East Asia Wrap: Zelvia return to top; Jeonbuk post back-to-back wins

Mon, 22 Apr, 2024

East Asia Wrap: Zelvia return to top; Jeonbuk post back-to-back wins

Hong Kong: Machida Zelvia returned to the top of the table in Japan after they edged FC Tokyo 2-1 on Sunday while Cerezo Osaka’s unbeaten start was snapped in a defeat at Nagoya Grampus leaving Sanfrecce Hiroshima as the only side yet to taste a loss so far this season.

After beginning the season without a win in six matches, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors have now won two matches in a row in Korea Republic after they edged FC Seoul 3-2 as Pohang Steelers maintained a narrow lead in the table after sharing the spoils with Gimcheon Sangmu in a clash between the top two sides. 
 
Shanghai Shenhua defeated Nantong Zhiyun 2-0 to maintain their unbeaten start to the season and preserve their one-point lead in the Chinese Super League, while matches also took place in Hong Kong, Mongolia and Macau, so join the-AFC.com as we bring you up to speed with the action from across East Asia.

Semi-Final, 2nd Leg: 5 things to look out for

Sun, 21 Apr, 2024

Semi-Final, 2nd Leg: 5 things to look out for

Kuala Lumpur: The two finalists at the AFC Champions League 2023/24™ will be decided in the coming days as Al Hilal SFC host Al Ain FC and Ulsan Hyundai FC travel to Yokohama F. Marinos in the second leg of the semi-finals.

Al Ain produced a stunning 4-2 win over Al Hilal in their first meeting while Ulsan edged Yokohama 1-0 to leave plenty to play for in the return meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday.
 
As Al Ain and Ulsan prepare to make away trips to Saudi Arabia and Japan respectively, the-AFC.com has selected five things to look out for.

Group A: Indonesia's adventure continues

Mon, 22 Apr, 2024

Group A: Indonesia's adventure continues

Doha: A standout performance from Marselino Ferdinan helped Indonesia march into the knockout stage of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ on Sunday after a superb 4-1 victory against Jordan at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium.

Having already collected their first ever win three days ago against Australia, the tournament debutants ensured that their dream run would continue in the quarter-finals by sealing progress from Group A in second place behind Qatar.

Group A: Qatar stalemate dashes Australia's hopes

Mon, 22 Apr, 2024

Group A: Qatar stalemate dashes Australia's hopes

Doha: Australia exited the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ on Sunday with Tony Vidmar’s side failing once again to find the back of the net as the Olyroos shared a 0-0 draw with group winners Qatar to limp out of the tournament and miss out on a place at the Olympic Games.

The Australians had arrived in Doha targeting a second consecutive Olympic qualification after appearing in Tokyo three years ago, but one point from their opening Group A games against Jordan and Indonesia left their hopes hanging by the finest of threads.
 
Needing to win and hope Jordan defeated Indonesia, the result at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium was academic with Indonesia’s 4-1 win ensuring Vidmar’s team could not progress even if a first victory of the competition had been secured.

Group A: Heartbreak for Myanmar

Mon, 22 Apr, 2024

Group A: Heartbreak for Myanmar

Bangkok: Myanmar secured their first-ever AFC Futsal Asian Cup™ win after defeating China PR 3-1 but were still eliminated from Thailand 2024 at the Bangkok Arena on Sunday.

Needing not only second-placed Vietnam to lose to eventual Group A winners Thailand but also by a significant goal-swing to overcome a six-goal differential, Myanmar finished third, albeit level on points with their fellow Southeast Asians.

Group A: Vietnam advance despite Thailand defeat

Mon, 22 Apr, 2024

Group A: Vietnam advance despite Thailand defeat

Bangkok: Thailand defeated Vietnam 2-1 to top Group A of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Thailand™ 2024 at the Hua Mark Arena on Sunday.

The defeat, however, did not prevent Vietnam from also advancing as they finished second ahead of Myanmar on goal difference with both teams tied on four points.

Semi-final, 1st Leg: What they said

Sat, 20 Apr, 2024

Semi-final, 1st Leg: What they said

Kuala Lumpur: Al Ain FC and Ulsan Hyundai FC will travel to the second legs of their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 semi-finals with leads to defend after they posted wins over Al Hilal SFC and Yokohama F. Marinos in the first leg last Wednesday. 

The biggest story of the week was inaugural winners Al Ain claiming a memorable 4-2 win over Saudi powerhouse and four-time Asian champions Al Hilal, while in their quest for a third continental title, Ulsan edged Yokohama 1-0. 
 
Before turning our attention to next week’s all-important return meetings, the-AFC.com looks back at what those involved had to say.