Japan hold off Colombia; Oman go down fighting against Brazil

Sat, 17 Feb, 2024

Japan hold off Colombia; Oman go down fighting against Brazil

Dubai: Wonder goals from Takuya Akaguma and Ozu Moreira helped Japan see off a courageous challenge from FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup debutants Colombia in their UAE 2024 Dubai Group C opener on Friday.

Oman, meanwhile, gave their best against Brazil before going down 5-3 against the five-time world champions. 

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Vote for your #AsianCup2023 NEOM Future Star

Fri, 16 Feb, 2024

Vote for your #AsianCup2023 NEOM Future Star

Kuala Lumpur: Some of the best young talents on the continent dazzled in spectacular fashion at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ as they displayed their ability on the biggest stage. 

After Qatar’s win over Jordan in the final saw the Maroons defend their title, the-AFC.com now looks back on the tournament and asks you, the fans, to determine the standout NEOM Future Star of the Tournament.
 
We’ve selected 10 nominees who delivered eye-catching performances throughout the AFC Asian Cup, so review the list and don’t forget to vote for your favourite NEOM Future Star at the bottom of the article.

UAE enjoy dream start; IR Iran fight back to beat Spain

Fri, 16 Feb, 2024

UAE enjoy dream start; IR Iran fight back to beat Spain

Dubai: United Arab Emirates kicked off their FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup UAE 2024 Dubai Group A campaign with a 2-1 win over Egypt on Thursday.

Islamic Republic of Iran also got off to a victorious start, defeating Spain 3-1 on penalties after their opening Group B tie ended in a sensational 6-6 draw with the Central Asian side coming back from 5-2 down to snatch the win.

Pizzi steps down as Bahrain head coach

Fri, 16 Feb, 2024

Pizzi steps down as Bahrain head coach

Manama: Bahrain Football Association announced on Thursday the termination of the contract of head coach Juan Antonio Pizzi by mutual agreement.

Spaniard Pizzi took over the role vacated by Helio Sousa after the end of his contract in July 2023 and was in charge of Bahrain at the recent AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.

Klinsmann parts ways with Korea Republic

Fri, 16 Feb, 2024

Klinsmann parts ways with Korea Republic

Seoul: Jurgen Klinsmann has parted way with Korea Republic after the German’s failure to lead the nation to a first AFC Asian Cup™ title in 64 years in Qatar earlier this month.

The Korea Football Association made the announcement on Friday following a two-and-a-half hour meeting at their headquarters in Seoul, which was led by KFA president Chung Mong-gyu.

Sepahan's Morais rues red card, Al Hilal's Jesus lauds players

Fri, 16 Feb, 2024

Sepahan's Morais rues red card, Al Hilal's Jesus lauds players

Isfahan: Mohammad Daneshgar's red card was the reason for Sepahan FC's late collapse against Al Hilal SFC on Thursday, said head coach Jose Morais.

The first leg of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Round of 16 tie looked set to end in a 1-1 stalemate but Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal took full advantage of Ghorbani's sending off to strike twice in added time to take a hefty lead going into next week's rematch in Riyadh.

Gallardo: Ittihad will get the job done at home

Fri, 16 Feb, 2024

Gallardo: Ittihad will get the job done at home

Qarshi: Marcelo Gallardo expects Al Ittihad to get the job done when they host Navbahor in the return leg of their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Round of 16 tie next week.

Thursday's first leg ended in a goalless draw, leaving Al Ittihad in a good position going into the return leg, with the Saudi Pro League champions seeking a third continental title.

Hong pleased Ulsan excelled in Ventforet test

Fri, 16 Feb, 2024

Hong pleased Ulsan excelled in Ventforet test

Ulsan: Head coach Hong Myung-bo was happy to see Ulsan Hyundai FC getting their season off to a resounding start after defeating Ventforet Kofu 3-0 in their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Round of 16 first leg match on Thursday.

Fielding three new signings in Kim Min-woo, Ko Seung-beom and Hwang Seok-ho in his starting line-up, Hong’s gamble paid off handsomely as the two-time AFC Champions League winners look well placed for a fifth appearance in the quarter-finals of the continental showpiece. 

Hong was also delighted for Joo Min-kyu, who scored twice before the break at the Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium and is hopeful the 33-year-old forward will enjoy a big season.