East Asia Wrap: Vissel open with win; Shenhua lift Chinese Super Cup

Mon, 26 Feb, 2024

East Asia Wrap: Vissel open with win; Shenhua lift Chinese Super Cup

Hong Kong: Vissel Kobe’s title defence got off to a winning start against Jubilo Iwata in Japan while Yokohama F. Marinos followed up their midweek AFC Champions League™ triumph against Bangkok United with a victory over Tokyo Verdy.  

Cephas Malele scored the only goal of the game as Shanghai Shenhua edged city rivals Shanghai Port 1-0 to win the Chinese Super Cup as the domestic season in China PR kicked off on Sunday.
 
Kitchee SC reduced the gap to leaders Lee Man FC in Hong Kong while the season kicked off in Macau and there was also action in Guam, so join the-AFC.com as we bring you up to speed with the action from across East Asia.

Gustavsson wants sharper Matildas in second leg

Sun, 25 Feb, 2024

Gustavsson wants sharper Matildas in second leg

Tashkent: Despite a commanding 3-0 advantage, head coach Tony Gustavsson wants Australia to be more clinical in the second leg of their Round 3 of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024™ Asian Qualifiers tie against Uzbekistan in Melbourne on Wednesday.

Gustavsson’s charges toiled in front of goal for 71 minutes at the Bunyodkor Stadium on Saturday before goals from Michelle Heyman, Mary Fowler and Caitlin Foord all but confirmed Australia’s berth at the Paris Olympics.

Japan’s lack of potency a concern for Ikeda

Sun, 25 Feb, 2024

Japan’s lack of potency a concern for Ikeda

Jeddah: Head coach Futoshi Ikeda was less than pleased after Japan settled for a goalless draw with DPR Korea in the first leg of their Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024™ Asian Qualifiers Round 3 tie on Saturday.

The Nadeshiko struggled to create chances with goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita needing to be in top form to deny the Koreans a lead to take into Wednesday’s return leg in Tokyo, leading Ikeda to ponder different options.

R16, 2nd Leg: What They Said

Fri, 23 Feb, 2024

R16, 2nd Leg: What They Said

Kuala Lumpur: The identity of the eight AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 quarter-finalists was decided this week as the Round of 16 concluded with the second leg games.

Playing the right way, ending seven years of hurt, and eyes on the prize all feature as the-AFC.com talks to those involved in the latest edition of the Continent's most prestigious competition.

R16, 2nd Leg in Numbers

Fri, 23 Feb, 2024

R16, 2nd Leg in Numbers

Kuala Lumpur: After another enthralling week of AFC Champions League™ action, the quarter-finalists for the 2023/24 edition have been confirmed.

The second legs of the Round of 16 saw a total of 24 goals across the eight matches with five former champions among the sides that have progressed.  
 
As the continental competition takes a two-week break ahead of the next round, the-AFC.com looks back at the stats and facts that caught the eye over the past week.

Lopez stays as Qatar head coach

Sat, 24 Feb, 2024

Lopez stays as Qatar head coach

Doha: Marquez Lopez will continue as Qatar national team head coach until 2026.

The 62-year-old Spaniard signed the contract on Friday, having steered Qatar's successful defence of their AFC Asian Cup™ title earlier this month.

IR Iran take bronze in style

Mon, 26 Feb, 2024

IR Iran take bronze in style

Dubai: Islamic Republic of Iran claimed third place in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup UAE 2024 Dubai with a 6-1 win over Belarus on Sunday.

Having suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Brazil in the semi-finals on Saturday, Iran turned on the power against Belarus, having also finished third in the 2017 edition. 
 
Brazil, meanwhile, claimed the title for the sixth time with a 6-4 win over Italy in the final.