Wed, 11 Mar, 2026

Prasobchoke basks in Chinese Taipei’s progress

Sydney: Prasobchoke Chokemor praised the determination of his Chinese Taipei side after they defeated India 3-1 in their final Group C encounter to book a place in the quarter-finals of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ on Tuesday.

With the victory sealing their second win of the campaign, Prasobchoke was generous with his praise and keen to savour the moment.

Etheridge applauds fans as Buriram survive Melbourne encounter

Wed, 11 Mar, 2026

Etheridge applauds fans as Buriram survive Melbourne encounter

Buriram: Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge paid tribute to the fans after guiding Buriram United past Melbourne City FC in a tense penalty shootout in their AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 Round of 16 second leg tie on Tuesday.

The Filipino custodian, who made two crucial saves to help his side win 4-2 on penalties, praised both his teammates’ commitment and the unwavering support of the fans.

Nakamura repays teammates; Kuroda hails Machida spirit

Wed, 11 Mar, 2026

Nakamura repays teammates; Kuroda hails Machida spirit

Machida: Debutants FC Machida Zelvia continued their fairy-tale run in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ after the 1-0 win against Gangwon FC on Tuesday took the Japanese side into the quarter-finals.

Hotaka Nakamura scored in the 25th minute and the 28-year-old right-back was delighted to be able to help the team, having missed the majority of the League Phase due to injury.

#ChallengeLeague - Preview: East Zone Q-finals (2nd Leg)

Wed, 11 Mar, 2026

#ChallengeLeague - Preview: East Zone Q-finals (2nd Leg)

Kuala Lumpur: The return leg of the AFC Challenge League 2025/26™ East Zone quarter-finals promises to be a spectacular affair.

While one tie will see a team going for broke to overturn a huge first leg disadvantage, the second is finely poised.

The-AFC.com takes a look at how the two East Zone quarter-finals stand.