Thailand’s Darika still daring to dream

Mon, 12 May, 2025

Thailand’s Darika still daring to dream

Hohhot: At 32, Darika Peanpailun is still the force behind Thailand’s futsal team – a relentless competitor with a lethal left foot and a decade of top-level experience.

The dynamic forward has her sights firmly on adding another chapter of success at the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ China 2025.

A native of northeastern Thailand, Darika’s journey began when her family encouraged her to pursue her studies in Bangkok.  It was there amidst the vibrant sporting city where she discovered her love for futsal and quickly realised it was more than just a sport.

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Japan’s late bloomer Matsumoto chasing World Cup dream

Mon, 12 May, 2025

Japan’s late bloomer Matsumoto chasing World Cup dream

Hohhot: With an empty goal looming after the opposing goalkeeper parried a shot to her, Naomi Matsumoto looked oods-on to score for Japan on Sunday in their AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ China 2025 game against Thailand.

Unfortunately, she mistimed the attempt and the chance was gone in an instant. However, instead of wallowing in disappointment, the 27-year-old immediately sprinted the length of the court to execute a successful covering tackle at the other end to snuff out a dangerous counter-attack.

While the Group C match eventually ended in defeat for Japan, that moment encapsulated Matsumoto’s tenacity and her desire to make the most of a futsal career that began relatively late.

Q-final - Preview: Thailand v Hong Kong, China

Mon, 12 May, 2025

Q-final - Preview: Thailand v Hong Kong, China

Hohhot: Thailand will meet Hong Kong, China for the second time in tournament history when they clash in the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ quarter-finals on Tuesday.

A statement win against two-time runners-up Japan in their final Group C game on Sunday saw the Thais advance in top spot, as they bid to reach the final for the first time after finishing in third place at each of the two previous editions.

Q-final - Preview: Vietnam v Japan

Mon, 12 May, 2025

Q-final - Preview: Vietnam v Japan

Hohhot: Head coach Nguyen Dinh Hoang is hoping his Vietnam side can extend their unbeaten run when they meet Japan in the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ China 2025 quarter-finals at the Hohhot Sports Centre on Tuesday.

Vietnam are looking to improve on their fourth-place finish in 2018, while Japan, runners-up in both previous editions, are aiming for nothing less than the title.

Q-final - Preview: China PR v Indonesia

Mon, 12 May, 2025

Q-final - Preview: China PR v Indonesia

Hohhot: China PR will continue their hunt for AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ glory on Tuesday when they take on Indonesia in the last eight.

The first-time hosts have been unstoppable at the Hohhot Sports Centre so far, reeling off three wins from as many group stage matches - the only one of the 12 sides at China 2025 to do so - to reach the knockout stage for the second time.

Q-final - Preview: Chinese Taipei v IR Iran

Mon, 12 May, 2025

Q-final - Preview: Chinese Taipei v IR Iran

Hohhot: Chinese Taipei’s defences will be tested to the fullest when they meet defending champions Islamic Republic of Iran in the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ China 2025 quarter-finals at the Hohhot Sports Centre on Tuesday.

Head coach Hsieh Li-Chua will need to bring out the best from her players with focus on defensive organisation and looking for opportunities on the counter against an experienced Iran side.

#ChallengeLeague: Facts & Figures

Mon, 12 May, 2025

#ChallengeLeague: Facts & Figures

Kuala Lumpur: FC Arkadag lifted the AFC Challenge League™ 2024/25 title after a 2-1 win against Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC on Saturday.

It was a thriller all the way as the tournament saw a sitting climax at the Morodok Techo National Stadium.

The-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures from a tournament which captured the imagination of fans across the continent.

East Asia Wrap: Shenhua back on top; Antlers maintain pace

Mon, 12 May, 2025

East Asia Wrap: Shenhua back on top; Antlers maintain pace

Kuala Lumpur: Shanghai Shenhua regained pole position in the Chinese Super League with an impressive win against Qingdao Youth Island.

In Japan, Kashima Antlers stayed hot while leaders Daejeon Hana were held in Korea Republic.

The title race is approaching its climax in Hong Kong while there was also action in Macau so join the-AFC.com in our review of the past week's domestic scene across East Asia.

ASEAN Wrap: Lion City Sailors, Persib Bandung rule

Mon, 12 May, 2025

ASEAN Wrap: Lion City Sailors, Persib Bandung rule

Kuala Lumpur: Lion City Sailors FC wrapped up the Singapore Premier League title with a win over Tanjong Pagar, emerging champions with two matches to spare.

Persib Bandung were crowned Liga 1 champions in Indonesia after a dramatic draw with Barito Putera.
 
Buriram United and Muangthong United booked their spots in the Thai FA Cup final, the A-League semi-finals' cast was finalised while there were also matches in Cambodia and Vietnam.
 
Join the-AFC.com in our weekly roundup of the latest domestic action across ASEAN.

Central & South Asia Wrap: Mohammedan in cruise control; Tractor stretch unbeaten run

Mon, 12 May, 2025

Central & South Asia Wrap: Mohammedan in cruise control; Tractor stretch unbeaten run

Dhaka: Mohammedan SC look set to claim their first-ever Bangladesh Football Premier League title with four matches remaining while Tractor cemented last week’s capture of the Iran Pro League by extending their unbeaten streak to 12 matches.

The leagues in Bhutan, Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan have some way to go before they end, so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the domestic action across Central and South Asia this past week.

West Asia Wrap: More silverware for Shabab Al Ahli, Al Sadd; Kuwait SC, Muharraq secure titles

Mon, 12 May, 2025

West Asia Wrap: More silverware for Shabab Al Ahli, Al Sadd; Kuwait SC, Muharraq secure titles

Doha: Shabab Al Ahli completed a clean sweep by lifting the UAE President's Cup on Friday, defeating Sharjah FC in the final.

Al Sadd SC clinched the Qatar Cup and advanced to the quarter-finals of the Amir Cup while Kuwait SC emerged champions for the fourth consecutive season.

Muharraq Club won the Bahraini Premier League crown, Al Ittihad moved closer to a second Saudi Pro League title in three years while there was also action in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Oman so join the-AFC.com in our weekly review of the West Asian domestic scene.