Latest update on the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar™

Thu, 30 Dec, 2021

Latest update on the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar™

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirms that Syria will continue to play their home matches in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar™ in a neutral venue.

Therefore, the upcoming Group A tie between Syria and Korea Republic on Tuesday, February 1, 2022, will be played in the United Arab Emirates.

Asian football in 2021: The Ultimate Quiz

Fri, 31 Dec, 2021

Asian football in 2021: The Ultimate Quiz

Kuala Lumpur: How closely were you watching Asian football in 2021? We’re about to find out.

As another year draws to a close, we’ve devised the ultimate test of your Asian football knowledge from the last 12 months, including some of the key moments and achievements from the world’s largest continent.

It’s a 30-question test designed to challenge even the most knowledgeable Asian football connoisseur, and you’ll need to have followed the game closely to be among the best.

Think you can pass with flying colours? Take on our ultimate 2021 quiz, and don’t forget to challenge your friends.

Happy New Year!

Ronaldo inspired Lee eyes third World Cup

Thu, 30 Dec, 2021

Ronaldo inspired Lee eyes third World Cup

Seoul: Korea Republic forward Lee Geum-min will enter January's AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022 - which also doubles as the continent's qualifier for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Australia/New Zealand™ - seeking to book qualification for her third, and her country's fourth world extravaganza.

The AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022, expanded from eight to 12 teams, will see the top-five finishers advance to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, whilst the sixth and seventh placed teams will proceed to the Inter-confederation playoffs. 

With Australia already granted automatic qualification as co-hosts, the chances of Korea Republic, the fourth ranked Asian side in the FIFA Women's World Ranking, look rosy. 

Thailand flex muscles to take huge first leg advantage over Indonesia

Fri, 31 Dec, 2021

Thailand flex muscles to take huge first leg advantage over Indonesia

Singapore: Chanathip Songkrasin starred as Thailand defeated Indonesia 4-0 in the first leg of the 2020 AFF Cup final at Singapore’s National Stadium on Wednesday. 

The five-time champions all but secured yet another title as Chanathip Songkrasin netted a brace with Supachok Sarachat and Bordin Phala also getting in the scoring act.

Barring a remarkable comeback in Saturday’s return leg, Indonesia look set for a sixth runners-up finish.

Shinzo Koroki leaves Urawa Reds for Consadole Sapporo

Wed, 29 Dec, 2021

Shinzo Koroki leaves Urawa Reds for Consadole Sapporo

Tokyo: AFC Champions League winner Shinzo Koroki will join Consadole Sapporo on a year-long loan deal next season, the 35-year-old’s parent club Urawa Red Diamonds announced on Wednesday.

Koroki was a key member of the Urawa side that won the AFC Champions League in 2017 and who also reached the final two years later, losing to Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal.

AFC International Player of the Week: 2021’s most featured players

Wed, 29 Dec, 2021

AFC International Player of the Week: 2021’s most featured players

Kuala Lumpur: On a weekly basis throughout 2021, we’ve highlighted the 10 best Asian performers outside the continent. These are the players who stood out.

Over the last 12 months, the-AFC.com has published a total of 35 AFC International Player of the Week polls, with the top 10 Asian performers plying their trade outside the continent over the previous seven days highlighted, and fans from around the world casting their weekly votes.
 
In total, 115 players from 17 AFC nations were featured at least once in the weekly list, shining on a light of Asian footballers – male and female – based everywhere from Europe’s biggest leagues to competitions in Africa and North America.
 
As 2021 draws to a close, we’ve crunched the numbers in order to highlight the players who were among Asia’s weekly top 10 more often than anyone else, and whose exemplary consistency deserves recognition.
 
Join us as we highlight the players who lit up our weekly celebration of Asian players abroad, as well those who bucked the trend to earn recognition.