Asani: Strong mindset took Gwangju to victory

Thu, 13 Mar, 2025

Asani: Strong mindset took Gwangju to victory

Gwangju: A delighted Jasir Asani praised Gwangju FC’s perseverance after the Korea Republic side defeated Japan’s Vissel Kobe to advance to the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 quarter-finals on Wednesday.

Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, the Albanian forward admitted that tournament debutants were under pressure but their focused mindset saw them achieving a remarkable 3-0 win, with Asani scoring twice - including a stunning winning goal deep into extra time. 

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Hasebe proud as Frontale’s quality comes to the fore

Thu, 13 Mar, 2025

Hasebe proud as Frontale’s quality comes to the fore

Kawasaki: Head coach Higetoshi Hasebe applauded Kawasaki Frontale’s perfect performance after the Japanese side overwhelmed Shanghai Shenhua 4-0 at Todoroki Stadium to overturn a first-leg deficit and secure a place in the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 quarter-finals.

Trailing 1-0 after the first leg, Frontale responded with a dominant display as goals from Asahi Sasaki, Erison, Tatsuya Ito and Marcinho sealed an emphatic win on Wednesday.

Asani the star as Gwangju book ticket in stunning fashion

Thu, 13 Mar, 2025

Asani the star as Gwangju book ticket in stunning fashion

Gwangju: The sensational Jasir Asani scored twice as Gwangju FC advanced to the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 quarter-finals with a 3-0 win over Vissel Kobe in extra time on Wednesday.

Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, goals from Park Jeong-in and Asani forced the quarter-final with the Albanian then sealing the comeback win with a stunning strike just before the final whistle. 

We could have done better, says Buriram's Loss

Wed, 12 Mar, 2025

We could have done better, says Buriram's Loss

Johor Bahru: Osmar Loss believes there is more to come from his Buriram United side after they sealed their spot in the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 quarter-finals with a 1-0 win against Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) on Tuesday.

Suphanat Mueanta's 58th minute strike secured Thailand's Buriram a 1-0 win on the night and on aggregate as they sealed a return to the quarter-finals for the first time since 2013.

Lopes: Title in Marinos’ reach

Wed, 12 Mar, 2025

Lopes: Title in Marinos’ reach

Yokohama: Anderson Lopes expressed confidence about Yokohama F. Marinos’ title chances after his brace powered the Japanese side to a commanding 4-1 victory over Shanghai Port on Tuesday, securing a 5-1 aggregate win and a spot in the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 quarter-finals.

The 2023-2024 runners-up took a 3-1 lead going into the break with Lopes saying their ability to finish their chances proved to be the difference. 

Al Hilal’s Jesus craving for glory

Wed, 12 Mar, 2025

Al Hilal’s Jesus craving for glory

Riyadh: The dream to lift aloft the AFC Champions League Elite™ trophy is providing the motivation for head coach Jorge Jesus to keep pushing his Al Hilal SFC side after they recovered from a first leg defeat to advance into the quarter-finals with a 4-1 aggregate against Pakhtakor on Tuesday.

Despite an unbeaten league-winning 2023/24 season, the semi-final exit to Al Ain FC in the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 is a disappointment Jesus is determined to erase as he looks to add Asian continental success to his Copa Libertadores triumph with Flamengo in 2019.

Jaissle, Mahrez confident of Al Ahli's chances

Wed, 12 Mar, 2025

Jaissle, Mahrez confident of Al Ahli's chances

Jeddah: Head coach Matthias Jaissle and star forward Riyad Mahrez are confident Al Ahli Saudi FC can go all the way in the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 after completing a 5-1 aggregate win over Al Rayyan SC to clinch their place in the quarter-finals.

Al Ahli continue to be the most in-form team in the competition with Tuesday’s win in front of approximately 45,000 fans at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium being their ninth victory in 10 matches.

Lion City have put Singapore on the map, says Rankovic

Thu, 13 Mar, 2025

Lion City have put Singapore on the map, says Rankovic

Singapore: Aleksandar Rankovic expressed pride after Lion City Sailors became the first Singapore side to secure a place in the AFC Champions League Two™ semi-finals following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Sanfrecce Hiroshima on Wednesday.

Holding a 3-0 lead from the first leg, Lion City weathered a strong challenge from the Japanese side to secure a 4-1 aggregate victory to set up a meeting with either Australia’s Sydney FC or Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC in the semi-finals. 

Penalty shootout win takes Sharjah through

Thu, 13 Mar, 2025

Penalty shootout win takes Sharjah through

Sharjah: Sharjah FC advanced into the AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 semi-finals after defeating Shabab Al Ahli 5-4 on penalties after their quarter-final second leg tie ended 1-1 on the night after extra time and 2-2 on aggregate on Wednesday.

Goalkeeper Adel Alhosani was the hero for Sharjah after he saved Kauan Santos’ penalty with the UAE side to face Saudi Arabia’s Al Taawoun FC in the semi-finals. 

Al Abdali hails Al Taawoun’s resilience

Wed, 12 Mar, 2025

Al Abdali hails Al Taawoun’s resilience

Buraidah: A dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout win against Tractor FC leaves Al Taawoun FC only two steps away from being crowned AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 winners, much to the delight of head coach Mohammed Al Abdali.

Injuries and suspension made things difficult for Al Abdali in preparation for the second leg at Wolves Park with the 51-year-old applauding his players’ incredible fitness after penalty misses from Tractor’s Mehdi Shiri and Sajjad Ashourimeidani sealed their semi-final spot.