Hassan extends Al Sadd contract till 2024

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Hassan extends Al Sadd contract till 2024

Doha: Reigning Qatar Stars League champions Al Sadd announced on Friday that they have renewed the contract of former AFC Player of the Year Abdelkarim Hassan.

The 26-year-old defender will remain at Al Sadd for the next four years after renewing his contract until 2024.

Al Rayyan keep Qatar Stars League title hopes alive

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Al Rayyan keep Qatar Stars League title hopes alive

Doha: Al Rayyan came from behind to defeat Qatar SC 2-1 as the Qatar Stars League resumed on Friday.

Algeria's Yacine Brahimi and Ivory Coast's Yohan Boli were on target as Al Rayyan pulled themselves within a point of leaders Al Duhail, who face Umm Salal on Saturday.

Al Duhail are on 42 points with five matches remaining for them.

Zhang Xizhe: Beijing FC striving for the CSL title

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Zhang Xizhe: Beijing FC striving for the CSL title

Shanghai: Beijing FC midfielder Zhang Xizhe believes recent history shows his side could be ready to clinch their first Chinese Super League title since 2009 as the capital city club prepare to commence their campaign against Chongqing Lifan on Sunday. 

A traditional giant of the Chinese game, Beijing were last crowned champions in 2009 – a season that saw a teenage Zhang make his debut for the side – but they have endured numerous near misses since, with three runners-up finishes and twice coming third in the past decade.

The last two years, however, have seen Beijing lift the FA Cup in 2018 and run Guangzhou Evergrande close to the 2019 CSL title, finishing just two points adrift of the Guangdong club after a pulsating title race that saw Beijing achieve a record points tally of 70.

Peerless Persepolis seal fourth consecutive Iran Pro League title

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Peerless Persepolis seal fourth consecutive Iran Pro League title

Masjed Soleyman: Persepolis FC are the champions of Islamic Republic of Iran for the fourth successive season, sealing the Pro League title with four matches remaining after winning away at Naft Masjed Soleyman on Friday.

Yahya Golmohammadi’s side prevailed 2-1 in the match at Behnam Mohammadi Stadium.

Needing a single point on the night to close out the title race, Ali Alipour and Mehdi Abdi Qara scored either side of half-time to put Persepolis in a commanding position, with Hossein Ebrahimi’s 71st minute penalty serving as consolation for the hosts.

Ozu assumes new role as Japan head coach

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Ozu assumes new role as Japan head coach

Tokyo: One of the most iconic players in Japanese beach soccer history has moved into a new role that will further his influence on the trajectory of the game in the country.

Ozu Moreira was named the new head coach of the Japanese beach soccer national team on Thursday, taking over from Ruy Ramos.

Azmoun wins Russian Premier League top scorer award

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Azmoun wins Russian Premier League top scorer award

St Petersburg: Sardar Azmoun capped another brilliant season for Zenit St Petersburg by finishing as the 2019-20 Russian Premier League (RPL) top scorer.

The Islamic Republic of Iran star scored once for the league champions in Wednesday's 2-1 win over Rostov in the season finale to take his tally to 17 goals.

5 of the Best: Chips, lobs and scoops

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

5 of the Best: Chips, lobs and scoops

Kuala Lumpur: It's that time of the week when the-AFC.com looks back at some of the finest goals the AFC Cup has witnessed over the years, with the latest '5 of the Best' taking in chips, lobs and scoops. 

With our series so far including acrobatic goals, solo goals, volleys, long-range screamers, free-kicks, last-minute winners, curlers and flicks, tricks and backheels, this week's compilation sees beautifully executed finishes from teams from Pyongyang, Bacolod, Yangon and more so sit back and enjoy!