Preview - Men's MD1

Mon, 22 Jul, 2024

Preview - Men's MD1

Kuala Lumpur: Uzbekistan, Iraq and Japan will be looking to get their respective Paris Olympics Men’s Football Tournament 2024 campaigns off to a positive start when the tournament gets underway on Wednesday.

Tournament debutants Uzbekistan will face former gold medallists Spain while Iraq will be tested by Ukraine with Japan facing off against a confident Paraguay.

Iwabuchi confident of Japan, Australia’s chances

Thu, 18 Jul, 2024

Iwabuchi confident of Japan, Australia’s chances

Kuala Lumpur: Mana Iwabuchi believes that both Japan and Australia have the pedigree to finish on the podium at the Paris Olympics, provided they play their cards right.

Having played a part in helping Japan win the silver medal at London 2012, Iwabuchi knows a thing or two on what’s required to win a medal in the global showpiece.

The former Bayern Munich and Arsenal player feels Japan’s familiarity could be a crucial factor as 15 of the 18 players brought to Paris were also part of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023.

India appoints Marquez as new head coach

Mon, 22 Jul, 2024

India appoints Marquez as new head coach

New Delhi: The All India Football Federation has decided on the replacement for Igor Stimac with Manolo Marquez being entrusted with the responsibility of the men’s national team head coach duties.

Marquez is currently the head coach of FC Goa and will be taking on both roles until the end of the 2024/25 season before focusing fully on the national team.

Women’s Football - Players to Watch

Fri, 19 Jul, 2024

Women’s Football - Players to Watch

Kuala Lumpur: As the 2024 Paris Olympics approaches, anticipation is building for the thrilling displays of talent and skill that will unfold on the grand stage. 

Among the athletes set to compete, several players from Australia and Japan are expected to be in the Women's Football Tournament spotlight. 

The-AFC.com takes a look at the key players to watch from these two nations.

Men’s Football - Players to Watch

Mon, 15 Jul, 2024

Men’s Football - Players to Watch

Kuala Lumpur: The Paris Olympics Men’s Football Tournament is set to be a spectacle with three Asian teams striving for glory.

Japan, Uzbekistan and Iraq are all determined to produce a medal finish and the-AFC.com takes a look at the players who will be pivotal to their chances.

Ikeda optimistic of Japan’s chances

Sat, 20 Jul, 2024

Ikeda optimistic of Japan’s chances

Paris: Futoshi Ikeda believes Japan can claim their first medal in the women’s competition at the Olympic Games since 20212 by sticking to their own style of football despite being handed a daunting challenge in the group phase of this summer’s tournament.

The Nadeshiko have been drawn to face reigning FIFA Women’s World Cup holders Spain as well as current South American champions Brazil and 11-times African title winners Nigeria at the Paris Games, but Ikeda is refusing to be pessimistic.

South Asia Wrap: Win helps Thimphu narrow gap

Mon, 22 Jul, 2024

South Asia Wrap: Win helps Thimphu narrow gap

Thimphu: Thimphu City made short work of Tensung 2-1 to close the gap  with league leaders Paro FC in the Bhutan Premier League.

The victory took Thimphu to 23 points from 10 matches, two short of Paro.

In other matches, Transport United went on a goal spree, winning 7-3 against Samtse. 

ASEAN & East Asia Wrap: Jeonbuk stun Ulsan; Tampines go top by beating Sailors

Mon, 22 Jul, 2024

ASEAN & East Asia Wrap: Jeonbuk stun Ulsan; Tampines go top by beating Sailors

Kuala Lumpur: Only three points separate the top five in Korea Republic as defending champions Ulsan Hyundai suffered a 2-0 defeat to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors on Saturday and Pohang Steelers emerged as the new league leaders following a 2-1 win over Daejeon Hana Citizen. 

In Singapore, Tampines Rovers produced a 5-0 win against Lion City Sailors in a top-of-the-table clash on Thursday and leapfrogged their opponents to the summit while leaders Machida Zelvia were beaten 2-1 by 11th-placed Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan.

Reigning champions Johor Darul Ta’zim and Terengganu both gained slender advantages in the first leg of their Malaysia FA Cup semi-final contests while matches also took place in China PR, Myanmar and Macau, so join the-AFC.com as we review the week’s action from ASEAN and East Asia.