Volunteers play important role at the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022™

Thu, 03 Feb, 2022

Volunteers play important role at the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022™

Mumbai: As the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ enters its final stages, the-AFC.com takes a peak behind the scenes and pays tribute to the volunteers who have helped in the smooth running of the continental showpiece.

With the tournament expanded to 12 teams and numerous SOPs in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the dedication of the volunteers has been exemplary.

Volunteers Akankshya Bhuyan and Devika Nair are just two of many who have played a major part in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022.

Preview - Semi-final: China PR v Japan

Fri, 25 Feb, 2022

Preview - Semi-final: China PR v Japan

Pune:  Head coaches Shui Qingxia and Futoshi Ikeda expect a tough encounter when China PR face Japan in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ semi-finals on Thursday.

Both sides come into the tie having won 10 titles between them, with China PR chasing a record extending ninth while Japan are two wins away from winning a hat-trick of AFC Women’s Asian Cup crowns.

A win for the Steel Roses will bring Shui’s charges closer to the title they last won in 2006, while Japan are aiming to become only the third team to win three consecutive titles.

Preview - Semi-final: Korea Republic v Philippines

Fri, 25 Feb, 2022

Preview - Semi-final: Korea Republic v Philippines

Pune: Korea Republic head coach Colin Bell is expecting a tough challenge from a vibrant Philippines side when they face off in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ semi-finals on Thursday. 

Korea Republic are no strangers to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup semi-finals, having played at this stage on five previous occasions but the Philippines will be making their debut and Bell expects the Southeast Asian to play with no fear at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune.

Playoff: Vietnam defeat Thailand to boost FIFA Women's World Cup hopes

Thu, 03 Feb, 2022

Playoff: Vietnam defeat Thailand to boost FIFA Women's World Cup hopes

Navi Mumbai: Vietnam took a huge step forward in their bid for a first ever FIFA Women's World Cup qualification with a 2-0 win over Thailand at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Wednesday.

A win for Vietnam against Chinese Taipei in the round robin playoff on Sunday will seal the remaining automatic slot for the Southeast Asian side, with China PR, Japan, Korea Republic, the Philippines and co-hosts Australia having already qualified for the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia/New Zealand 2023.

Thailand's hopes hang by a thread, with victory over Chinese Taipei needed on Friday if they are to stand a chance, failing which the Southeast Asian side will advance to the Inter-Confederation playoffs. 

Wang Shanshan issues rallying cry to China PR teammates ahead of Japan clash

Wed, 02 Feb, 2022

Wang Shanshan issues rallying cry to China PR teammates ahead of Japan clash

Navi Mumbai: Wang Shanshan is confident China PR can overcome Japan when the two meet in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ semi-finals on Thursday.

With the title at stake, Wang - who has scored four goals in India 2022, wants China PR to start the game against Japan on the front.

We want to avenge 2018 defeat, says Philippines’ Bolden

Wed, 02 Feb, 2022

We want to avenge 2018 defeat, says Philippines’ Bolden

Pune: Philippines’ Sarina Bolden is determined to avenge their loss to Korea Republic when they clash in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ semi-finals on Thursday. 

The two teams met in Jordan 2018 in the fifth place playoff, where it was very much a one-sided affair with the Taeguk Ladies securing an emphatic 5-0 win to clinch the last 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup spot. 

Cho sets sights on AFC Women’s Asian Cup title

Wed, 02 Feb, 2022

Cho sets sights on AFC Women’s Asian Cup title

Pune: Korea Republic are one match away from reaching their first-ever AFC Women’s Asian Cup final, and Cho So-hyun has vowed to give her best in their semi-final tie against Philippines on Thursday.

The Taeguk Ladies have experienced an exciting journey in reaching the last four stage, which began with a 3-0 victory against Vietnam, before overcoming a resilient Myanmar to emerge 2-0 winners. 

Korea Republic then faced defending champions Japan and were a goal down within the opening 30 seconds, only to bounce back strongly in the second half to salvage a 1-1 draw and finish their Group C campaign in second place. 

Japan’s Ueki determined to continue scoring run

Thu, 03 Feb, 2022

Japan’s Ueki determined to continue scoring run

Navi Mumbai: Rikko Ueki has a knack of scoring goals whenever opportunity presents and she aims to do just that when Japan face China PR in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ semi-finals on Thursday.

The 22-year-old has been a solid performer for the Nadeshiko, scoring in every game she has started and the forward is hungry for more.

FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021 - Preview

Wed, 02 Feb, 2022

FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021 - Preview

Abu Dhabi: Hosts Al Jazira and 2021 AFC Champions League winners Al Hilal SFC prepare for their second appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup as the competition gets underway in the UAE capital on Thursday.

Japan’s Kashima Antlers (2016) and UAE’s Al Ain (2018) produced the best results in the competition for AFC sides, finishing as runners-up, while five other teams won bronze medals, setting the mark for the two participants this year to reach.