Steel Roses make surprise calls as Tokyo 2020 squad is named

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Steel Roses make surprise calls as Tokyo 2020 squad is named

Beijing: Star names are absent, while a several youngsters have been included after Jia Xiuquan’s China PR women’s national team squad for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games was revealed on Wednesday.

A number of team regulars, including four of the starting lineup from the final qualification playoff which took the Steel Roses to Tokyo, have failed to earn selection ahead of this month’s tournament, with forward Tang Jiali among the best known.

Also absent from the 22-strong list are Ma Jun – who captained China against Korea Republic in the final playoff – as well as Lou Jiahui and Yao Wei.

Early goals key to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors’ AFC Champions League progression, says Kim

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Early goals key to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors’ AFC Champions League progression, says Kim

Tashkent: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors head coach Kim Sang-sik said his side’s three first-half goals made life significantly easier as they secured their place in the 2021 AFC Champions League knockout stage on Wednesday.

The K League champions beat Thailand’s Chiangrai United 3-1 to win Group H with a game to spare, with all three of their goals coming in a highly efficient first-half display.

Chiangrai managed more possession and more shots on goal in the first half – and racked up 18 attempts for the match as a whole – but it was Jeonbuk who were better in the final third, with Modou Barrow, Hong Jeong-ho and Park Jin-seong all scoring in style.

Analysis: Efficient Jeonbuk progress as Chiangrai show they belong in AFC Champions League

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Analysis: Efficient Jeonbuk progress as Chiangrai show they belong in AFC Champions League

Tashkent: In a match that Chiangrai United realistically had to win to have any chance of reaching the 2021 AFC Champions League knockout rounds, they fell just short against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors but their improvement on the continent continues. 

The two-time champions' 3-1 victory ensured they advanced to the the Round of 16 as Group H winners with a game to spare as the northern Thai side – despite a couple of impressive results in Tashkent – saw their elimination confirmed.

After a decisive night at Lokomotiv Stadium, the-AFC.com looks back at some of the key takeaways from the game.

Mora pleased with Johor Darul Ta’zim’s development, Siripong cherishes Ratchaburi’s AFC Champions League experience

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Mora pleased with Johor Darul Ta’zim’s development, Siripong cherishes Ratchaburi’s AFC Champions League experience

Bangkok: Benjamin Mora was satisfied with his Johor Darul Ta'zim side  despite the Malaysian side being held to a 0-0 draw by Thailand’s Ratchaburi FC in their final 2021 AFC Champions League Group G match on Wednesday.

The two sides could not break the deadlock at the Rajamangala Stadium as Johor Darul Ta’zim ended their 2021 AFC Champions League campaign in third place with four points, two ahead of Ratchaburi.

Nagoya’s Ficcadenti looks ahead, Kim optimistic about Pohang’s AFC Champions League chances

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Nagoya’s Ficcadenti looks ahead, Kim optimistic about Pohang’s AFC Champions League chances

Bangkok: Massimo Ficcadenti has challenged his Nagoya Grampus side to build on their unbeaten run in the 2021 AFC Champions League after the Japanese side ended their Group G campaign with a 1-1 draw against Korea Republic’s Pohang Steelers on Wednesday.

Pohang’s Boris Tashchy struck late in the game to cancel out Naoki Maeda’s second half goal to deny Nagoya a sixth consecutive victory at the Rajamangala Stadium.

Nagoya ended their campaign with 16 points with Pohang five adrift and needing results elsewhere to go their way if they are to advance to the Round of 16 as one of the three best runners-up from the East zone.

Coronado joins Saudi’s Al Ittihad

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Coronado joins Saudi’s Al Ittihad

Jeddah: Saudi Arabia giants Al Ittihad announced the signing of  Brazilian attacking midfielder Igor Coronado on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old midfielder join The Tigers from UAE outfit Sharjah, whom he helped advance to the knockout stage of this year’s AFC Champions League.

Mahrous appointed Syria national team head coach

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Mahrous appointed Syria national team head coach

Damascus: Syria Football Association announced on Wednesday that local coach Nizar Mahrous has been appointed to take charge of the national team for their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar 2022 campaign.

The 58-year-old replaces Tunisian Nabil Maaloul who resigned after steering Syria to the final round of the Asian Qualifiers.