Melbourne City’s Kisnorbo impressed by response to AFC Champions League™ challenge

Sat, 16 Apr, 2022

Melbourne City’s Kisnorbo impressed by response to AFC Champions League™ challenge

Pathum Thani: Melbourne City FC head coach Patrick Kisnorbo was full of praise for his players, after they emerged from the club’s first ever AFC Champions League™ fixture with a 1-1 draw against BG Pathum United in Group G on Friday. 

The Australian champions had to deal with warm conditions, the absence of a trio of key midfielders and the new experience of playing in Asia’s top competition at Pathum Thani Stadium, but a fast start saw them take the lead through Andrew Nabbout’s 25-yard rocket midway through the first half. 

In-form group hosts BG Pathum responded in style to draw level through veteran Thai international Teerasil Dangda in the 35th minute, before both sides had chances to claim all three points in a keenly contested second half.

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Oniki lauds Kawasaki’s fighting spirit, Hong backs Ulsan’s Jo to rebound

Sat, 16 Apr, 2022

Oniki lauds Kawasaki’s fighting spirit, Hong backs Ulsan’s Jo to rebound

Johor Bahru: Kawasaki Frontale head coach Toru Oniki hailed his charges for their spirited display after the J.League leaders snatched an injury-time equaliser in their AFC Champions League™ 2022 Group I opener against two-time champions Ulsan Hyundai on Friday. 

Just when it seemed the Japanese side were on the brink of defeat, substitute Shintaro Kurumaya’s left footed shot towards the bottom right corner of Jo Hyeon-woo’s goal, after an uncharacteristic mid-air fumble by the Korea Republic custodian, gifted Kawasaki a precious point in an intense battle between the two East Asian giants.

Group G: BG Pathum, Melbourne City battle to a stalemate

Sat, 16 Apr, 2022

Group G: BG Pathum, Melbourne City battle to a stalemate

Pathum Thani: Melbourne City FC secured their first AFC Champions League™ point, earning a 1-1 draw in their Matchday One clash against Group G hosts BG Pathum United at Pathum Thani Arena on Friday.

The A-League champions looked set for a winning debut when Andrew Nabbout fired them ahead in the 22nd minute, but Teerasil Dangda’s equaliser 13 minutes later meant the spoils were shared in an entertaining contest between two sides with knockout stage ambitions.

The match was the first of 12 to be held in Pathum Thani over the next 16 days, with Jeonnam Dragons of Korea Republic and Filipino outfit United City FC completing the four-team group.

Group G: Jeonnam Dragons edge United City

Sat, 16 Apr, 2022

Group G: Jeonnam Dragons edge United City

Pathum Thani: A Leonard Pllana goal three minutes from time proved decisive as Jeonnam Dragons defeated United City FC by a margin of 1-0 in their AFC Champions League™ 2022 Group G opener on Friday.

The Korean FA Cup holders had more possession and many more shots on goal, but it took until the dying minutes for their Kosovan forward to finally secure the points after a diligent defensive showing from the Filipino side.

The result means Jeonnam lead the way in the group after Matchday One, with BG Pathum United and Melbourne City playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Friday.

Group F: Urawa Red Diamonds simply unstoppable against Lion City Sailors

Fri, 22 Apr, 2022

Group F: Urawa Red Diamonds simply unstoppable against Lion City Sailors

Buriram: Urawa Red Diamonds marked their return to the AFC Champions League™ with an impressive 4-1 win over Lion City Sailors in Group F action at the Buriram Stadium on Friday.

Two-time champions Urawa, making a return to the continental stage after a two-year absence, were relentless against debutants Lion City Sailors of Singapore and will be a force to be reckoned with in Group F.

Group F: Rampant Daegu cruise past Shandong Taishan

Thu, 21 Apr, 2022

Group F: Rampant Daegu cruise past Shandong Taishan

Buriram: Daegu FC were at their best to defeat Shandong Taishan FC 7-0 in their opening AFC Champions League™ 2022 Group F match at the Buriram City Stadium on Friday.

Daegu were simply too strong for a youthful Shandong and the Korea Republic club will be satisfied to have kicked off their campaign on such an emphatic note ahead of tougher challenges in the group. 

Group I: Bergson stars as Johor Darul Ta’zim flex muscles against Guangzhou FC

Thu, 21 Apr, 2022

Group I: Bergson stars as Johor Darul Ta’zim flex muscles against Guangzhou FC

Johor Bahru: Johor Darul Ta’zim kicked off their AFC Champions League™ 2022 campaign in style with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Guangzhou FC in their Group A opener at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on Friday. 

The eight-time Malaysian Super League champions clinched their best-ever start in the AFC Champions League, courtesy of an inspired performance by Brazilian ace Bergson.