#ACL: Teams learn path to glory

Thu, 24 Aug, 2023

#ACL: Teams learn path to glory

Kuala Lumpur: Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan will kick off the defence of their AFC Champions League title in Group J following the 2023/24 Official Draw in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday. 

Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal SFC - who won the 2019 and 2021 titles and were runners-up last season - were drawn in Group D. 

The draw saw the 40 teams divided into 10 groups - five each in the East and West Zones.

The 10 group winners along with the three best runners-up of each Zone will book their places in the Knockout Stages, which will take place from February to April before the final is held over two legs on May 11 and 18, 2024.

Damjanovic: It has been a thrilling and fulfilling journey

Thu, 24 Aug, 2023

Damjanovic: It has been a thrilling and fulfilling journey

Kotor: Two months after his contract with Hong Kong Premier League champions Kitchee expired, all-time AFC Champions League™ leading scorer Dejan Damjanovic has announced his retirement from professional football.

He tells the-AFC.com the reasons for finally hanging up his boots.

Castro proud of Al Nassr's perseverance

Wed, 23 Aug, 2023

Castro proud of Al Nassr's perseverance

Riyadh: Head coach Luis Castro praised his players for their perseverance after his Al Nassr side came from behind to defeat Shabab Al Ahli Dubai 4-2 in their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 playoff tie on Tuesday.

The Saudi Pro League side looked to be heading out with reigning UAE Pro League champions Shabab Al Ahli leading 2-1 with just two minute of regulation time remaining at the King Saud University Stadium.
 
Sultan Al Ghannam, however, drew Al Nassr level before strikes from Talisca - who had given Al Nassr the lead in the 11th minute before a brace by Yahya Al Ghassani put Shabab Al Ahli ahead - and Marcelo Brozovic meant the Saudi side advanced to the group stage. 

Navbahor make Babayan's day

Wed, 23 Aug, 2023

Navbahor make Babayan's day

Al Wakrah: Navbahor head coach Samuel Babayan was ecstatic after the Uzbekistan side qualified for their first AFC Champions League™ group stage in 13 years on Tuesday.

Qualification was sealed after a 1-0 win over Qatar's Al Wakrah SC in their playoff, with Navbahor joining fellow Uzbekistan clubs Pakhtakor, FC Nasaf and AGMK FC in Thursday's group stage draw in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

Better tactics, fitness took AGMK through, says Qosimov

Wed, 23 Aug, 2023

Better tactics, fitness took AGMK through, says Qosimov

Doha: AGMK head coach Mirjalol Qosimov said his team's superior tactics and physical conditioning played a major part in the Uzbekistan side advancing to the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 group stage on Tuesday. 

Ruben Sanchez's 69th minute effort ultimately separated the sides at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, with AGMK booking a group stage spot for only the second time in their history. 

Skorza: Nakajima a perfect fit for Urawa

Wed, 23 Aug, 2023

Skorza: Nakajima a perfect fit for Urawa

Saitama: Urawa Red Diamonds head coach Maciej Skorza praised the performance of new midfielder Shoya Nakajima as the defending champions booked their place in Thursday’s AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 group stage draw with a 3-0 win over Hong Kong’s Lee Man.

Goals from Yoshio Koizumi and Shinzo Koroki inside the opening six minutes put Urawa on their way to a comfortable win before Takahiro Sekine applied the finishing touch in injury time.
 
Nakajima played an instrumental role in his side’s success, with the former FC Tokyo playmaker involved in both of the opening goals on his first start for the club since joining from Antalyspor as Reds made light work of last season’s Hong Kong Premier League runners-up.