Preview: No choice but to win as Syria and Lebanon lock horns

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Preview: No choice but to win as Syria and Lebanon lock horns

Amman: Levantine neighbours Syria and Lebanon know a first win of the campaign is a must if they are to catch up with the leading pair in Group A when they face each other at the King Abdullah II Stadium on Matchday Four of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar on Tuesday. 

Lebanon hold a narrow advantage, having collected a point more than Syria, but both sides could find themselves well adrift of the direct qualification spots to Qatar 2022 in this early stage of the campaign should they fail to start winning.

Preview: Japan's Moriyasu remains confident despite tough Australia test

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Preview: Japan's Moriyasu remains confident despite tough Australia test

Saitama: Hajime Moriyasu remains confident Japan can secure a place at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as the Samurai Blue prepare to take on Group B leaders Australia on Tuesday with only one victory from the opening three games under their belt in the AFC Asian Qualifiers.

The six-time FIFA World Cup qualifiers lost 1-0 to Saudi Arabia on Thursday to sit six points behind Graham Arnold’s side ahead the meeting at Saitama Stadium, but the former Sanfrecce Hiroshima boss is refusing to panic ahead of the must-win game.

Preview: Korea Republic chase history in blockbuster against IR Iran

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Preview: Korea Republic chase history in blockbuster against IR Iran

Tehran: Korea Republic have never won in the Islamic Republic of Iran, but Paulo Bento’s side will see Tuesday’s top-of-the-table AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar clash as the perfect time to put that record right.

Seven times the Korea Republic men’s national team have ventured to Tehran, and a pair of draws – in 1977 and 2009 – are the best it has ever got for a team which has historically been one of Asia’s giants.

Preview: Dutch duo clash as UAE host Iraq in AFC Asian Qualifiers must-win

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Preview: Dutch duo clash as UAE host Iraq in AFC Asian Qualifiers must-win

Dubai: Two Dutch coaching luminaries will meet when United Arab Emirates and Iraq meet in Tuesday's crucial AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar Matchday Four clash.

With group pacesetters Islamic Republic of Iran and Korea Republic to cross paths in Tehran, also Tuesday, the opportunity is there for either UAE or Iraq to get their respective Final Round campaigns on track after slow starts.

Wu Lei: Beating Real Madrid was a morale-booster for the AFC Asian Qualifiers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Wu Lei: Beating Real Madrid was a morale-booster for the AFC Asian Qualifiers

Doha: When China PR and Vietnam met last Thursday in the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar,  both teams knew they had to win. Having each suffered back-to-back losses in Group B, they knew they needed nothing short of victory in their third outing.

In what proved to be a thriller, the Chinese ran out 3-2 winners courtesy of their go-to star, Wu Lei. The Espanyol man initiated a move from which Zhang Yuning broke the deadlock, before scoring a brace as his side kept their hopes still alive.

Maldives, India win to set up thrilling deciding day of round robin action

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Maldives, India win to set up thrilling deciding day of round robin action

Male: The stage is set for a cracking final day of round robin action in the race to make the 2021 SAFF Championship final after hosts Maldives and India registered important wins on Sunday.

Maldives defeated Sri Lanka 1-0 while India, in beating Nepal with a similar score, registered their first victory after having opened with two draws.

The top two teams at the end of the pool stage will advance to Saturday's final.

Jordan, Saudi Arabia advance to WAFF U23 Championship final

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Jordan, Saudi Arabia advance to WAFF U23 Championship final

Dammam: Hosts Saudi Arabia set up a meeting with Jordan in the final of the 2021 WAFF U23 Championship after contrasting semi-final victories on Sunday.

After a goalless first half, Khalid Al Ghannam’s 49th minute strike steered Saudi Arabia past Iraq at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium while Jordan had it much easier, defeating Syria 5-2 to advance to Tuesday’s final.

ASEAN Wrap: Lion City Sailors crowned champions of Singapore

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

ASEAN Wrap: Lion City Sailors crowned champions of Singapore

Kuala Lumpur: The Singapore Premier League trophy has a new name inscribed on it after Lion City Sailors' 4-1 win over Balestier Khalsa saw them finish two points ahead of the 2020 champions Albirex Niigata (S). 

With the international window meaning most leagues were taking the weekend off, there was little other action across ASEAN, athough there was a full round of fixtures in Thailand and several games in Cambodia.

The-AFC.com brings you up to speed with a review of the three leagues.