Shinoda proud of history-makers Ventforet

Wed, 13 Dec, 2023

Shinoda proud of history-makers Ventforet

Buriram: Japan's Ventforet Kofu ensured their fairytale run would continue after their 3-2 win over Buriram United in Tuesday’s AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Group H tie saw them top the group and seal a historic spot in the Round of 16.

The tournament debutants needed all three points to become the first second division side to advance to the AFC Champions League knockout stage and head coach Yoshiyuki Shinoda was immensely proud of his team’s efforts. 

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Group H: Ventforet edge Buriram to create history

Tue, 12 Dec, 2023

Group H: Ventforet edge Buriram to create history

Buriram: Japanese second division side Ventforet Kofu created history on Tuesday by progressing to the Round of 16 of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 after they defeated Thailand’s Buriram United 3-2 in their final Group H fixture. 

Motoki Hasegawa gave Ventforet the opening goal in the 22nd minute at Buriram Stadium before Peter Utaka struck twice to give the visiting side the comfort of a 3-0 advantage at the interval. 

Substitute Arthit Boodjinda reduced the deficit for the hosts three minutes after the restart before Goran Causic’s penalty in the 55th minute made for a nervy finish, but Ventforet held on to become the first second division side to advance to the knockout stage of the continental showpiece. 

Group I: Ulsan through after draw with Kawasaki

Tue, 12 Dec, 2023

Group I: Ulsan through after draw with Kawasaki

Ulsan: Martin Adam scored twice as Ulsan Hyundai came back from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw with a much-changed Kawasaki Frontale at Ulsan Munsu Stadium as Hong Myung-bo’s side squeezed into the last 16 of the AFC Champions League™ 2023-24 on Tuesday.

Daiya Tono and Tatsuki Seko had given Kawasaki, who had already sealed top spot in Group I, a two-goal lead by the 31st minute but Adam reduced the deficit from close range in the 44th minute before equalising with a penalty eight minutes into the second half.

The result ended Kawasaki’s run of consecutive wins in this year’s competition while Ulsan moved onto 10 points from their six games to claim one of the three best runners-up berths in the Round of 16 following Melbourne City’s earlier draw with Zhejiang FC.

Player to Watch: Musa Al Taamari (Jordan)

Wed, 13 Dec, 2023

Player to Watch: Musa Al Taamari (Jordan)

Kuala Lumpur: Five years ago, Musa Al Taamari was making his first steps in the AFC Cup™ on loan at Jordanian club Al Jazira. Today he has already broken all sorts of records to stake a claim for being the greatest player his country has ever produced.

As Jordan dream of surpassing their best-ever AFC Asian Cup™ result - quarter-final finishes in 2004 and 2011 - the hopes of the nation rest on the shoulders of their 26-year-old mercurial winger Al Taamari, a man nicknamed by many as ‘The Jordanian Messi’.
 
The unlimited ambition of the Amman-born player has seen him climb new heights season after season since making his senior debut for Shabab Al Ordon and Jordan in 2016. His six AFC Cup goals at Al Jazeera helped the Jordanian side reach the West Zonal Final for the first time in their history in the 2018 edition, and soon after he was on his way to start a European adventure that has seen him play in three countries so far.

Al Ittihad cruise past Auckland City

Wed, 13 Dec, 2023

Al Ittihad cruise past Auckland City

Jeddah: Al Ittihad started their FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023 campaign in style, brushing aside New Zealand’s Auckland City FC 3-0 at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Tuesday.

With the victory, Al Ittihad set up a clash with record African champions Al Ahly of Egypt at the same ground on Friday.