Maldives' title defence to be tested by top notch challengers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Maldives' title defence to be tested by top notch challengers

Male: The 2021 SAFF Championship kicks off on Friday with hosts Maldives aiming to defend the title won in 2018.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the postponement of the 2020 edition with five teams vying for the title at the National Football Stadium in Male over the coming days.

Six players who lit up the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 Qualifiers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Six players who lit up the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 Qualifiers

Kuala Lumpur: In a 12-day period where established powers flexed their muscles, and burgeoning contenders announced their arrival on the AFC Women’s Asian Cup stage, there was no shortage of heroes. 

For some, it was a time of joyous wins and priceless breakthroughs; for others, the anguish of an opportunity missed.

But beyond the drama delivered by September’s six AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 qualifying groups, there were standout individual performers, who seized the moment to ensure their country will be among the continent’s elite at January’s Finals.

At the conclusion of a gripping international window, we’ve picked out six eye-catching performers – one from each group – who left their mark on September’s qualifiers, and will be aiming to do the same on an even bigger stage In less than four months at India 2022.

AO Tanaka included in Japan's squad for AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar challenge

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AO Tanaka included in Japan's squad for AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar challenge

Tokyo: Midfielder Ao Tanaka has been recalled to the Japan squad for next month’s meetings with Saudi Arabia and Japan in the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar.

The former Kawasaki Frontale player was a key member of Japan’s Olympic team as Hajime Moriyasu led the country to the semi-finals of the tournament on home soil, but he was not selected for the Asian Qualifiers' ties against Oman and China PR last month.
 
The Japanese lost their opening game against the Omanis before handing Li Tie’s team a 1-0 defeat in Doha to sit in fourth place in Group B with three points from their first two matches.
 

Al Dawsari among injured trio to miss Saudi Arabia’s ties against Japan, China PR

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Al Dawsari among injured trio to miss Saudi Arabia’s ties against Japan, China PR

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia national team head coach Hervé Renard will be without three key players for the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar matches against Japan and China PR next month.

Abdullah Otayf, Salem Al Dawsari and Mohammed Al Burayk were all left out due to injuries while Abdullah Al Hamdan and Ali Al Asmari were dropped by Renard.

Taremi, Tomiyasu, Son and Kerr: Vote for your AFC International Player of the Week!

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Taremi, Tomiyasu, Son and Kerr: Vote for your AFC International Player of the Week!

Kuala Lumpur: Dashing debuts, derby delight and goals of the highest order were on the menu as Asia’s top players outside the continent flew the flag high.

This week’s action brought sensational goals in Portugal and France, two of East Asia’s biggest stars faced off in London, while two Australians made superb first impressions in Britain. Based on matches played from September 22 to 29, study our list of contenders, and don’t forget to register your vote.

Fabio Cannavaro leaves Guangzhou FC

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Fabio Cannavaro leaves Guangzhou FC

Hong Kong: Two-time AFC Champions League winners Guangzhou FC have parted company with head coach Fabio Cannavaro by mutual consent, the Chinese Super League outfit announced on Tuesday.

The Italian, who was in his second stint with the club, had been due to return to Guangzhou last Thursday having led his squad through the first phase of the Chinese Super League campaign earlier in the year.

His failure to arrive in China as scheduled sparked media speculation he was leaving the club almost four years after joining Guangzhou for a second time following an initial seven-month spell from November 2014 to June 2015.