Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Tehran: Baghdad Bounedjah has won the 2018 AFC Champions League top scorer award after the Algerian's 13 goals saw him finish ahead of Suwon Samsung Bluewings' Dejan Damjanovic and Al Duhail's Yousef El Arabi.
The Al Sadd forward matched the all-time single tournament record held by Muriqui who netted the same tally by the conclusion of Guangzhou Evergrande's 2013 campaign.
However, unlike Muriqui who lifted the continental title with the Chinese Super League side, with Al Sadd eliminated from the tournament in the semi-finals by Persepolis, Bounedjah's involvement in the 2018 AFC Champions League was brought to an end at the penultimate stage.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Tehran: Kashima Antlers were crowned AFC Champions League winners for the first time after a goalless stalemate with Islamic Republic of Iran’s Persepolis at the Azadi Stadium on Saturday saw the Japanese side wrap up a 2-0 aggregate scoreline following their first leg victory in Japan last week.
A stalwart rearguard action from the visitors frustrated their hosts and the bulk of the 100,000 supporters who had crammed themselves into the cavernous venue in Tehran, with Persepolis unable to reduce Kashima’s two-goal advantage.
Of the few chances that did fall Persepolis’ way, the majority came to striker Ali Alipour but he was unable to make them count, as Go Oiwa’s side secured the 0-0 draw to make it back-to-back Asian champions from the J.League after Urawa Red Diamonds’ triumph last year.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Tehran: Yuma Suzuki of Kashima Antlers was crowned the 2018 AFC Champions League Most Valuable Player (MVP) in Tehran on Saturday.
Suzuki's performances in the 2018 AFC Champions League played a pivotal role in Kashima's surge to the title for the first time, with the 22-year-old striker - with two goals to his name - having developed a solid understanding with Brazilian Serginho.
"I am really, really happy with the fact that I was selected for the ACL MVP. but this award is not just about myself but it’s the result of the team performance," said Suzuki.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Tehran: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has paid tribute to Kashima Antlers on joining the Continent’s illustrious list of AFC Champions League winners after defeating Persepolis FC 2-0 on aggregate at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran on Saturday.
Kashima Antlers showed great resolve prevailing in an exciting season, claiming the richest-ever purse prize of USD$4 million and qualifying for the 2018 FIFA Club World Cup in the United Arab Emirates in December.
Shaikh Salman said: “I salute the remarkable success of Kashima Antlers on winning their first AFC Champions League title. It is rewarding to see them join the list of worthy champions who have triumphed in Asia’s leading club competition.