Japan stay top; UAE, Indonesia surge

Thu, 28 Nov, 2024

Japan stay top; UAE, Indonesia surge

Kuala Lumpur: Japan maintained their position as Asia's top side in the latest FIFA World Ranking issued on Thursday.

Hajime Moriyasu's side, who are on the verge of clinching an eighth consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup Finals, remained unchanged at 15th in the ranking.

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3059493

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3059495

Asani draws inspiration from Ronaldo in Gwangju journey

Thu, 28 Nov, 2024

Asani draws inspiration from Ronaldo in Gwangju journey

Gwangju: Gwangju FC’s Jasir Asani is determined to emerge the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 top scorer, drawing motivation from Al Nassr Club star Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Albanian striker came off the bench to make an immediate impact against Shanghai Shenhua FC on Wednesday, scoring with his first touch what proved to be the only goal of the game in the 57th minute as he took his tally to seven.

Hutchinson pleased as Marinos maintain momentum

Thu, 28 Nov, 2024

Hutchinson pleased as Marinos maintain momentum

Yokohama: Yokohama F. Marinos head coach John Hutchinson expressed satisfaction after his team claimed a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Pohang Steelers in their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 tie at International Stadium on Wednesday.

The win propelled Marinos to third in the standings with 10 points, while Pohang are four adrift and remain 10th.

Focused approach steering Al Taawoun, says Arruabarrena

Thu, 28 Nov, 2024

Focused approach steering Al Taawoun, says Arruabarrena

Buraidah: Head coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena praised Al Taawoun’s ability to overcome their first half challenges to notch a 2-1 win over Bahrain’s Al Khaldiya in their AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 tie on Wednesday.

The win sealed Al Taawoun’s place in the knockout stage, with their superior head-to-head record against Al Khaldiya confirming a top-two finish in Group B irrespective of next week’s results.

Sousa’s second half tinkering pays off for Shabab Al Ahli

Thu, 28 Nov, 2024

Sousa’s second half tinkering pays off for Shabab Al Ahli

Amman: Paulo Sousa’s bold decisions paved the way for Shabab Al Ahli’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Al Hussein, which secured their spot in the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 on Wednesday.

Munas Dabbar was the hero for Shabab Al Ahli after his stoppage time lob secured the vital win which saw the UAE side assume the Group D top spot at the expense of their beaten rivals from Jordan, with both teams advancing with a match to spare.

Jovovic proud of Kuwait SC’s discipline

Thu, 28 Nov, 2024

Jovovic proud of Kuwait SC’s discipline

Qarshi: Head coach Nebojsa Jovovic was extremely proud of the grit and determination Kuwait SC showed in the 2-1 comeback win against PFC Nasaf in their AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 Group D match on Wednesday.

Jovovic saw his side being dominated in the first half but two goals in eight minutes in the opening minutes after the break turned the game in Kuwait SC’s favour.

The win was, however, in vain as Shabab Al Ahli’s 3-2 victory over Al Hussein sent both Kuwait SC and Nasaf out of the competition.

Group E - MD5 : Eastern (HKG) 1-4 Sydney FC (AUS)

Fri, 29 Nov, 2024

Group E - MD5 : Eastern (HKG) 1-4 Sydney FC (AUS)

Hong Kong: Sydney FC advanced to the knockout rounds of the AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 on Thursday as Ufuk Talay’s side cruised to a 4-1 win over Hong Kong Premier League outfit Eastern at Mong Kok Stadium.

Anas Ouahim hit a hat-trick while Patryk Klimala was also on target to take the A-League outfit onto nine points from five games, with Sanfrecce Hiroshima's 1-1 draw with Kaya FC-Iloilo in the later game confirming their progress.

Ouahim and Klimaa struck in the fifth and 17th minutes respectively to give the visitors the perfect start with Ouahim hitting his side’s third in first half injury time. And while Noah Baffoe pulled one back in the 48th minute, Ouahim’s 62nd minute penalty sealed the win.

Group H - MD5: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC (KOR) 4-0 Dynamic Herb Cebu FC (PHI)

Fri, 29 Nov, 2024

Group H - MD5: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC (KOR) 4-0 Dynamic Herb Cebu FC (PHI)

Jeonju: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors secured their spot in the AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 knockout stage after cruising to a 4-0 win over Philippines’ Dynamic Herb Cebu at the Jeonju World Cup Stadium on Thursday.

Two-time AFC Champions League™ winners Jeonbuk moved up to 12 points, while Dynamic Herb remained with one after five matches.