AFC confirms media rights deal with StarTimes in Africa

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AFC confirms media rights deal with StarTimes in Africa

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has today announced StarTimes as their new media partner in Sub-Saharan Africa for 2021 to broadcast the AFC’s national team and club competitions including the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar Final Round (until December 31, 2021) as well as the Group Stages, Knock-out Stages and Finals of the AFC Champions League 2021 and the AFC Cup 2021 on a non-exclusive basis. 

Since entering the African market in 2008, StarTimes became the fastest growing digital TV operator with services in more than 30 countries across the Continent. Today, StarTimes is one of the biggest pan-regional Pay TV operators in sub-Saharan Africa, servicing over 13 million Pay TV subscribers and 27 million streaming service users.

Preview - Group D: Al Wehdat out to derail Al Nassr's AFC Champions League ambitions

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Preview - Group D: Al Wehdat out to derail Al Nassr's AFC Champions League ambitions

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr must produce their best once again when they play Al Wehdat of Jordan on Monday's Matchday Five if they are to maintain a grip on top spot in Group D of the 2021 AFC Champions League. 

Al Nassr lead the group with eight points, one ahead of Qatar's Al Sadd while Al Wehdat are at the bottom of the standings with a solitary point and out of the running for the Round of 16. Foolad Khouzestan FC, meanwhile, are third on five points and still in the running to advance.

Preview - Group B: Sharjah target victory against Air Force Club to zoom in on AFC Champions League Round of 16 spot

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Preview - Group B: Sharjah target victory against Air Force Club to zoom in on AFC Champions League Round of 16 spot

Sharjah: Group B hosts Sharjah FC will be hoping to repeat their Matchday One win over Air Force Club of Iraq on Monday as they look to extend their unbeaten run in the 2021 AFC Champions League to five matches.

Victory against Air Force Club will go a long way in taking Sharjah closer to the Round of 16, as it would move them to 11 points. In fact, should Islamic Republic of Iran's Tractor FC fail to beat Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan in the group's earlier tie on Monday, a Sharjah win over Air Force Club will book them their last 16 ticket with a match to spare.

Preview - Group E: Al Wahda determined to end Persepolis' dream AFC Champions League run

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Preview - Group E: Al Wahda determined to end Persepolis' dream AFC Champions League run

Goa: Al Wahda FSCC will be looking to end Persepolis' unbeaten run in the 2021 AFC Champions League when the two meet in Group E at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Monday. 

Islamic Republic of Iran's Persepolis - with 12 points in the bag - have all but qualified for the Round of 16 while victory for Al Wahda will keep them within sight of going through.

Vote for your Best Goal of 2021 AFC Champions League Matchday Four (West)

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Vote for your Best Goal of 2021 AFC Champions League Matchday Four (West)

Kuala Lumpur: After another thrilling set of fixtures in the 2021 AFC Champions League (West) on Friday and Saturday, the-AFC.com has announced the contenders for the best goal of the round. 

From acrobatic brilliance to powerful efforts from distance and neat finishes, the Matchday Four games saw some fine contenders for the accolade.

We've selected five of the best goals for you to choose from in the poll at the foot of the article.

Preview - Group D: Foolad Khouzestan, Al Sadd in challenge to stay on course in AFC Champions League

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Preview - Group D: Foolad Khouzestan, Al Sadd in challenge to stay on course in AFC Champions League

Riyadh: Foolad Khouzestan FC and Al Sadd SC will face off in a vital Matchday Five clash on Monday, with defeat not an option for either side in the race to win top spot in Group D of the 2021 AFC Champions League. 

Back-to-back wins for Al Sadd against Jordan's Al Wehdat saw the Qataris jump up to second place in Group D with seven points, one adrift of leaders Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia.

Islamic Republic of Iran's Foolad are third on five points and need to win their final two matches to stand a chance of advancing.

Preview - Group B: No room for mistakes for Tractor, Pakhtakor in AFC Champions League showdown

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Preview - Group B: No room for mistakes for Tractor, Pakhtakor in AFC Champions League showdown

Sharjah: Pakhtakor’s hopes of qualification to the 2021 AFC Champions League Round of 16 stage hinge on their ability to get the three points when they face Tractor FC on Matchday Four of Group B on Monday.

Quarter-finalists last year, Pakhtakor are yet to get their first win of the 2021 campaign, collecting three points from their first four games. Yet another setback will consign the Uzbek champions to group stage elimination.

Tractor are in a slightly better position, sitting second on six points - two behind UAE's Sharjah - but will also need a win to keep their hopes of clinching the sole automatic ticket to the Round of 16.