East Asia Wrap: Sanfrecce stun Vissel; Pohang close in on Ulsan

Mon, 18 Sep, 2023

East Asia Wrap: Sanfrecce stun Vissel; Pohang close in on Ulsan

Hong Kong: The battle for the league title in Japan took another twist this week as leaders Vissel Kobe were beaten 2-0 by Sanfrecce Hiroshima on Saturday leaving just one point between them and defending champions Yokohama F. Marinos in second place with seven games remaining. 

The title race in Korea Republic is also heating up as it enters the home stretch after Pohang Steelers defeated Suwon FC 2-0 on Saturday to move six points behind leaders and reigning champions Ulsan Hyundai, who continued their recent struggles with a 1-1 draw against Daejeon Hana Citizen. 
 
Shanghai Port moved another step closer to the league title in China PR with a 2-0 defeat of Changchun Yatai on Friday while there were also matches taking place in Hong Kong and Guam, so join the-AFC.com as we bring you up to speed with the action from across East Asia.

#ACL 2023/24: Ones to Watch (East)

Fri, 15 Sep, 2023

#ACL 2023/24: Ones to Watch (East)

Kuala Lumpur: The wait for the 2023/24 AFC Champions League™ is almost over with the group stage set to kick off on Monday as 40 clubs across the continent battle it out for the ultimate prize in Asian club football.

It is the first time since the beginning of the 2020 campaign and the onset of COVID-19 that the group stage will return to the home-and-away format with the Matchday One games taking place in 18 countries across Asia.  
 
As we countdown the hours to the big kick-off, the-AFC.com takes a look at five players from the East side of the draw who could play a pivotal role for their clubs during what promises to be the most star-studded AFC Champions League season yet. 

#ACL 2023/24: Ones to Watch (West)

Sat, 16 Sep, 2023

#ACL 2023/24: Ones to Watch (West)

Riyadh: As the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 gets underway on Monday, the five West groups will feature an unprecedented level of star power, with some of the world’s finest players moving to Asia over the course of the past few months.

Asia’s top club competition will for the first time boast not one, but two former Ballon d’Or winners, as well as some prolific AFC Champions League perennials and some of their respective nations’ all-time top scorers. The-AFC.com looks at some of the most exciting players to watch ahead of the group stage.

Serial winner Marega determined to power Sharjah to glory

Sat, 16 Sep, 2023

Serial winner Marega determined to power Sharjah to glory

Sharjah: After two very successful seasons at Al Hilal in which he helped the Saudi club win the AFC Champions League™ 2021, Malian forward Moussa Marega returns to the competition in new colours this season.

With his former club investing in seven new foreign players, Marega completed a move to UAE Pro League side Sharjah FC earlier this month. He leaves behind an exceptional legacy in Riyadh, having reached the AFC Champions League final in both of his two seasons at the club.
 
Perhaps no moment symbolises Marega’s impact in Riyadh than his goal in the semi-final of the 2021 edition. After a tense start at King Saud University Stadium, Marega moved into the right half-space, receiving Bafetimbi Gomis’ pass and applying the finish into the far corner past the goalkeeper to open the scoring and set the tone for a famous 2-1 derby victory that sent his team into the final.

Asia's representatives learn Indonesia 2023 opponents

Fri, 15 Sep, 2023

Asia's representatives learn Indonesia 2023 opponents

Zurich: Asia's five representatives discovered their FIFA U17 World Cup Indonesia 2023 opponents following the draw in Zurich on Friday.

The continent will be represented by AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Thailand 2023 champions Japan, runners-up Korea Republic, semi-finalists Islamic Republic of Iran and Uzbekistan, with hosts Indonesia making it five Asian teams in the November 10-December 2 tournament.

Ronaldo strikes again in Al Nassr win

Sun, 17 Sep, 2023

Ronaldo strikes again in Al Nassr win

Buraidah: Cristiano Ronaldo scored his seventh goal of the season as Al Nassr defeated Al Raed 3-1 in a 2023/24 Saudi Pro League tie on Saturday.

It was Al Nassr's fourth win on the trot after having opened their domestic campaign with two defeats. Al Ahli Saudi FC, meanwhile, beat Al Taawoun 3-2 with both teams reduced to 10 men. 

#U17WAC Qualifiers set for thrilling conclusion

Fri, 15 Sep, 2023

#U17WAC Qualifiers set for thrilling conclusion

Kuala Lumpur: Eight teams have their sights set on overcoming one final qualifying hurdle next week to secure their place at the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024.

The second round of Qualifiers will run from September 19 to 24 and involves two groups of four, with the top two teams from each to join the three highest-seeded sides from the AFC U-16 Women’s Championship Thailand 2019 – current holders Japan, DPR Korea and China PR - and hosts Indonesia in the Finals.