Group B: Vietnam hold Japan to sign off on a high

Wed, 30 Mar, 2022

Group B: Vietnam hold Japan to sign off on a high

Saitama: Vietnam secured a historic point to round off their AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar™ Group B campaign after surviving a second-half onslaught to earn a 1-1 draw against FIFA World Cup-bound Japan at Saitama Stadium on Tuesday.

After defeating Australia on Thursday to confirm their place at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, Japan knew a win would guarantee they finish on top of the standings, but they fell behind inside 20 minutes when Nguyen Thanh Binh headed in to stun the home support.

Maya Yoshida levelled proceedings early in the second half but, despite a host of chances and two disallowed goals, the Samurai Blue were unable to bring the curtain down on their group stage with a seventh successive win. 

The result means Japan will fall to second in the standings should Saudi Arabia defeat Australia in Jeddah later on Tuesday, while Vietnam finish bottom of Group B after what has been their maiden appearance in the final round of AFC Asian Qualifiers.

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Group A: IR Iran too good for Lebanon

Wed, 30 Mar, 2022

Group A: IR Iran too good for Lebanon

Mashhad: Islamic Republic of Iran completed their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar™ schedule in style, eliminating Lebanon from playoff contention with a 2-0 victory at the Imam Reza Stadium on Thursday.

Goals from Sardar Azmoun and Alireza Jahanbakhsh continued Team Melli’s superb form on home soil and ensured they will go into Friday’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ draw full of confidence after an outstanding campaign.

ASEAN & East Asia Wrap: Bali crowned champions; Ulsan beat rivals Pohang

Mon, 28 Mar, 2022

ASEAN & East Asia Wrap: Bali crowned champions; Ulsan beat rivals Pohang

Kuala Lumpur: Bali United have been crowned champions of Indonesia for the second time after title rivals Persib Bandung dropped points over the weekend confirmed the destination of the Liga 1 trophy. 

Ulsan Hyundai claimed bragging rights in Korea Republic by overcoming East Coast Derby rivals Pohang Steelers on Sunday, while the top two teams won in Australia to pull further away from the chasing pack. 

Elsewhere, there were games in Cambodia and Macau, so join the-AFC.com as we look back on the action from across ASEAN and East Asia. 

Future generation the focus of MAs’ AFC Women’s Football Day celebrations

Mon, 28 Mar, 2022

Future generation the focus of MAs’ AFC Women’s Football Day celebrations

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC), together with 39 Member Associations (MAs), celebrated the eighth AFC Women’s Football Day in March by organising exciting and interesting activities to promote the sport to girls. 

The festivities included a range of initiatives including webinars, friendly matches, workshops and giving basic football training to girls. More importantly, the programmes focused on fun and inspired young girls across the Continent to embark on a lifelong journey in the beautiful game.