Gomis extends stay at Al Hilal

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Gomis extends stay at Al Hilal

Riyadh: 2019 AFC Champions League winners Al Hilal have announced that they have extended the contract of French forward Bafétimbi Gomis for two more years.

The 34-year-old striker had been influential in Al Hilal's 2019 AFC Champions League title victory, winning the MOst Valuable Player and Top Scorer awards with 11 goals.

When legends return: Eight favourite sons who came home and conquered

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

When legends return: Eight favourite sons who came home and conquered

Kuala Lumpur: The return of the prodigal son. It is a footballing plot point nearly as old as the game itself, with the reappearance of a long-departed local hero possessing a special ability to stir the passions of even the most jaded of fans.

Asia has had no shortage of these storylines, with a range of pioneering football exports and national team icons going back to where it all started to cap off their careers.

To coincide with FC Seoul’s signing of former Korea Republic captain Ki Sung-yueng, the-AFC.com looks at eight local heroes who returned, and thrived, after years abroad.

5 of the Best: Chips, lobs and scoops

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

5 of the Best: Chips, lobs and scoops

Kuala Lumpur: It's that time of the week when the-AFC.com looks back at some of the finest goals the AFC Cup has witnessed over the years, with the latest '5 of the Best' taking in chips, lobs and scoops. 

With our series so far including acrobatic goals, solo goals, volleys, long-range screamers, free-kicks, last-minute winners, curlers and flicks, tricks and backheels, this week's compilation sees beautifully executed finishes from teams from Pyongyang, Bacolod, Yangon and more so sit back and enjoy!

Sydney FC clinch Premiers Plate as Phoenix are denied by Adelaide

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Sydney FC clinch Premiers Plate as Phoenix are denied by Adelaide

Sydney: Sydney FC were confirmed as A-League Premiers after their closest challengers Wellington Phoenix drew 1-1 against a revitalised Adelaide United on Saturday.

Wellington now trail the runaway leaders by 11 points with only three games left to play after substitute Ulises Davila saw his 88th-minute penalty saved by in-form Reds gloveman Paul Izzo at Bankwest Stadium.

Jaushua Sotirio levelled five minutes after Kristian Opseth had put Adelaide ahead on the hour mark and, although the draw lifts Phoenix ahead of Melbourne City into second place, the Sky Blues cannot be caught in the race for the Premiers Plate.

Mazloumi appointed IR Iran U-19 boss

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Mazloumi appointed IR Iran U-19 boss

Tehran: Former Esteghlal head coach Parviz Mazloumi will lead Islamic Republic of Iran at October’s AFC U-19 Championship in Uzbekistan, after being appointed as the team’s head coach.

Team Melli Javanan will face host nation Uzbekistan, as well as Indonesia and Cambodia in Group A of the continental tournament.

Mazloumi – who returns following a four-year absence from top-level coaching - replaces former head coach Sirous Pourmousavi, who stepped down from the role in June.

Al Sadd’s Xavi reveals positive COVID-19 test

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Al Sadd’s Xavi reveals positive COVID-19 test

Doha: Al Sadd SC head coach Xavi is recovering in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19, with the results announced on social media on Saturday.

The Barcelona legend and 2010 FIFA World Cup winner – who will be absent when Al Sadd meet Al Khor in Saturday’s league fixture - announced his diagnosis via the club’s official Twitter account, telling fans that he was “feeling okay”.

Zhang Xizhe: Beijing FC striving for the CSL title

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Zhang Xizhe: Beijing FC striving for the CSL title

Shanghai: Beijing FC midfielder Zhang Xizhe believes recent history shows his side could be ready to clinch their first Chinese Super League title since 2009 as the capital city club prepare to commence their campaign against Chongqing Lifan on Sunday. 

A traditional giant of the Chinese game, Beijing were last crowned champions in 2009 – a season that saw a teenage Zhang make his debut for the side – but they have endured numerous near misses since, with three runners-up finishes and twice coming third in the past decade.

The last two years, however, have seen Beijing lift the FA Cup in 2018 and run Guangzhou Evergrande close to the 2019 CSL title, finishing just two points adrift of the Guangdong club after a pulsating title race that saw Beijing achieve a record points tally of 70.