Playoffs draw finalised

Thu, 09 May, 2024

Playoffs draw finalised

Kuala Lumpur: The six teams in playoffs for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round learnt their opponents following the official draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

The three winners from the match-ups will join Bhutan, Maldives and Laos, who punched their tickets to the Qualifiers Final Round as the three best-ranked losing teams from the Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 1, alongside 18 teams (all third and fourth-placed teams from across nine groups) from Round 2. 

Al Ain FC - Road to the #ACL Final

Thu, 09 May, 2024

Al Ain FC - Road to the #ACL Final

Kuala Lumpur: Al Ain return to the AFC Champions League™ final for the fourth time in their history after 2002-03, 2005 and 2016, having won the inaugural title then lost to Al Ittihad and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors respectively.

Ahead of the first leg of the Emirati giants’ encounter with Yokohama F. Marinos, the-AFC.com reviews Al Ain’s journey to the 2023/24 final, which saw them eliminate some of the biggest teams in Asia to reach this stage.

Yokohama F. Marinos - Road to the #ACL Final

Wed, 08 May, 2024

Yokohama F. Marinos - Road to the #ACL Final

Kuala Lumpur: Japan's Yokohama F. Marinos are aiming to write a new chapter in their glorious history when they take on Al Ain FC of the United Arab Emirates in the the final of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24.

Harry Kewell’s Marinos defeated Ulsan Hyundai FC on penalties in last month's semi-final and they will now look to clear the final hurdle and lift their maiden title in what is their sixth appearance in Asia’s premier club competition.
 
With the first leg to be played at Yokohama International Stadium on Saturday, the-AFC.com takes a look back at the J1 League side's memorable journey to the showpiece event.

Preview - Group B: Australia v Japan

Fri, 10 May, 2024

Preview - Group B: Australia v Japan

Bali: Australia will have to beat four-time AFC U-16 Women’s Championship winners Japan in their Group B match on Thursday to keep alive their hopes of making the semi-finals of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Indonesia™ 2024.

The Junior Matildas, who breezed through qualification with a perfect record of five wins, lost their opening match 3-0 against China PR on Tuesday. Defending champions Japan, meanwhile, overcame a resilient Thailand for a 4-0 to lead the table alongside China PR.

Preview - Group B: Thailand v China PR

Fri, 10 May, 2024

Preview - Group B: Thailand v China PR

Bali: China PR are out to build on their great start in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024 and secure their second win in Group B when they face Thailand on Friday.

Another three points at Bali United Training Center could potentially earn Gary van Egmond’s side a place in the semi-finals if Japan beat Australia in the other game.

Preview - Final: Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies (JPN) v Hyundai Steel Red Angels Women's FC (KOR)

Thu, 09 May, 2024

Preview - Final: Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies (JPN) v Hyundai Steel Red Angels Women's FC (KOR)

Saitama: Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies and Hyundai Steel Red Angels Women’s FC of Korea Republic will battle it out in the final of the AFC Women's Club Championship™ at Urawa Komaba Stadium on Friday.

With the competition set to make way for the AFC Women’s Champions League™ from the 2024/25 season, both teams will be aiming to etch their name in the history books by lifting the trophy.

Kewell relishing stepping into the unknown with Yokohama

Wed, 08 May, 2024

Kewell relishing stepping into the unknown with Yokohama

Yokohama: Harry Kewell will be taking a step into the unknown when he leads his Yokohama F. Marinos side into the first leg of the AFC Champions League™ 2023-24 final against Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates at the Yokohama International Stadium on Saturday.

The former Liverpool and Australia winger has vast experience from his playing days to draw on as he primes his squad for the continental final, but even for someone with Kewell’s background the upcoming two-legged decider represents a new frontier.