Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kawasaki: Yu Kobayashi was among the standout performers in last year’s AFC Champions League and the Kawasaki Frontale captain insists the side are among the contenders for the continental title in the coming campaign.
Kawasaki had not reached the AFC Champions League quarter-finals since 2009, but were unbeaten on their march to the last eight in 2017 before ultimately being ousted by domestic rivals and eventual champions Urawa Red Diamonds.
This year, drawn in Group F alongside Ulsan Hyundai, Melbourne Victory and a star-studded Shanghai SIPG, who they meet on Matchday One on Tuesday, Kobayashi believes the side – crowned J.League champions for the first time at the end of 2017 – are well prepared for another shot at the continent’s biggest prize.
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/kobayashi__elsinho.html
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: As the clock ticks down towards the 2018 AFC Champions League, a number of big-name forwards have been snapped up by clubs across the continent.
With less than a week to go until the big kick-off, the-AFC.com looks at some of the movers who already boast invaluable experience in Asia’s biggest club competition and know exactly how to find the back of the net.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Osaka: Kenyu Sugimoto believes Cerezo Osaka can gain inspiration from Urawa Red Diamonds’ AFC Champions League victory last year as the side from Japan’s second city return to continental action for the first time since 2014.
After a third-place finish in the 2017 J.League, Cerezo secured their third appearance at the competition, where they reached the quarter-finals in 2011 and the Round of 16 three years later.
In 2017, domestic rivals Urawa became the first side from Japan to win the AFC Champions League since Cerezo’s neighbours Gamba Osaka claimed the title in 2008 and the forward feels his side can build on that success.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Buriram: Buriram United’s rise to become the dominant force in Thai football and regulars in the AFC Champions League owes much to the midfield duo of Suchao Nuchnum and Jakkaphan Kaewprom.
The dynamic drive of Suchao and the creative skills of Jakkaphan have been complementing each other since 2011, during which time they have seen five continental campaigns including a run to the 2013 quarter-finals.
This year, the Buriram legends kick off their Group G campaign at China’s Guangzhou Evergrande on February 14, while Japan’s Cerezo Osaka and Korea Republic’s Jeju United complete the four-team group.