Europe Wrap: Machida hits winner in Belgian Cup final; Miyazawa lifts FA Cup

Tue, 14 May, 2024

Europe Wrap: Machida hits winner in Belgian Cup final; Miyazawa lifts FA Cup

Kuala Lumpur: Japanese defender Koki Machida stabbed home from a corner in the dying seconds of the first half to help Union Saint-Gilloise edge Royal Antwerp 1-0 in the Belgian Cup final in Brussels on Thursday and secure the title for the third time.

Another Japanese star also experienced cup glory during the week as Hinata Miyazawa lifted the Women’s FA Cup in England with Manchester United while Australia full-back Ellie Carpenter’s Lyon set up a title showdown with Clare Hunt’s Paris Saint-Germain in France.

Lee Jae-sung struck twice to help Mainz down Borussia Dortmund 3-0 in Germany, Islamic Republic of Iran striker Mehdi Taremi hit a late winner for FC Porto in Portugal and Bahrain’s Abdulla Yusuf Helal scored for Mlada Boleslav in the Czech Republic, so join the-AFC.com as we find out how the Asian stars performed in Europe over the past week.

#U17WAC - Semi-finalists decided

Mon, 13 May, 2024

#U17WAC - Semi-finalists decided

Bali: The AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024 semi-finals was finalised on Monday with Japan topping Group B after defeating China PR 4-0.

Both teams, alongside DPR Korea, had qualified for the last four stage after Matchday Two, with Korea Republic the last team to join the cast on Sunday.

Group B: Thailand sign off on high note

Mon, 13 May, 2024

Group B: Thailand sign off on high note

Bali: Thailand ended their AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024 campaign on a high after they defeated Australia 3-1 in the final Group A match on Monday.

Rinyaphat Moondong scored one and assisted another, helping Kritsada Phungmali’s side to claim a comeback win as Australia ended their campaign with a third straight defeat.

Group B: Japan power past China PR to take top spot

Mon, 13 May, 2024

Group B: Japan power past China PR to take top spot

Bali: Japan defeated China PR 4-0 to top Group B of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024 at the Capt.1 Wayan Dipta Stadium on Monday.

Japan will meet Korea Republic while China PR will take on Group A winners DPR Korea in Thursday’s semi-finals. 

Noh believes Korea Republic can do much better

Mon, 13 May, 2024

Noh believes Korea Republic can do much better

Bali: Korea Republic’s Noh Si-iun enjoys playing as a defender but she also likes moving upfield and assisting her teammates, especially when there is an urgent need to do so.

The 17-year-old showed this on numerous occasions during her side’s 1-1 draw against the Philippines on Sunday, a result that saw Korea Republic qualify for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024 semi-finals.

DPR Korea’s Kang aims to maintain momentum

Mon, 13 May, 2024

DPR Korea’s Kang aims to maintain momentum

Bali: Kang Ryu Min has been involved in at least one goal in each of DPR Korea’s three matches in Group A of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024 and the forward has vowed to take that form into the semi-finals.

Kang secured the player-of-the-match award after she assisted four goals and scored one as DPR Korea cemented top spot with a 9-0 win against Indonesia on Sunday.

#ACL Final: 1st Leg in Numbers

Mon, 13 May, 2024

#ACL Final: 1st Leg in Numbers

Yokohama: Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos will carry a slender advantage into the second leg of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 final after they edged Al Ain FC of the United Arab Emirates 2-1 in the first leg at Yokohama International Stadium on Saturday. 

Mohammed Abbas gave the visitors a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute, but Yokohama fought back with goals from Asahi Uenaka and Kouta Watanabe in the 72nd and 84th minutes to gain an upper hand at the halfway point of the title clash. 
 
With the stage set for an exciting conclusion to another edition of the AFC Champions League in Al Ain later this month, the-AFC.com looks back at the stats and facts that caught the eye from a thrilling first leg.