Japan’s lack of potency a concern for Ikeda

Sun, 25 Feb, 2024

Japan’s lack of potency a concern for Ikeda

Jeddah: Head coach Futoshi Ikeda was less than pleased after Japan settled for a goalless draw with DPR Korea in the first leg of their Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024™ Asian Qualifiers Round 3 tie on Saturday.

The Nadeshiko struggled to create chances with goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita needing to be in top form to deny the Koreans a lead to take into Wednesday’s return leg in Tokyo, leading Ikeda to ponder different options.

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DPR Korea, Japan settle for stalemate

Sun, 25 Feb, 2024

DPR Korea, Japan settle for stalemate

Jeddah: DPR Korea and Japan played to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024™ Asian Qualifiers Round 3 match on Saturday.

The match at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium was a balanced contest, setting up a grandstand finish when the two sides meet in the second leg at the National Stadium in Tokyo on Wednesday.

Gustavsson wants sharper Matildas in second leg

Sun, 25 Feb, 2024

Gustavsson wants sharper Matildas in second leg

Tashkent: Despite a commanding 3-0 advantage, head coach Tony Gustavsson wants Australia to be more clinical in the second leg of their Round 3 of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024™ Asian Qualifiers tie against Uzbekistan in Melbourne on Wednesday.

Gustavsson’s charges toiled in front of goal for 71 minutes at the Bunyodkor Stadium on Saturday before goals from Michelle Heyman, Mary Fowler and Caitlin Foord all but confirmed Australia’s berth at the Paris Olympics.

Second half goals give Australia healthy advantage over Uzbekistan

Sat, 24 Feb, 2024

Second half goals give Australia healthy advantage over Uzbekistan

Tashkent: Australia turned on the power in the second half to defeat Uzbekistan 3-0 in the first leg of their Round 3 of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024™ Asian Qualifiers tie at the Bunyodkor Stadium on Saturday.

Denied by a resilient Uzbekistan in the opening 45 minutes, Australia found their scoring boots in the second half to take a huge step towards the Paris Olympic Games, with the return leg to be played on Wednesday. 

Nepal beat Palestine to set up Lebanon semi-final

Sun, 25 Feb, 2024

Nepal beat Palestine to set up Lebanon semi-final

Jeddah: Nepal defeated Palestine 4-0 to finish top of Group B of the West Asian Football Federation Women's Championship 2024 on Saturday.

The South Asian side completed their group stage campaign with a perfect nine points and will face Lebanon in the semi-finals on Tuesday.
 
Palestine, despite the defeat, will play defending champions Jordan in the other last four tie.

IR Iran's title dream ended by Brazil

Sun, 25 Feb, 2024

IR Iran's title dream ended by Brazil

Dubai: Islamic Republic of Iran were denied a place in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup UAE 2024 Dubai final by a brilliant Brazilian comeback on Saturday.

The five-time world champions clawed their way back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 and break Iranian hearts.
 
Brazil will meet Italy in the final while Iran will aim for a third-place finish against Belarus on Sunday. 

Lopez stays as Qatar head coach

Sat, 24 Feb, 2024

Lopez stays as Qatar head coach

Doha: Marquez Lopez will continue as Qatar national team head coach until 2026.

The 62-year-old Spaniard signed the contract on Friday, having steered Qatar's successful defence of their AFC Asian Cup™ title earlier this month.

Ivankovic takes charge of China PR men's national team

Sat, 24 Feb, 2024

Ivankovic takes charge of China PR men's national team

Beijing: Branko Ivankovic has been appointed as head coach of the China PR men's national team, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) said on Saturday.

The Croatian replaces Aleksandar Jankovic, with the Serbian having been in charge of China PR at the recent AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.

R16, 2nd Leg: What They Said

Fri, 23 Feb, 2024

R16, 2nd Leg: What They Said

Kuala Lumpur: The identity of the eight AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 quarter-finalists was decided this week as the Round of 16 concluded with the second leg games.

Playing the right way, ending seven years of hurt, and eyes on the prize all feature as the-AFC.com talks to those involved in the latest edition of the Continent's most prestigious competition.