#AsianQualifiers - MD3: 5 things to look out for

Tue, 08 Oct, 2024

#AsianQualifiers - MD3: 5 things to look out for

Kuala Lumpur: Numerous sub-plots will be at play on Matchday Three of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26.

While some teams will be out to further tighten their grips on their respective groups, others will be on a mission to revive their campaigns.

Ahead of Thursday's matches, the-AFC.com picks out five things to look out for.

#AsianQualifiers - Match Predictor: Late goals, upsets and all you need to know ahead of Matchdays 3 and 4

Mon, 07 Oct, 2024

#AsianQualifiers - Match Predictor: Late goals, upsets and all you need to know ahead of Matchdays 3 and 4

Kuala Lumpur: Asia’s top 18 nations are all set to return to action for Matchdays 3 and 4 of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ -Road to 26 in the coming week.  

But before we get going, don’t forget to sign up for our ‘Free-to-Play’ AFC Asian Qualifiers™ Road to 26 Match Predictor. You can compete against friends, show off your knowledge and win exclusive prizes along the way. Why wait? Join now: https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers/predictor.html 

The Matchday 1 and 2 encounters in early September delivered the goods in emphatic style with a number of upsets grabbing the headlines.  

Ahead of the next set of double-headers on October 10 and 15, we look back at some of the standout stories from the opening set of games and look forward to the games to look out for.  

#AsianQualifiers - How it stands

Sun, 06 Oct, 2024

#AsianQualifiers - How it stands

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 returns with Matchday Three to be played on Thursday.

The opening two rounds were spectacular affairs with thrilling matches, shock results and amazing goals.

As the 18 teams get set for another round of battles on Thursday, with Matchday 4 to follow five days later, the-AFC.com takes a look at how the three groups stand, with six automatic spots to the FIFA World Cup 2026 at stake.

Europe Wrap: Doan scores winner; Kim's Bayern held

Tue, 08 Oct, 2024

Europe Wrap: Doan scores winner; Kim's Bayern held

Kuala Lumpur: Japan's Ritsu Doan struck in the 75th minute to secure the points for Freiburg in their Bundesliga clash against Werder Bremen on Saturday.

Korea Republic's Kim Min-jae netted the opener but it wasn't enough as Bayern Munich were held by Eintracht Frankfurt while Takehiro Tomiyasu made his return from injury for Arsenal in the English Premier League.

Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at how the Asian contingent fared in some of Europe's major leagues over the past week.

#AWCL - Preview: Knockout stage spots up for grabs

Tue, 08 Oct, 2024

#AWCL - Preview: Knockout stage spots up for grabs

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Women's Champions League™ 2024/25 group stage enters the crunch period as teams look to either confirm or strengthen their claims for a spot in the knockout stage.

UAE’s Abu Dhabi Country Club are already assured of their quarter-final spot, leaving five automatic berths and two for the best third-placed teams still up for contention.

The-AFC.com previews Wednesday’s action, which will see Group A concluding while the other two will be in Matchday Two action.  

Hong Pham praises Ho Chi Minh’s adaptability; Kusunose pleased with Urawa’s prolific start

Mon, 07 Oct, 2024

Hong Pham praises Ho Chi Minh’s adaptability; Kusunose pleased with Urawa’s prolific start

Ho Chi Minh City: Head coach Nguyen Hong Pham hailed Ho Chi Minh City’s ability to adapt after they secured a 3-1 win over Chinese Taipei’s Taichung Blue Whale Women’s Football Team in their AFC Women’s Champions League™ 2024/25 Group C opener on Sunday.

The other Group C fixture saw AFC Women’s Club Championship™ 2023 winners, Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies flex their muscles to overwhelm India’s Odisha FC 17-0.

Melbourne’s resilience thrills Matricciani; Kaya’s Dimzon frustrated by stalemate

Mon, 07 Oct, 2024

Melbourne’s resilience thrills Matricciani; Kaya’s Dimzon frustrated by stalemate

Pathum Thani: Head coach Michael Matricciani was delighted to see his Melbourne City FC begin their AFC Women's Champions League™ 2024/25 Group B campaign with a 2-1 win against Bam Khatoon FC on Sunday.

First half goals from Rhianna Pollicina and Mariana Speckmaier put Melbourne in a good position and despite Mona Hamoudi pulling one back for Islamic Republic of Iran’s Bam Khatoon in the second half, it did not change the final outcome.

Matricciani was pleased with his side’s overall performance but knows improvements are needed if his Melbourne side are to achieve their goal of progressing from the group stage.

Win a boost for Wuhan’s Yao; Abu Dhabi’s Kulis disappointed with late draw

Mon, 07 Oct, 2024

Win a boost for Wuhan’s Yao; Abu Dhabi’s Kulis disappointed with late draw

Wuhan: China PR’s Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC gained a confidence booster, said captain Yao Wei after they beat Sabah FA of Malaysia 7-0 to put their AFC Women's Champions League™ 2024/25 campaign back on track.

An opening day defeat to UAE’s Abu Dhabi Country Club meant the Chinese side were under pressure to deliver against Sabah and they came through with flying colours, with Deng Mengye netting a hat-trick.