No More Nike - Molten Acentec AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Ball Released
Japanese sports equipment manufacturer, Molten Corporation, some months ago signed a deal to become the Official Match Ball Supplier for AFC’s national and club events, including the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019. We take a look at the Official Match Ball of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. called Molten Acentec.
The first match featuring Molten balls will kick off on January 5, 2019 at the opening match of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.
Molten recently also signed a three-year agreement to be the official match ball supplier of the UEFA Europa League from 2018 to 2021.
Molten EL ball
Nike 2015 AFC Asian Cup Ball
Molten Acentec AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Official Match Ball
This is the Molten Acentec AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Ball.
Based on the high-end Molten "Vantaggio 5000 Premier" soccer ball, the Molten Acentec AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Official Match Ball boasts the colors of the logo of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 - white, green, red and black. The ball comes with the official logo of the tournament and various other bradnings.
Tech-wise, the Molten Acentec AFC Asian Cup ball is the same as the Vantaggio 500 Premier. The ball comes with Molten’s unique thermal bonding technology for excellent sphericity and ultra-low water absorption. The dimples on the surface reduce wobbles in the ball trajectory that result from air resistance when the ball is in the air.
The AFC President said: “We are delighted to have Molten as the official match ball supplier of AFC’s national and club competitions. It is a significant partnership as it not only showcases Asia’s leading competitions but also one of the world’s leading Asian ball manufacturers. We are excited to have teamed up with the supplier of world-class footballs, and look forward to seeing the partnership grow in line with our leading competitions.”
Kiyofumi Tamiaki, President and CEO of Molten Corporation, said, “At Molten, we continuously strive to produce the absolute best-in-quality sports equipment through innovative technology. Through this new partnership, we are committed to working hand in hand with the AFC to provide football of the highest quality to support the growth and development of football in Asia.”
The AFC Asian Cup Molten ball is scheduled to be launched at the end of 2018
Do you like the Molten AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Official Match Ball? Comment below.
Japan U20 Debuts All-White Away Kit Variant
The all-white variation of Japan's away kit made its official debut during Japan U20's dominant 8-0 victory over Cambodia U20 in the U20 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
Previously, Japan premiered the original ensemble (black shorts and white socks) in a friendly match against Scotland, followed by an all-black shorts and socks variant during their 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash with Brazil.
Leicester City 26-27 Away Retro Collection Released
Expanding on their retro-inspired aesthetic for the season, Leicester City and Adidas have officially dropped a new lifestyle apparel collection under the Adidas Originals banner. Following the popular launch of their Trefoil away shirt earlier this summer, the latest range focuses on timeless club heritage infused with classic Three Stripes street style.
The standout piece of the collection is a royal blue long-sleeve jersey adorned with an intricate all-over diagonal jacquard pattern. Much like the 26-27 away kit, the piece prominently features the iconic Adidas Trefoil alongside Leicester's nostalgic 'Running Fox' crest, which famously adorned the club's shirts until 1992. Matching royal blue three stripes run down the shoulders and sleeves to complete the vintage look.
Alongside the long-sleeve shirt, the collection includes an archival blue t-shirt with a bold white chest stripe, classic track jackets, hoodies, and matching track pants. The full Leicester City x Adidas Originals range is available now at the club's official online store and the Foxes Fanstore at King Power Stadium.
QPR to Wear Blackout Third Kit at Home
Queens Park Rangers have confirmed that they will step away from their traditional blue and white hoops for their upcoming home fixture, wearing their 26-27 blackout third kit instead when they host Middlesbrough. The club stated that the team will sport the alternative strip at home for one match only.
The one-off switch is tied to a community initiative organized in partnership with principal shirt sponsor MrQ and charity partner KitAid. Under the campaign, supporters attending the match are encouraged to trade in their old football shirts in exchange for a complimentary blackout shirt, with the donated kits distributed to disadvantaged communities across the globe.
Crafted by Italian brand Erreà, the stealthy 26-27 third strip features tonal dark hoops accompanied by subdued, murdered-out club crest and sponsor details.







