IR Iran aiming for success in AFC Women’s Asian Cup debut, says Behnaz Taherkhani

Thu, 20 Jan, 2022

IR Iran aiming for success in AFC Women’s Asian Cup debut, says Behnaz Taherkhani

Mumbai: Islamic Republic of Iran are raring to go, says Behnaz Taherkhani ahead of their AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ Group A opener against India on Thursday.

IR Iran captain Taherkhani revealed that the players are relishing their first ever AFC Women’s Asian Cup appearance, marking an important milestone for women’s football in the country.

“Our biggest opponent is ourselves” – Wang Shanshan targets Chinese success at India 2022

Tue, 18 Jan, 2022

“Our biggest opponent is ourselves” – Wang Shanshan targets Chinese success at India 2022

Mumbai: Eight-time champions China PR are likely to face Asia’s very best teams at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022, but Wang Shanshan believes their biggest challenge will come from within.

The comments came two days before Thursday's tournament opener against Chinese Taipei, where Shui Qingxia’s side will kick off their bid for a record-extending ninth Asian title.

Ashalata: There is no pressure on India to succeed

Tue, 18 Jan, 2022

Ashalata: There is no pressure on India to succeed

Mumbai: Indian captain Ashalata Devi said her team are calm ahead of their 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup Group A opener against Islamic Republic of Iran on Thursday.

Ashalata, who has taken over the captain’s armband from injured striker Bala Devi, insists that India are ready to shine against the Continent’s finest.

Besides Iran, India have Chinese Taipei and China PR for company in Group A with the top two teams from each of the three groups - along with the two best third placed teams - advancing to the quarter-finals.

Rivalries, reunions and must-win matches: Five unmissable fixtures at India 2022

Tue, 18 Jan, 2022

Rivalries, reunions and must-win matches: Five unmissable fixtures at India 2022

Mumbai: With more teams, more games and more magic, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 promises to deliver like few before it. 

Expanded from eight teams to 12, this year’s opening stage will feature the continent’s biggest stars against some of its most promising emerging teams, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. 

As opening day draws ever closer, we’ve picked out five must-see matches, with rivalries, reunions, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities all on the agenda. 

Mark down the dates, times, and venues, because you won’t want to miss a second of the action. 

India’s football stalwarts lend support to AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ contenders

Tue, 18 Jan, 2022

India’s football stalwarts lend support to AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ contenders

Indian men’s national team captain Sunil Chhetri and other notable footballers in the country have joined forces to welcome the stars of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™, which will be held from January 20 to February 6. 

The 37-year-old Chhetri, India’s leading all-time goal scorer, is confident India will be gracious AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ hosts that will be played under the slogan of ‘Our Goal for All’. 

2022 AFC Champions League: Games to Watch in the Group Stage

Tue, 18 Jan, 2022

2022 AFC Champions League: Games to Watch in the Group Stage

Kuala Lumpur: The 2022 AFC Champions League draw conducted on Monday has thrown Asian football aficionados a plethora of tasty encounters to look for across the 10 groups of the competition, with the group stage kicking off in April. 

The six key encounters highlighted by the-AFC.com feature some of the biggest names in Asian football, both on the pitch and in the dugouts, as well as a history of clashes in the competition making those games some of the most exciting to look forward to between now and the start of the group stage. 

Saudi Arabia handed boost as Al Owais returns ahead of crucial ties

Tue, 18 Jan, 2022

Saudi Arabia handed boost as Al Owais returns ahead of crucial ties

Riyadh: Veteran goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais will return to the Saudi Arabia squad for their forthcoming AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar matches against Oman and Japan.

The 30-year-old custodian missed Saudi Arabia's matches against Australia and Vietnam last November after injuring his lateral knee ligament against China PR in a Group B match.

UAE’s Mabkhout, Lima, Matar to miss ties against Syria and IR Iran

Tue, 18 Jan, 2022

UAE’s Mabkhout, Lima, Matar to miss ties against Syria and IR Iran

Dubai: United Arab Emirates’ all-time top scorer Ali Mabkhout, Fabio Lima and Ismail Matar were all left out from the United Arab Emirates squad for their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar matches against Syria and Islamic Republic of Iran.

The 31-year-old Mabkhout, who is the leading scorer in the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar, has missed the last seven matches for UAE Pro League side Al Jazira after suffering a muscle injury in the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup.