Ito goes to Belgium, Nakayama beefs up Machida

Thu, 15 Aug, 2024

Ito goes to Belgium, Nakayama beefs up Machida

Gent: Belgian Pro League side KAA Gent have confirmed the capture of Japanese midfielder Atsuki Ito on a four-year contract from Urawa Red Diamonds.

The 26-year-old Ito played 177 times for the J1 side and was also the captain of the team, playing his part in Urawa lifting the 2022 AFC Champions League™.

#ACLElite cast finalised

Wed, 14 Aug, 2024

#ACLElite cast finalised

Kuala Lumpur: The lineup for the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 has been finalised following the completion of the Preliminary Stage on Tuesday.

Shandong Taishan of China PR and Qatar's Al Gharafa were the last two teams to advance after registering hard-fought wins against Thailand's Bangkok United FC and Shabab Al Ahli of the United Arab Emirates respectively.

Madibo credits Al Gharafa’s perseverance for win against Al Shabab

Wed, 14 Aug, 2024

Madibo credits Al Gharafa’s perseverance for win against Al Shabab

Al Khor: Al Gharafa's Assim Madibo hailed his team's resilience and the support of their fans after securing a 1-0 victory over United Arab Emirates’ Shabab Al Ahli, sealing their place in the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 group stage.

Ferjani Sassi's second-half header proved to be the decisive moment at the Al Bayt Stadium on Tuesday, with Shabab Al Ahli unable to find an equaliser despite multiple attempts.

Choi sets Shandong knockout stage target

Wed, 14 Aug, 2024

Choi sets Shandong knockout stage target

Jinan: Head coach Choi Kang-hee wants to see his Shandong Taishan side present themselves as formidable opponents when the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 group stage begins in September.

This comes after his Chinese Super League side came from behind to edge Bangkok United 4-3 on penalties in a keenly fought Preliminary Stage 2 tie to clinch their place in Friday’s group stage draw.

#ACLTwo teams decided

Thu, 15 Aug, 2024

#ACLTwo teams decided

Kuala Lumpur: Turkmenistan's Altyn Asyr FC and Kuwait SC of Kuwait were the final teams to confirm their places in the AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 group stage after winning their respective Preliminary Stage 1 ties on Wednesday.

Altyn Asyr defeated India's East Bengal 3-2 in a thrilling match while Kuwait SC beat Al Ahli of Bahrain 1-0.

The two join 30 other teams in Friday's draw in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Akhmedov pleased Abdysh-Ata pass tough test

Wed, 14 Aug, 2024

Akhmedov pleased Abdysh-Ata pass tough test

Jalal-Abad: Islam Akhmedov was full of admiration for his FC Abdysh-Ata Kant side after the Kyrgyz Republic outfit confirmed their place in the AFC Challenge League™ 2024/25 group stage.

The 62-year-old head coach oversaw a 2-0 win over Afghanistan’s Attack FC at Kurmanbek Stadium in a Preliminary Stage 1 tie with a goal in each half settling the contest.

Sharma applauds Paro’s fighting spirit

Wed, 14 Aug, 2024

Sharma applauds Paro’s fighting spirit

Kathmandu: Paro FC head coach Puspalal Sharma praised his team’s determination after they fought back from a goal down to defeat Nepal’s Church Boys United 2-1 on Tuesday, securing their place in the AFC Challenge League™ 2024/25 group stage.

Paro fell behind to Laken Limbu’s 38th-minute strike but the Bhutanese side quickly recovered with Kinga Wangchuk equalising just a minute later before the game was decided in the 66th minute when William Opoku capitalised on a defensive lapse to score the winner.