I believed we could reach ASEAN Zonal Final, says KL City’s Zhafri

Tue, 23 Aug, 2022

I believed we could reach ASEAN Zonal Final, says KL City’s Zhafri

Kuala Lumpur: As Kuala Lumpur City FC prepare for their crunch AFC Cup™ 2022 ASEAN Zonal final against Indonesia’s PSM Makassar on Wednesday, Zhafri Yahya has revealed he always believed the Malaysian side had the quality to progress to this stage of the tournament. 

Making their competition debut after winning the 2021 Malaysia Cup, Kuala Lumpur City have enjoyed a dream start to life on the continent, advancing to the knockout rounds as the best-placed runners-up in the ASEAN Zone before edging past Vietnam’s Viettel FC on penalties after a goalless draw. 

Long-serving midfielder Zhafri was among the heroes from the spot in Ho Chi Minh City, scoring in sudden death as Kuala Lumpur City held their nerve to advance 6-5 to leave them just one game away from winning the ASEAN Zone and booking their place in the Inter-Zone semi-finals. 

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ASEAN Zonal Final 2022: Ones to Watch

Mon, 22 Aug, 2022

ASEAN Zonal Final 2022: Ones to Watch

Kuala Lumpur: There are just two days to go to the AFC Cup™ 2022 ASEAN Zonal Final with Kuala Lumpur City FC of Malaysia and Indonesia’s PSM Makassar set to lock horns in the latest chapter of their nations’ regional rivalry.

Having previously shared a goalless draw in the group stage, the two sides will now face off in a single-leg final at Kuala Lumpur Stadium on Wednesday. 

We look at six players – three from each of the finalists – who could prove to be the difference-makers.

ASEAN Zonal Final: 3 Memorable Matches

Sat, 20 Aug, 2022

ASEAN Zonal Final: 3 Memorable Matches

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Cup™ 2022 ASEAN Zonal Final is set to take place on Wednesday in which Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur City will take on PSM Makassar of Indonesia with regional bragging rights on the line.

Following the introduction of the zonal format in 2017, the Southeast Asian section of the competition has witnessed some thrilling matches, albeit with the COVID-19 pandemic impacting the last two editions.

This year saw the return of the ASEAN Zone which is set to conclude with an eagerly anticipated clash. Ahead of the match-up, the-AFC.com looks back at some of the most memorable ASEAN Zonal Finals from the past.

Urawa Reds are in a good place, says Rodriguez

Tue, 23 Aug, 2022

Urawa Reds are in a good place, says Rodriguez

Saitama: Urawa Red Diamonds head coach Ricardo Rodriguez believes his side are in their best form of the season after booking a place in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League™ 2022 on Monday with a 4-0 demolition of Thailand’s BG Pathum United at Saitama Stadium 2002.

Two-time champions Urawa will face Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in the last four clash on Thursday and will go into the game having won their last four games in all competitions, scoring 18 goals in the process.

Kim hails Jeonbuk's determination, willpower

Tue, 23 Aug, 2022

Kim hails Jeonbuk's determination, willpower

Saitama: Kim Sang-sik admitted his Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors were not at their best but nonetheless paid tribute to his players after they overcame a resilient Vissel Kobe 3-1 to book their spot in the semi-final of the AFC Champions League™ 2022 (East) on Monday, with the head coach vowing his side will not let fatigue derail them. 

Koya Yuruki gave Japan's Vissel the lead in the 64th minute but Jeonbuk responded almost immediately with Modou Barrow equalising two minutes later. 

The Korea Republic side, despite having to play extra-time for the second successive match, proved stronger in the additional 30 minutes as Brazilian forward Gustavo headed them into the lead in the 104th minute with Moon Seon-min then putting the game to bed in added time.

Japan fight back to book semi-final spot

Mon, 22 Aug, 2022

Japan fight back to book semi-final spot

Alajuela: Defending champions Japan defeated France 5-4 on penalties in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Costa Rica 2022 quarter-finals at the Alejandro Moreira Soto Stadium on Sunday.

Japan’s Yuzuki Yamamoto cancelled out Magnaba Folquet’s opener with the forward setting-up Maika Hamano to score their second, before Esther Mbakem-Niaro forced the match into extra-time in the 84th minute.  

Substitute Megane Hoeltzel then gave France the lead in the 110th minute, only for Japan to force a shoot-out following Aoba Fujino’s spot-kick in the fifth minute of added time, with the East Asian side converting all five penalties to seal the victory after France missed one attempt.

Preview: Sogdiana-W, Bam Khatoon primed for rematch

Mon, 22 Aug, 2022

Preview: Sogdiana-W, Bam Khatoon primed for rematch

Qarshi: Sogdiana-W head coach Sherali Bobokulov believes his side is more than ready for their AFC Women’s Club Championship 2022 (West) rematch against Bam Khatoon FC on Tuesday. 

It will be a winner takes all match at the Markaziy Stadium, after both sides played to a 1-1 draw in their opener two days ago. 

Sogdiana-W had a slow start to their debut in the pilot tournament, but slowly dominated the match with Khabibullaeva Diyorakhon opening the scoring in the 20th minute, only to be denied a win when Zahra Ghanbari equalised for the Iranian champions.

Nuengrutai: Hard work pays off for College of Asian Scholars

Mon, 22 Aug, 2022

Nuengrutai: Hard work pays off for College of Asian Scholars

Chonburi: College of Asian Scholars head coach Nuengrutai Srathongvian praised her players for winning the AFC Women’s Club Championship™ 2022 East title following their 0-0 draw with Taichung Blue Whale FC of Chinese Taipei at the Chonburi Stadium on Sunday.

College of Asian Scholars finished top on goal difference, having tied with Blue Whale on four points.