Hatsuse leaves Vissel Kobe

Fri, 07 Feb, 2025

Hatsuse leaves Vissel Kobe

Kobe: Two-time J1 League winner Ryo Hatsuse has left Vissel Kobe to join English Championship side Sheffield Wednesday, the Japanese club announced on Friday.

The 27-year-old full-back, who signed for Kobe from Gamba Osaka in 2019, leaves the defending champions after six seasons, during which time he won the title in 2023 and 2024.

#ACLElite - MD7 (West): In Numbers

Thu, 06 Feb, 2025

#ACLElite - MD7 (West): In Numbers

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday Seven of the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 - West had more than its fair share of thrills and spills.

As the 12 teams start preparing for the final round of fixtures in just under a fortnight, the-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures from Matchday One.

Jesus lauds Al Hilal’s first-half brilliance in Persepolis victory

Wed, 05 Feb, 2025

Jesus lauds Al Hilal’s first-half brilliance in Persepolis victory

Riyadh: Head coach Jorge Jesus was all smiles after Al Hilal SFC delivered a first-half masterclass to defeat Persepolis 4-1 in their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 tie at the Kingdom Arena on Tuesday.

The result propelled Al Hilal back to the top of the standings, ahead of Al Ahli Saudi on goal difference with Jesus praising his team’s mentality.

Mixed emotions for Martins, Moreira

Wed, 05 Feb, 2025

Mixed emotions for Martins, Moreira

Al Rayyan: A game of shared dominance between Al Gharafa and Pakhtakor which ended with the former eking out a 1-0 win to breathe life into their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 earned mixed reactions from Pedro Martins and Pedro Moreira.

A solitary Ferjani Sassi goal six minutes before half-time proved to be the difference as Qatar’s Al Gharafa moved into the knockout stage qualification spots, leaving Martins the relatively happier of the two head coaches.

Ivic takes charge of Al Ain

Wed, 05 Feb, 2025

Ivic takes charge of Al Ain

Al Ain: Al AIn have appointed former Watford head coach Vladimir Ivic to replace Portuguese Leonardo Jardim, the UAE Pro League side announced on Tuesday.

The move came a day after Al Ain’s 2-1 defeat against Al Rayyan in the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 which meant they crashed out of the competition without registering a single win. The team also had only one victory from their last five domestic league games. 

Knockout Stage showdowns to ignite #ACLTwo

Wed, 05 Feb, 2025

Knockout Stage showdowns to ignite #ACLTwo

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Two™ is set for a thrilling return to action next Tuesday when the contenders continue their quest for glory in the Knockout Stage.

Eight Round of 16 ties – four each in the West and East regions – await as the tournament resumes following the conclusion of the Group Stage in December, with the first legs to be played between February 11 and 13.

Groups finalised for China 2025

Thu, 06 Feb, 2025

Groups finalised for China 2025

Hohhot: The stage is set for the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ China 2025 following the conclusion of the Official Draw at the Juva Grand Hotel in the host city of Hohhot on Thursday.

The aspirants were divided into three groups of four teams for the May 6-17 Finals.