Luo Guofu leaves Guangzhou FC

Mon, 20 Dec, 2021

Luo Guofu leaves Guangzhou FC

Hong Kong: China PR international striker Luo Guofu has announced his departure from two-time AFC Champions League winners Guangzhou FC.

The Brazil-born forward, also known as Aloisio, posted a farewell message to Guangzhou fans on Chinese social media platform Weibo at the weekend.

Vote For Your Best 2021 AFC Champions League Team: Forwards

Sun, 19 Dec, 2021

Vote For Your Best 2021 AFC Champions League Team: Forwards

Kuala Lumpur: The goalkeeper, four defenders and three midfielders have been decided and now the-AFC.com asks fans of Asian football to vote for their favourite forwards at the 2021 AFC Champions League.  

Using a statistics-based approach, we’ve selected 10 of the star performers from the continental competition as we look to complete the All-Star XI. 

Review our list of AFC Champions League frontmen and don’t forget to vote for your favourite at the foot of the article.

Vote for your Best Goal of the 2021 AFC Cup

Sat, 18 Dec, 2021

Vote for your Best Goal of the 2021 AFC Cup

Kuala Lumpur: After last year’s AFC Cup was cancelled, the 2021 edition did not disappoint, with Bahrain’s Muharraq Club crowned champions of a tournament that offered numerous memorable moments. 

As fans of Asian football start to look towards next year, the-AFC.com brings the curtain down on the 2021 AFC Cup by reviewing some of the finest goals scored in the continental competition. 

Enjoy our 10 nominees for the best goal of the tournament and then vote for your favourite at the bottom of the article. 

Furuhashi at the double as Postecoglou's Celtic win Scottish League Cup final

Mon, 20 Dec, 2021

Furuhashi at the double as Postecoglou's Celtic win Scottish League Cup final

Glasgow: Kyogo Furuhashi scored twice as Celtic came from behind to beat Hibernian 2-1 in the Scottish League Cup final on Sunday, winning their first trophy of Australian Ange Postecoglou's era.

The game burst to life after a cagey first half during which Celtic's David Turnbull hobbled off with an injury.

Makino the hero as Urawa Reds clinch Emperor's Cup

Sun, 19 Dec, 2021

Makino the hero as Urawa Reds clinch Emperor's Cup

Tokyo: Tomoaki Makino bid farewell in style as his goal in added time secured Urawa Reds a thrilling 2-1 win over Oita Trinita in the 2021 Emperor's Cup final on Sunday.

Makino, who announced his departure from the club last month, struck the winner in the dying seconds having been sent on as a substitute in the 83rd minute.  

The victory secures Urawa - who won the Emperor's Cup for a fourth time in the J-League era - a berth in the 2022 AFC Champions League, having won the title in 2017 and emerging runners-up two years later. 

Indonesia, Vietnam through to semi-finals

Sun, 19 Dec, 2021

Indonesia, Vietnam through to semi-finals

Singapore: Indonesia and Vietnam confirmed their places in the AFF Cup semi-finals after commanding wins over Malaysia and Cambodia respectively on Sunday. 

Indonesia came from behind to defeat Malaysia 4-1, a result which meant Shin Tae-yong’s side topped Group B ahead of Vietnam - who beat Cambodia 4-0 - on goal difference. 

Indonesia’s reward is a last four showdown with hosts Singapore while defending champions Vietnam will face five-time winners Thailand in the two-leg semi-finals. 

Sanchez and Qatar look ahead after FIFA Arab Cup adventure

Sun, 19 Dec, 2021

Sanchez and Qatar look ahead after FIFA Arab Cup adventure

Doha: Having concluded a busy year by emerging third in the FIFA Arab Cup 2021, Qatar are now looking forward to the remaining months ahead of the FIFA World Cup on home soil in less than a year.

Goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham’s heroics clinched the reigning AFC Asian Cup champions a 5-4 penalty shoot-out win over Egypt at Stadium 974 on Saturday to help Qatar forget their semi-final heartbreak against eventual champions Algeria.

Uzbekistan legend Odil Ahmedov announces retirement

Sun, 19 Dec, 2021

Uzbekistan legend Odil Ahmedov announces retirement

Tashkent: Uzbekistan midfielder Odil Ahmedov lowered the curtain on his glittering professional career, announcing his retirement at an event in Tashkent on Saturday.

One of Asia’s premier central midfielders throughout the 2010s, Ahmedov’s career included over 100 international caps and successful spells in his homeland, as well as the top leagues of Russia and China PR.

Having called time on his national team career earlier this year, the 34-year-old’s full retirement from competitive football comes days after his departure from Chinese Super League outfit Cangzhou Mighty Lions was confirmed.