Japan, DPR Korea advance to final

Tue, 03 Oct, 2023

Japan, DPR Korea advance to final

Hangzhou: Japan escaped with a narrow 4-3 win over hosts China PR to book their spot in Friday’s final of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou where Michihisa Kano’s side will take on DPR Korea after they handed Uzbekistan an 8-0 defeat.

The showdown promises to be a thriller with both teams having impressed en route to the final.

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Group G: Incheon United FC (KOR) 4-0 Kaya FC-Iloilo (PHI)

Wed, 04 Oct, 2023

Group G: Incheon United FC (KOR) 4-0 Kaya FC-Iloilo (PHI)

Incheon: Korea Republic’s Incheon United made it two wins out of two matches in Group G of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 after a comprehensive 4-0 victory against Kaya FC-Iloilo of the Philippines at Incheon World Cup Stadium on Tuesday.

Montenegro striker Stefan Mugosa found an early breakthrough for Incheon with a header before doubling their advantage from a spot kick. Hernandes Rodrigues made it three before the interval and Paul-Jose M'Poku added a fourth in the second half to inflict a second straight defeat on the Philippines champions.

Group G: Shandong Taishan FC (CHN) 0-1 Yokohama F. Marinos (JPN)

Wed, 04 Oct, 2023

Group G: Shandong Taishan FC (CHN) 0-1 Yokohama F. Marinos (JPN)

Jinan: Yokohama F. Marinos of Japan picked up their first win of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 on Tuesday, beating China PR’s Shandong Taishan FC 1-0 thanks to Kota Mizunuma’s first half strike.

There was plenty of goalmouth action for both teams at Jinan Olympic Sports Centre, but Mizunuma’s solitary effort eight minutes before half-time was enough to seal victory for the reigning J1 League champions.
 
The triumph also moved Marinos above Shandong into second place in Group G after two rounds of games, with the two level on three points apiece.

Group I: BG Pathum United (THA) 2-4 Johor Darul Ta’zim (MAS)

Wed, 04 Oct, 2023

Group I: BG Pathum United (THA) 2-4 Johor Darul Ta’zim (MAS)

Pathum Thani: Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim secured their first win of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 after a thrilling 4-2 victory over Southeast Asian rivals BG Pathum United of Thailand in Group I on Tuesday.

An incredible opening 15 minutes at Pathum Thani Stadium saw the hosts go in front through Victor Cardozo’s penalty before JDT turned the game on its head with goals from Arif Aiman Hanapi and Bergson as the visitors led at the interval.

Juan Muniz made it 3-1 eight minutes after the restart only for Cardozo’s second just two minutes later to make it game on once more. But Arif’s second 12 minutes from time gave JDT breathing space and they held out for the three points.

Group I: Kawasaki Frontale (JPN) 1-0 Ulsan Hyundai FC (KOR)

Tue, 03 Oct, 2023

Group I: Kawasaki Frontale (JPN) 1-0 Ulsan Hyundai FC (KOR)

Kawasaki: Kento Tachibanada’s late stunner earned Kawasaki Frontale a 1-0 win over reigning K-League champions Ulsan Hyundai at Todoroki Stadium as the J1 League side claimed all three points in their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Group I meeting on Tuesday.

Toru Oniki’s side looked set to be frustrated after dominating throughout until captain Tachibanada powered his 89th minute strike beyond Jo Hyeon-woo from 25 yards.

The win is Kawasaki’s second in a row in this season’s AFC Champions League and puts the club on top of the early standings in Group I, three points ahead of Ulsan after both sides won their opening round fixtures.

My confidence in players knows no limits, says Al Nassr's Castro

Tue, 03 Oct, 2023

My confidence in players knows no limits, says Al Nassr's Castro

Riyadh: Luis Castro had no doubt his Al Nassr side would walk away with the three points despite trailing at halftime in their AFC Champions League 2023/24 Group E tie against FC Istiklol on Monday.

Senin Sebai scored for the Tajikistan side against the run of play just before the break but Cristiano Ronaldo's first AFC Champions League was followed by a Talisca brace as Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr made it two wins out of two.

Olaroiu expresses relief after Sharjah edge Al Faisaly

Tue, 03 Oct, 2023

Olaroiu expresses relief after Sharjah edge Al Faisaly

Sharjah: Cosmin Olaroiu couldn't help but feel relieved after Sharjah FC held on for a 1-0 win against Al Faisaly in Group B of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 on Monday.

Moussa Marega’s 20th minute effort ultimately separated the two sides as UAE's Sharjah moved up to four points, two adrift of leaders FC Nasaf. 
 
Olaroiu admitted it had been a nervous wait for the final whistle after Marega's first AFC Champions League goal for Sharjah.