Singapore starlet Ikhsan inspired by legendary father

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Singapore starlet Ikhsan inspired by legendary father

Raufoss: 'Like father like son' may seem like a cliché when it comes to Ikhsan Fandi. For those who have followed the careers of Ikhsan and his dad, Fandi, however, there seems little doubt that football pedigree has been passed down a generation. 

Ikhsan, at 21, is Singapore's most in-form striker, having scored three times during their Asian Qualifiers campaign for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023. Fandi, 58, is a veritable national legend. With 55 goals from 101 international appearances, he is the Lions' all-time top-scorer.

But while you might expect that Fandi, who starred for Dutch side Groningen during a varied career, influenced Ikhsan to pursue a football career, Ikhsan found his own way to the profession.

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/ikhsan_fandi_2_-_fas.html

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/ikhsan_fandi_3_-_fas.html

Catley: 2023 will change the game forever in Australia

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Catley: 2023 will change the game forever in Australia

Melbourne: Australia’s vice-captain Steph Catley is set to play in her third FIFA Women’s World Cup on home soil after Australia and New Zealand were recently announced as co-hosts for the 2023 edition. Typically one of the first names on the Matildas’ teamsheet, the personable and articulate 26-year-old has enjoyed additional spotlight of late as one of the faces of the bid.

Catley was then in the headlines again after being named as a new recruit for English high-flyers Arsenal, where she will link with a familiar coach in fellow Melburnian Joe Montemurro.

Already with a nearly a decade of international experience on her CV, the left-sided attacking full-back is set to be at the peak of her career when the world’s elite head Down Under in three years time.

Before her departure for North London, Catley spoke to FIFA.com about her emotions when the 2023 hosting rights were announced, France 2019 experiences, her expectations for a home World Cup and the newest chapter in her club career.

Central Asian Domestic Wrap: Region’s defending champions reign supreme 

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Central Asian Domestic Wrap: Region’s defending champions reign supreme 

Bishkek: 2020 may be a distinctly different footballing year than the one which preceded it, but history looks set to likely to repeat itself in the leagues of Central Asia, with the champions of 2019 retaining an iron grip on leagues in Uzbekistan, Islamic Republic of Iran and Tajikistan.

Join the-AFC.com for all the key results and news from Samarkand to Shiraz.

Securing Afif's future, finding foreign players Xavi's immediate targets

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Securing Afif's future, finding foreign players Xavi's immediate targets

Doha: Renewing Akram Afif's contract and securing replacements for Gabi and Marco Fabian are top of Xavi's list after signing a one-year extension as Al Sadd head coach.

The Spanish legend put pen to paper on Sunday, committing his future to the reigning Qatar Stars League champions till the end of the 2020-21 season.

The FIFA World Cup winner and Barcelona legend said he would work closely with the Al Sadd management on a number of key issues.

The best Asian team at the FIFA World Cup announced!

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

The best Asian team at the FIFA World Cup announced!

Kuala Lumpur: Over the past four weeks, we've taken a trip down memory lane to recall some of the greatest performances seen by Asia's footballers at the FIFA World Cup.

With the aim of finding out the fans' all-time favourite team, the-AFC.com has presented a number of candidates who have all excelled at the World Cup over the years, contributing considerably to their respective countries' success at the global showpiece.

And after you have voted in your tens of thousands, Asia's Best XI at the FIFA World Cup can now be revealed, while an XI by OPTA, the official statistics provider for the AFC, is also included as a comparison.

Asia’s Greatest FIFA World Cup Goals – Semi-final 2

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Asia’s Greatest FIFA World Cup Goals – Semi-final 2

Kuala Lumpur: After tens of thousands of fans from throughout the footballing world cast their votes last week, the race to decide Asia’s Best FIFA World Cup goals continues.

In a second semi-final featuring 10 more Asian World Cup classics, this week’s selection features some of the continent’s all-time greats, all delivering moments of magic on the game’s biggest stage.

There are fabulous free-kicks, blistering breakaways and scorchers from distance, but which five goals will advance to next week’s final?

Cast your vote below from our list of nominees:

5 of the Best: Last-minute winners

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

5 of the Best: Last-minute winners

Kuala Lumpur: It's hard to beat the feeling of snatching victory from the jaws of defeat at the very last, and this week's '5 of the Best' highlights some of the most dramatic climaxes ever seen in the AFC Cup. 

From scenes in Singapore to joy in Jakarta and incredible climaxes in Guwahati, Hisor and Al Wakrah, our latest edition shines the spotlight on the magical moments that help make the beautiful game the most watched sport in the world.

Also take a look at past editions that feature acrobatic goals, solo goals, volleys, long-range screamers and free-kicks.