Wang Shuang stars as China PR edge Korea Republic for Tokyo Olympics spot

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Wang Shuang stars as China PR edge Korea Republic for Tokyo Olympics spot

Suzhou: A 103rd-minute strike from Wang Shuang helped China PR claim the final Asian place in the women’s football tournament at the Tokyo Olympics, prevailing 4-3 on aggregate after a breathless playoff second leg against Korea Republic ended 2-2 after extra time at Suzhou Olympic Center Stadium on Tuesday.

Jia Xiuquan’s side overcame the absence of captain Wu Haiyan and a blistering start from the visitors, who overturned China’s 2-1 first leg with two goals before half-time before a virtuoso display from Wang ensured the Steel Roses will appear at a third consecutive Summer Games.

A Kang Chae-rim volley and a Li Mengwen own goal had Korea Republic dreaming of Tokyo, but Yang Man got the hosts back into the match when she nudged home a Wang free kick, before Wang herself delivered the decisive blow with a superb goal in extra-time.

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Jia hails China PR's spirit after Olympic epic against Korea Republic

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Jia hails China PR's spirit after Olympic epic against Korea Republic

Suzhou: China PR head coach Jia Xiuquan praised his players for the spirit they showed in defeating Korea Republic to claim the final Asian ticket to the Tokyo Olympic women’s football tournament on Tuesday.

In a thrilling, see-sawing second leg, China watched their 2-1 first leg lead evaporate thanks to two Korean goals just before half-time but managed to reach extra-time when Yang Man touched a Wang Shuang free-kick into the net with 20 minutes remaining, before Player of the Match Wang finally broke the deadlock with a 103rd minute strike to make it 4-3 on aggregate.

It was an epic encounter between two desperate teams, with suspended Chinese captain Wu Haiyan's tears of joy indicative of her side's relief as they celebrated in front of 13,500 fans.

AFC President congratulates China PR for completing Asia’s Tokyo Olympics line-up

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AFC President congratulates China PR for completing Asia’s Tokyo Olympics line-up

Kuala Lumpur: AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has congratulated China PR for clinching their spot at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after they defeated Korea Republic 4-3 on aggregate over two legs in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Tokyo 2020 Asian Qualifiers Final Round Playoff on Tuesday.

The AFC President said: “On behalf of the Asian football family, I would like to congratulate China PR for sealing their place at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Bengaluru to tread with caution against Tribhuvan in AFC Cup face-off

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Bengaluru to tread with caution against Tribhuvan in AFC Cup face-off

Kuala Lumpur: Bengaluru FC will not make the mistake of underestimating Tribhuvan Army FC of Nepal when the two teams meet in Preliminary Round 2 of the 2021 AFC Cup at the GMC Stadium in Goa on Wednesday.

In a winner-takes-all tie, the victors will advance to the playoff stage of the 2021 AFC Cup, with either Bangladesh's Abahani Limited Dhaka or Club Eagles of Maldives their next opponents.

2021 AFC Champions League In Numbers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

2021 AFC Champions League In Numbers

Kuala Lumpur: The 2021 AFC Champions League will get underway in West Asia on Wednesday with 20 sides facing two weeks of intense action as they battle it out for qualification to the knockout rounds. 

With the 20 remaining teams from East Asia set to begin their continental campaigns a little later in the year, the-AFC.com looks at some of the numbers that stand out ahead of the start of the 19th edition of the AFC Champions League.

2021 AFC Champions League (West): Six Starlets to watch

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

2021 AFC Champions League (West): Six Starlets to watch

Kuala Lumpur: With the newly expanded AFC Champions League 2021 group stage just around the corner, the-AFC.com picked six up and coming youngsters who could be set to break through in this year’s edition of the competition.

Some of these starlets are established players for their club sides and some have even appeared in previous AFC Champions League seasons, while several are just breaking into the starting XI, but those U23 players are all eyeing a milestone campaign over the next three weeks.

2021 AFC Champions League (West): Six Forwards in Form 

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

2021 AFC Champions League (West): Six Forwards in Form 

Kuala Lumpur: With the 2021 AFC Champions League kick off just around the corner, the-AFC.com takes a look at the strikers who are poised to make a difference in the western side of the continent.

With no shortage of attacking talent on display, we shine the spotlight on six frontmen who are on fire in their clubs’ domestic campaigns and could be set to bring those hot streaks onto the Asian stage in this year's continental club competition.