Al Shorta claim Iraqi Premier League title

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Al Shorta claim Iraqi Premier League title

Baghdad: Al Shorta were confirmed as winners of the 2018/19 Iraqi Premier League title at the weekend despite losing 1-0 away at Al Minaa.

The loss was to matter little for Nebojša Jovović’s charges, as defeat for second-placed Air Force Club left Al Shorta with an unassailable eight-point lead at the top of the table with two matches still to play.

Al Wahda's Steijn satisfied with Netherlands training camp

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Al Wahda's Steijn satisfied with Netherlands training camp

Tiel: Al Wahda FSCC head coach Maurice Steijn has declared that he is happy with what he has seen from his side during their training camp in the Netherlands. 

The 45-year-old Dutch tactician took over from compatriot Henk Ten Cate in June, and has been using the camp to familiarise himself with the players.

Abe moves to Barcelona

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Abe moves to Barcelona

Ibaraki: Kashima Antlers confirmed on Fridat that Hiroki Abe is transferring to Spanish champions FC Barcelona. 

The 20-year-old forward, who has been with the reigning Asian champions since 2017, will make his first move to the European continent and will be hoping to feature in the La Liga and UEFA Champions League.

Abe has shown tremendous talent for both club and the Japanese national team. Last year, he played a crucial role in assisting Kashima to their first AFC Champions League title, while also impressing domestically in the J1 League to be named the Rookie of the Year.

Registration deadlines confirmed

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Registration deadlines confirmed

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation has confirmed the latest player registration deadlines for the 12 teams still involved in this season’s AFC Champions League.

In the East Zone, four sides remain in contention for Continental glory, with Shanghai SIPG FC and Urawa Red Diamonds now having until August 12 to submit updated squad details ahead of the first leg of their quarter-final showdown on August 27.

Elsewhere, two-time winners Guangzhou Evergrande FC are set to face reigning champions Kashima Antlers on August 28 and the two hopefuls must finalise their respective squad lists by August 13.

Young Zobahan will be ready for Al Ittihad, says Mansourian

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Young Zobahan will be ready for Al Ittihad, says Mansourian

Isfahan: Zobahan FC head coach Alireza Mansourian expects a tough challenge but is confident the Islamic Republic of Iran side will overcome Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad in the 2019 AFC Champions League Round of 16.

Zobahan, who are in pre-season training, will face Al Ittihad on August 5 and 13 and Mansourian said his players are working hard to ensure they will be ready.

It will be a changed Zobahan side from the one that played in the 2018 AFC Champions League with several players having departed and new faces brought in.

5 ACL-winning summer signings 

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

5 ACL-winning summer signings 

Kuala Lumpur: With Marko Arnautovic the latest big name to join the AFC Champions League after Monday's signing with quarter-finalists Shanghai SIPG, we take a look at five other big summer acquisitions who led their team to Continental glory.

The Austrian forward will be tasked helping fire the Chinese Super League side to their first AFC Champions League title and, if he can do so, he would join a list of players who have gone on to lift the coveted trophy.

Al Sadd, Al Duhail shift gears as showdown nears

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Al Sadd, Al Duhail shift gears as showdown nears

Kuala Lumpur: Qatar clubs Al Sadd and Al Duhail are picking up the pace ahead of their 2019 AFC Champions League Round of 16 tie in August.

While Al Duhail have been based in the Portuguese city of Portimao since July 1, Al Sadd reported for training in Doha on July 7.

Qatari champions Al Sadd will have a new head coach in the dugout with Spain and Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez having been announced as the man in charge at the end of the 2018-19 season.