East Asia Wrap: Lee Man win first-ever league title; Ulsan beaten again

Mon, 20 May, 2024

East Asia Wrap: Lee Man win first-ever league title; Ulsan beaten again

Hong Kong: Lee Man FC emerged as the champions of Hong Kong for the first time as a 6-1 win against Sham Shui Po on Sunday gave them an unassailable lead over Kitchee SC, who were also beaten in the Sapling Cup final by Hong Kong Rangers earlier in the week.

Defending champions Ulsan Hyundai suffered another defeat in Korea Republic following a 1-0 loss to Gangwon while leaders Pohang Steelers were beaten by Suwon FC allowing Gimcheon Sangmu to move joint-top of the standings following their win over Jeju United.

It was an underwhelming week for holders Vissel Kobe in Japan too as they were beaten 1-0 by Kashima Antlers while matches also took place in China PR, Mongolia, Chinese Taipei and Macau, so join the-AFC.com as we bring you up to speed with the action from across East Asia.

#ACL through the years – Iconic Moments

Sat, 18 May, 2024

#ACL through the years – Iconic Moments

Kuala Lumpur: As the AFC Champions League™ gets set to draw to a close following the second leg of the final between Al Ain FC and Yokohama F. Marinos, the-AFC.com continues to look back at some of the highlights from over the years.

This time round, we rewind the clock to some of the most iconic and standout occasions in the tournament’s 21-year history with moments that will live long in the memory of Asian football fans. 

#ACL through the years - Heartbreaks

Sat, 18 May, 2024

#ACL through the years - Heartbreaks

Kuala Lumpur: The end of the AFC Champions League™ era in its present format brings back to fans of Asian football two decades of happy memories and successes, but also unforgettable moments of heartbreak which is part of the beauty of the game.

As Al Ain FC and Yokohama F. Marinos prepare to conclude the era that started in 2003/04 with the final showdown at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, the-AFC.com recounts some of ever-lasting heartbreak moments for fans of some of Asia’s top clubs.

#ACL through the years - Overseas Stars

Fri, 17 May, 2024

#ACL through the years - Overseas Stars

Kuala Lumpur: It’ll be the end of an era in Asian football as the AFC Champions League™ bids farewell and makes way for the AFC Champions League Elite and the AFC Champions League 2 from next season.

During its 21-year run, Asia’s premier club competition has witnessed some of the biggest stars in world football turn up for clubs from across the continent and leave an indelible mark on the tournament.  

With the second leg of the final between Al Ain FC and Yokohama F. Marinos set to bring down the curtains on the tournament, the-AFC.com walks down memory lane to showcase some of the best imports to have graced the competition. 

#ACL through the years - Asian Legends

Thu, 16 May, 2024

#ACL through the years - Asian Legends

Kuala Lumpur: The second leg of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 final between Al Ain FC and Yokohama F. Marinos will bring the curtain down on the continental competition in its current guise as the AFC Champions League Elite and AFC Champions League 2 get set to kick off next season.

Over the tournament’s 21-year history, fans of Asian football have witnessed memorable matches, special teams and top-quality players from all over the world.

As the-AFC.com continues to look back at the AFC Champions League through the years, today we highlight some of the best Asian players to appear in the competition.

#ACL - Classic matches

Wed, 15 May, 2024

#ACL - Classic matches

Riyadh: The upcoming second leg of the AFC Champions League 2023-24™ final brings to conclusion a chapter of Asia’s top club competition, before it makes way to AFC Champions League Elite and AFC Champions League 2.

The past two decades of the competition have brought some thrilling encounters that will live long in the memory of Asian football fans. The-AFC.com recounts some of those classic AFC Champions League clashes.

Perfect DPR Korea claim title

Mon, 20 May, 2024

Perfect DPR Korea claim title

Bali: DPR Korea defeated Japan 1-0 in the final at the Capt. I Wayan Dipta Stadium on Sunday to seal a perfect AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024 campaign. 

Song Sung Gwon’s team lifted the title with a perfect five wins without conceding a single goal, producing yet another dominating display in the final  with Jon Il Chong’s second half effort settling the contest.

Japan's Miharu Shinjo named Most Valuable Player

Sun, 19 May, 2024

Japan's Miharu Shinjo named Most Valuable Player

Bali: Miharu Shinjo was named the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024 Most Valuable Player on Sunday. 

Kickstarting her tournament with a goal against Thailand, Shinjo also scored in the next game against Australia before grabbing a brace in the semi-final win against China PR. 

She also created three chances for her teammates but suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to DPR Korea in the final.

DPR Korea's Jon Il Chong wins Yili Top Goalscorer

Sun, 19 May, 2024

DPR Korea's Jon Il Chong wins Yili Top Goalscorer

Bali: Jon Il Chong picked up the Yili Top Goalscorer award after a sparkling performance at the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024 that saw her finishing with six goals.

Jon scored the only goal in the final as DPR Korea defeated Japan, adding to her earlier five strikes.

DPR Korea's Pak Ju Gyong scoops Best Goalkeeper honour

Sun, 19 May, 2024

DPR Korea's Pak Ju Gyong scoops Best Goalkeeper honour

Bali: Pak Ju Gyong was named the Best Goalkeeper following DPR Korea’s 1-0 win over Japan in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024 final on Sunday.

Pak, who had four clean sheets enroute to the final, produced a sparkling display to keep Japan at bay.

Kim overjoyed as Korea Republic overcome adversity to finish third

Sun, 19 May, 2024

Kim overjoyed as Korea Republic overcome adversity to finish third

Bali: Korea Republic head coach Kim Eun-jung said that while there were many inconsistencies throughout her side’s campaign at the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024, finishing third had been akin to going “from hell to heaven”.

The 2009 AFC U-16 Women’s Championship winners were made to sweat by China PR in the third place playoff on Sunday before eventually carving out a 2-1 win at the Captain I Wayan Dipta Stadium.