Asian Struggles Continue: Shandong Taishan and Shanghai Shenhua Face AFC Setbacks
Chinese Super League giants Shandong Taishan and Shanghai Shenhua suffered defeats in the AFC Champions League Elite, dimming their qualification hopes.
News & Insights Across Asia
Chinese Super League giants Shandong Taishan and Shanghai Shenhua suffered defeats in the AFC Champions League Elite, dimming their qualification hopes.
Hosts China drawn with Australia, Kyrgyzstan, and Qatar in Group A of the 2025 AFC U-20 Asian Cup in Shenzhen, aiming for a strong performance to secure a spot at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Shanghai Shenhua defeated Kawasaki Frontale 2-0 in the AFC Champions League, climbing to fourth in the East Region. Wang Haijian and Andre Luis scored to secure the home victory.
Zhejiang Professional secured their first win in the 2024-25 AFC Champions League Two, defeating Indonesia’s Persib Bandung 1-0 in a thrilling home match in Hangzhou.
Italian football legend Salvatore “Toto” Schillaci, famed for his heroics in the 1990 World Cup and contributions to Asian football with Jubilo Iwata, has passed away at 59 due to colon cancer.
China will host the 2025 AFC U20 Men’s Asian Cup, as announced by the Asian Football Confederation, highlighting a significant event in Asian football.
England’s FA chief Mark Bullingham supports VAR technology despite the Premier League’s move to abolish it, highlighting its role in reducing errors. Asian football leagues may be influenced by the FA’s stance.
Manchester United’s unexpected 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace has left Asian football fans and analysts stunned, sparking discussions about the club’s form and future in the Premier League.
Pakistan’s recent matches highlight how Asia’s World Cup qualifying format challenges emerging teams, limiting their opportunities for growth due to early eliminations.
FIFA’s decision to expand and annualize the U-17 World Cups from 2025 is set to transform youth football globally, offering Asian nations more opportunities to compete and develop young talent.
Bayer Leverkusen staged a remarkable comeback against Azerbaijan’s Qarabag FK, overcoming a two-goal deficit to win 5-4 on aggregate, extending their unbeaten streak to 37 matches and advancing in the Europa League.