#ChallengeLeague contenders eye Knockout Stage success

Mon, 24 Feb, 2025

#ChallengeLeague contenders eye Knockout Stage success

Kuala Lumpur: The journey continues for the eight remaining teams in the AFC Challenge League™ 2024/25 on Wednesday, March 5 when the Knockout Stage kicks off.

Having battled past 10 other sides to come through the Group Stage, they will contest their first-leg ties of the Quarter-finals in the quest for glory in the new third-tier Continental men’s competition.

Year in Review: AFC Challenge League™ 2024/25 - Group Stage

Thu, 19 Dec, 2024

Year in Review: AFC Challenge League™ 2024/25 - Group Stage

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Challenge League™ 2024/25 is set for an exciting climax following a group stage which left fans thrilled.

The knockout stage will kick off in March with the quarter-finals, with the final scheduled for May, 2025.

Knockout stage cast confirmed

Sat, 02 Nov, 2024

Knockout stage cast confirmed

Kuala Lumpur: The quarter-finalists for the AFC Challenge League™ 2024/25 were confirmed following the conclusion of the group stage on Saturday.

Advancing from the West Zone were India's East Bengal (Group A winners), Turkmenistan's FC Arkadag (Group B), Oman's Al Seeb Club (Group C) and Kuwait's Al Arabi (Group B - best runners-up).

The qualifiers from the East Zone were Group D winners Shan United FC of Myanmar and runners-up Tainan City FC of Chinese Taipei while Indonesia's Madura United topped Group E ahead of Cambodia's Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC.

#ACLElite - Kooshki wins best goal of MD8 (West)

Fri, 28 Feb, 2025

#ACLElite - Kooshki wins best goal of MD8 (West)

Kuala Lumpur: Alireza Kooshki emerged the winner of the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 West Zone's Matchday 8 best goals poll with 82 percent of the votes.

Kooshki's clinical finish off Ramin Rezaeian's through pass secured the Esteghlal FC player's spot in the semi-finals

Check out the results at the bottom and don't forget to cast your vote for the East Zone's best goal of Matchday 8 with polling to start on Saturday.

Saudi Arabia lead AFC Men’s Club Competitions Mid-Season Ranking 2024/25

Wed, 26 Feb, 2025

Saudi Arabia lead AFC Men’s Club Competitions Mid-Season Ranking 2024/25

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today released the AFC Men’s Club Competitions Mid-Season Ranking 2024/25, with Saudi Arabia continuing to lead the way.

With a total of 109.054 points to their name, the chart-toppers are followed by Japan and Korea Republic in second and third place respectively.

Australia’s Toure determined to go all the way

Thu, 27 Feb, 2025

Australia’s Toure determined to go all the way

Shenzhen: Musa Toure was proud to have played a major part in Australia securing their place in the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 final with a commanding 2-0 semi-final victory over Japan on Wednesday.

Toure scored the opener four minutes into the second half at the Baoan Sports Centre Stadium and was the catalyst for the Young Socceroos’ second goal through Jaylan Pearman as Australia moved within one match of winning their maiden title, with Saudi Arabia awaiting them on Saturday. 

Soares hails title-chasing Saudi Arabia’s grit

Thu, 27 Feb, 2025

Soares hails title-chasing Saudi Arabia’s grit

Shenzhen: Marcos Soares was a delighted head coach after his Saudi Arabia side battled hard to overcome Korea Republic in their AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 semi-final on Wednesday. 

With only 37 percent ball possession and one shot on target throughout the 120 minutes of action, Soares needed his team to show a different side to their game in the penalty shootout and that they did, triumphing 3-2 to move within one match of lifting the title last won in 2018. 

Goalkeeper Hamed Yousef was Saudi Arabia’s hero, denying Kim Tae-won and Kim Gyeol in the shootout with Soares applauding the Al Ittihad player for his focus and determination.