Constantine on cloud nine after Pakistan’s historic achievement

Wed, 18 Oct, 2023

Constantine on cloud nine after Pakistan’s historic achievement

Islamabad: As the final whistle echoed through the Jinnah Stadium, head coach Stephen Constantine couldn’t hide his joy after guiding Pakistan to 1-0 victory over Cambodia in Round 1 of the  FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Preliminary Joint Qualification on Tuesday.

It was a historic moment for Pakistan, who advanced into Round 2 joining Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Tajikistan in Group G.

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Nishigaya expects improvement from Singapore

Wed, 18 Oct, 2023

Nishigaya expects improvement from Singapore

Guam: Head coach Takayuki Nishigaya expects a sharper performance from Singapore in  Round 2 of the  FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Preliminary Joint Qualification.

Singapore defeated Guam 1-0 in the second leg of their Round 1 tie on Tuesday, winning 3-1 on aggregate to advance to Group C where they have Korea Republic, China PR and Thailand for company. 

Chinese Taipei’s focus impresses White

Wed, 18 Oct, 2023

Chinese Taipei’s focus impresses White

Kaohsiung City: Chinese Taipei head coach Gary White was delighted after his team secured their FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 berth after defeating Timor Leste 3-0 on Monday.

Three quick-fire goals capped an impressive performance as Chinese Taipei advanced with a 7-0 aggregate win.

China PR at the AFC Asian Cup

Wed, 18 Oct, 2023

China PR at the AFC Asian Cup

Kuala Lumpur: China PR have a rich history at the AFC Asian Cup but the title has continued to elude them.

As the East Asian side work towards rectifying that, the-AFC.com takes a look at some key facts and figures about China PR at the continental showpiece.

Cabrera hails Bangladesh’s drive, resilience

Wed, 18 Oct, 2023

Cabrera hails Bangladesh’s drive, resilience

Dhaka: Javier Cabrera hailed Bangladesh’s great progress after the South Asian side reached Round 2 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Preliminary Joint Qualification at the expense of a higher-ranked Maldives on Tuesday.

The 3-2 Round 1 aggregate win capped the incredible work the team had put in since Cabrera took over as head coach in January 2022, with the Spaniard extremely pleased to see their sacrifices come to fruition.

Myanmar's Feichtenbeiner relishing Round 2 challenge

Wed, 18 Oct, 2023

Myanmar's Feichtenbeiner relishing Round 2 challenge

Macau: Myanmar head coach Michael Feichtenbeiner wants his players to view their upcoming clash with Japan as a chance to further improve after the Southeast Asians booked their place in the next phase of the Joint Qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

Myanmar were held to a 0-0 draw by Macau on Tuesday but will face four-time AFC Asian Cup winners Japan as well as DPR Korea and Syria in Group B of the second round after a 5-1 win in the first leg in Yangon on Thursday had put them in pole position to progress.

Annese: Qualification was important for Nepal

Wed, 18 Oct, 2023

Annese: Qualification was important for Nepal

Vientiane: Vincenzo Annese was delighted after Nepal took their place alongside 35 other teams in Round 2 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Preliminary Joint Qualification after navigating 2-1 past Laos on aggregate.

Going into the second leg tied 1-1, Manish Dangi’s second half goal proved pivotal to send Nepal through leaving head coach Annese with plenty to smile about.