Futoshi Ikeda confirmed as Nadeshiko boss

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Futoshi Ikeda confirmed as Nadeshiko boss

Tokyo: Futoshi Ikeda will lead defending champions Japan at AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022, after he was confirmed as the new Nadeshiko head coach.

The 50-year-old replaces Asako Takakura, who led the team to the 2018 continental title in Jordan before resigning following a quarter-final exit at the recent Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

It is expected that Ikeda will head the women’s national team at three major tournaments in as many years, with the imminent AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 to be followed by the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand as well as the 2024 Paris Olympics, should Japan qualify.

AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar: How Group A stands

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar: How Group A stands

Kuala Lumpur: With the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar returning on October 7 for another crucial pair of double-headers, the-AFC.com brings you up to speed with how things look in Group A. 

After two rounds of fixtures, the heavyweights of Islamic Republic of Iran and Korea Republic have already stamped their authority on the group, with the Iranians leading the way following back-to-back wins over Syria and Iraq, and the Koreans two points back after drawing against Iraq and beating Lebanon.

Dragan Skocic's Iran have been arguably the most impressive side in the AFC Asian Qualifiers to date, with Alireza Jahanbakhsh rediscovering his mojo since returning to the Eredivisie to join Feyenoord. The former Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder netted the only goal on Matchday One as his side edged Syria before opening the scoring in an emphatic 3-0 win over neighbours Iraq.

Arnold picks settled squad as Australia get set for Oman, Japan matches

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Arnold picks settled squad as Australia get set for Oman, Japan matches

Doha: Head coach Graham Arnold has opted for limited changes to the Australia squad for the Socceroos' upcoming AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar matches against Oman and Japan.

Australia, who lead Group B after opening their campaign with wins over Vietnam and China PR, play Oman in Doha on October 7 and Japan five days later at Saitama Stadium.

Lebanon’s Mansour to miss Iraq, Syria games

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Lebanon’s Mansour to miss Iraq, Syria games

Beirut: Captain Nour Mansor will miss Syria's upcoming AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar matches against Iraq and Syria.

Defender Mansour is nursing an injured shoulder suffered while playing for Al Ahed in their 3-1 defeat to Bahrain’s Muharraq in the West Zonal Semi-final of the 2021 AFC Cup last week.

Midfielder Hassan Chaito will also miss the two matches due to injury while Fadel Antar, the leading scorer in the Lebanese Premier League, earns his first national team call-up.

Pedro Emanuel takes charge of Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Pedro Emanuel takes charge of Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr

Riyadh: 2021 AFC Champions League quarter-finalists Al Nassr have appointed Portuguese Pedro Emanuel as head coach for the remainder of the season.

Emanuel, who makes a return to the Saudi Arabia football scene, replaces Brazilian Mano Menzes.

Al Soma set for Syria return

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Al Soma set for Syria return

Damascus: Syria head coach Nizar Mahrous is set to welcome captain Omar Al Soma back into the starting line-up for the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar matches against Korea Republic and Lebanon.

The 32-year-old forward missed Syria's last five matches, including their opening AFC Asian Qualifiers ties against Islamic Republic of Iran and UAE last month.

Mahrous will also have the services of Alaa Al Dali and Mahmoud Al Baher but injured defender Ahmad Al Saleh misses out.

Reshan boost for Iraq ahead of Lebanon, UAE ties

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Reshan boost for Iraq ahead of Lebanon, UAE ties

Baghdad: Bashar Resan is among the 23 players named by head coach Dick Advocaat as Iraq look to revive their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar campaign.

Iraq play Lebanon and UAE on October 7 and 12 respectively, needing victories after opening their campaign with a 0-0 draw against Korea Republic and a 3-0 defeat to Islamic Republic of Iran.

Qatar SC midfielder Resan suffered an injury during the match against Iran and his recovery is a boost for Iraq.