Injured Mitoma misses out as Moriyasu names Japan squad

Fri, 15 May, 2026

Injured Mitoma misses out as Moriyasu names Japan squad

Tokyo: An emotional Hajime Moriyasu said Japan had lost "a major presence" in Kaoru Mitoma after he was forced to leave the injured winger out of his FIFA World Cup 2026 squad on Friday.

Mitoma missed the cut after medical staff decided he did not have enough time to recover from a hamstring injury he suffered during Brighton's 3-0 win over Wolves in the Premier League last weekend.

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Kerr to leave Chelsea

Fri, 15 May, 2026

Kerr to leave Chelsea

London: Australia captain Sam Kerr, Chelsea's all-time leading scorer in English football's Women's Super League, will leave the club when her contract expires at the end of the season, it was announced on Thursday.

Kerr has scored 115 goals in 177 appearances for the Blues and her final game for the west London side will be at home to Manchester United on Saturday.

Humble Yu eyes more for DPR Korea

Fri, 15 May, 2026

Humble Yu eyes more for DPR Korea

Suzhou: Yu Jong Hyang stepped up, yet again, as DPR Korea moved within a match of retaining their title at the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™ on Thursday.

A determined China PR battled their way back into the semi-final to draw level but Yu netted a hat-trick as the defending champions advanced with a 4-2 victory, with the forward increasing her personal tally to an impressive 11 goals.

Kurita determined to steer Japan to title

Thu, 14 May, 2026

Kurita determined to steer Japan to title

Suzhou: Nanami Kurita has been at her predatory best with four goals and the forward is determined to use her instincts to help power Japan to the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™ title.

The 16-year-old bagged a brace in the 4-0 win against Australia in the semi-finals on Thursday and her next target is for Japan to defeat DPR Korea in Sunday’s final and lift the trophy for a fifth time.

#ChallengeLeague - Facts & Figures

Thu, 14 May, 2026

#ChallengeLeague - Facts & Figures

Ardhiyah: The AFC Challenge League 2025/26™ came to a thrilling end on Wednesday with Kuwait SC lifting the coveted trophy.

It was, by all accounts, a hugely successful edition with the pulsating final showcasing just how important the tournament is to the continent's developing clubs.

As we await next season's challenge to kick off, the-AFC.com shines the spotlight on several interesting facts and figures that caught the eye.

Ji proud as DPR Korea pass stiff test to stay on course

Fri, 15 May, 2026

Ji proud as DPR Korea pass stiff test to stay on course

Suzhou: Ji Yun Nam was glad to see DPR Korea pass the first test of their tournament after the defending champions defeated China PR 4-2 to advance to the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™ final on Thursday.

Yu Jong Hyang starred with a hat-trick but only after China PR fought back from 2-0 down to draw level, with head coach Ji thankful that Yu kept her impressive run going and steadying her teammates.