Saudi Arabia to kick off FIFA World Cup™ preparations with friendlies

Mon, 09 May, 2022

Saudi Arabia to kick off FIFA World Cup™ preparations with friendlies

Jeddah: Following the euphoria of Saudi Arabia’s qualification to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, head coach Herve Renard has scheduled preparations for the Finals with two preparatory camps in June and September.

With their place in Qatar 2022 already secured, the Green Falcons defeated Australia 1-0 to take top spot in Group B, finishing their qualification campaign on a winning note in front of a packed King Abdullah Sport City Stadium in Jeddah.

Renard’s men, who finished the group with 23 points from 10 games, one point ahead of Japan, will be put through a series of four friendlies ahead of the World Cup in November.

Central and South Asian Wrap: Istiklol’s Super Cup, Persepolis close gap, Fans flock in Uzbekistan

Mon, 09 May, 2022

Central and South Asian Wrap: Istiklol’s Super Cup, Persepolis close gap, Fans flock in Uzbekistan

Bishkek: FC Istiklol added yet more silverware in Tajikistan, while Persepolis turned up the pressure on Esteghlal in an increasingly fascinating Iran Pro League title race as Central and South Asia produced another thrilling week of domestic football.

There was also a potential power shift in Kyrgyz Republic, huge crowds in Uzbekistan and goals galore from the leading clubs in Bangladesh and Maldives.
 
Join the-AFC.com for all the latest news and results from Namangan to Naryn.

ASEAN Wrap: A-League Finals Series cast confirmed; Negeri Sembilan go top in Malaysia

Mon, 09 May, 2022

ASEAN Wrap: A-League Finals Series cast confirmed; Negeri Sembilan go top in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur: The six teams who will compete in the A-League’s upcoming Finals Series have been confirmed as the regular season draws to a close in Australia ahead of the 2021-22 campaign’s showcase finale. 

The last relegation spot in Thailand has been decided, while there are new leaders in Malaysia and there were games in both Singapore and Laos. Read on for the-AFC.com’s wrap of the best of the action from across ASEAN.

East Asia Wrap: Ulsan, Kawasaki back in the groove

Mon, 09 May, 2022

East Asia Wrap: Ulsan, Kawasaki back in the groove

Hong Kong: After disappointing AFC Champions League™ 2022 exits, Ulsan Hyundai and Kawasaki Frontale returned to Korea Republic and Japan respectively to post wins as they got their campaigns back on track in perfect fashion. 

Ulsan moved seven points clear at the top of K League 1, while Kawasaki sit second in the J1 League but were boosted by leaders Kashima Antlers losing at Sanfrecce Hiroshima. 

Elsewhere in East Asia, there was action in Chinese Taipei, Macau and Mongolia, so join the-AFC.com as we review the latest rounds of fixtures. 

Vietnam held by Philippines; Myanmar defeat Timor-Leste

Sun, 08 May, 2022

Vietnam held by Philippines; Myanmar defeat Timor-Leste

Hanoi: Vietnam had to settle for a 0-0 draw with Philippines in their Hanoi SEA Games men's football Group A tie on Sunday.

Myanmar, meanwhile, kicked off their campaign with a 3-2 win over Timor-Leste.

Kerr, Ji help Chelsea to another Women’s Super League crown

Sun, 08 May, 2022

Kerr, Ji help Chelsea to another Women’s Super League crown

London: Sam Kerr was the two-goal hero, while Ji So-yun secured her sixth and final FA Women’s Super League title as Chelsea rallied from behind to beat Manchester United 4-2 at Kingsmeadow on Sunday.

The result maintained Chelsea’s one-point advantage over Arsenal, whose 2-0 win at West Ham United wasn’t enough to deny their London rivals in a thrilling finale.

Tanaka stars as INAC Kobe Leonessa win inaugural WE League title

Sun, 08 May, 2022

Tanaka stars as INAC Kobe Leonessa win inaugural WE League title

Sagamihara: INAC Kobe Leonessa became the inaugural champions of Japan’s WE League with a 3-0 win at Nojima Stella Kanagawa Sagamihara on Sunday.

Inspired by Mina Tanaka’s brilliant brace, a comprehensive victory on the day took the Kobe club to 47 points from 18 matches, giving them an unassailable nine-point lead over second placed Urawa Reds Ladies with two rounds of matches remaining. 

Three-time champions of the Nadeshiko League in the early 2010s, INAC Kobe Leonessa can now claim to be the first club to reach the summit in Japan’s first fully professional women’s league.