Argentine Velazquez returns to JDT

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Argentine Velazquez returns to JDT

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia's Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), preparing to make their AFC Champions League group stage debut, have re-signed Argentine striker Leandro Velazquez.

Velazquez is best remembered for scoring the winning goal in JDT's 1-0 triumph over FC Istiklol in the 2015 AFC Cup final.

The Argentine replaces Spanish attacking midfielder Aaron Niguez.

Ulsan aiming high, says head coach Kim

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Ulsan aiming high, says head coach Kim

Ulsan: Korea Republic's Ulsan Hyundai FC head coach Kim Do-hoon is confident his side can end their title-drought this season, having made major additions to their squad. 

Ulsan secured their place in the 2019 AFC Champions League Group Stage after recording an emphatic 5-1 win against Malaysia's Perak in a play-off tie on Tuesday.

The 2005 Continental champions won the Korea Football Association (FA) Cup in 2017 under Kim's management, and the 48-year-old coach wants the same success in the domestic league, as well as the AFC Champions League.

Ceran admits nerves before crucial spot kick

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Ceran admits nerves before crucial spot kick

Dubai: Despite coolly tucking the ball into the bottom corner, Dragan Ceran has admitted he felt nervous prior to opening the scoring from the spot in Pakhtakor's 2-1 win over the United Arab Emirates’ Al Nasr that saw them progress to the AFC Champions League group stage. 

After beating Iraq’s Air Force Club in Tashkent in last week’s preliminary round, the Uzbek team had to win away at Al Maktoum Stadium in the play-off round on Tuesday to secure a place in the continental competition, but when they conceded an early penalty it looked like they could face an uphill battle.

Spanish striker Alvaro Negredo missed before Serbian Ceran was handed his own chance from the spot, one which he duly accepted by guiding the ball into the bottom left corner to put his team a goal up just after the half hour.

Former Villarreal boss Garrido takes charge of UAE's Al Ain

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Former Villarreal boss Garrido takes charge of UAE's Al Ain

Kuala Lumpur:  Al Ain FC have tasked former Villarreal, Real Betis and Al Ahli boss Juan Carlos Garrido to chart their fortunes in the UAE Pro League and 2019 AFC Champions League.

Garrido, who hails from Spain, replaces Zoran Mamic in the Al Ain hotseat and has been given a contract till the end of the 2018/19 season by Al Ain.

The record 13-time UAE Pro League champions are currently second in the standings on 32 points. They trail leaders Sharjah by five points with 11 matches to play, beginning with Al Nasr on Saturday.

The Week In Numbers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

The Week In Numbers

Kuala Lumpur: The last eight teams to enter into the group stage of the 2019 AFC Champions League were confirmed on Tuesday after the conclusion of the final play-off round. 

The continental competition kicks off in less than two weeks but, before that, join the-AFC.com as we look back on the week in numbers, where comeback wins, a penalty shootout and goals galore all feature.

Al Alawi: The best is yet to come for Al Rayyan

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Al Alawi: The best is yet to come for Al Rayyan

Al Rayyan: Qatari side Al Rayyan will make their ninth appearance in the AFC Champions League following their 3-1 win over Islamic Republic of Iran's Saipa in Tuesday's play-off, and defender Mohammed Al Alawi believes that the 2019 edition could be a special one for The Lions.

So far the record reads: eight AFC Champions League appearances, eight AFC Champions League Group Stage eliminations for Al Rayyan.

But with a comeback win over Iranian side Saipa in the play-offs to confirm a ninth continental campaign, 2019 could be the year that breaks the knockout stage drought according to fullback Al Alawi.

This year I want to be an ACL champion too, says Sho Ito

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

This year I want to be an ACL champion too, says Sho Ito

Ibaraki: Having joined AFC Champions League holders Kashima Antlers ahead of the 2019 season, and marked his debut with a goal in the Play-off win over Newcastle Jets, Sho Ito has his sights on Asian glory.

Of the 11 who started Tuesday's AFC Champions League Play-off for defending champions Kashima, only new signing Ito had not been a part of the historic triumph in Tehran last November.

But the former Yokohama F. Marinos forward took little time in adjusting to the continental game, opening the scoring at Kashima Soccer Stadium in the 18th minute with his maiden goal for the club.