Magic Mitoma, Al Ammari, Alipour and more: Vote for your AFC International Player of the Week

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Magic Mitoma, Al Ammari, Alipour and more: Vote for your AFC International Player of the Week

Kuala Lumpur: Many returned to club duty after a crucial international break, but there was little let up in quality from the Asian players plying their trade outside the continent.

Son Heung-min, Amir Al Ammari and Ali Gholizadeh hit the ground running after returning to their respective European homes, Kaoru Mitoma scored a sensational hat-trick in Belgium while Tang Jiall struck a blow for Chinese women’s football in England.
 
But who deserves the title of AFC International Player of the Week? Study our 10 nominees – based on performances from October 13 to 19 – and don’t forget to register your vote.

Vote for your AFC International Player of the Week!

Al Dawsari credits Al Hilal's big game experience for semi-final victory

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Al Dawsari credits Al Hilal's big game experience for semi-final victory

Riyadh: Winger Salem Al Dawsari hailed Al Hilal SFC’s experience in big games as a decisive factor in their 2-1 win over archrivals Al Nassr to reach the 2021 AFC Champions League final on Tuesday.

A second consecutive Man of The Match display from the 30-year-old saw him bag the winner to earn his side a place in the final for the fourth time since 2014.

Former FC Porto striker Moussa Marega opened the scoring for the Blues after 17 minutes, firing home from a narrow angle after a fine Bafetimbi Gomis pass. Anderson Talisca brought Al Nassr level five minutes after the restart before Al Dawsari settled matters with a well-taken finish in the 71st minute.

Emanuel proud of Al Nassr players despite defeat

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Emanuel proud of Al Nassr players despite defeat

Riyadh: Al Nassr head coach Pedro Emanuel believes his side were unfortunate not to come away with the win having fallen to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of their cross-city rivals Al Hilal SFC in the 2021 AFC Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday.

The result marks the second year in a row that Al Nassr exit at this stage, but the Portuguese tactician - who only joined the club three weeks earlier - spoke of pride in his players’ attitude.

Al Hilal edge Al Nassr to book AFC Champions League final ticket

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Al Hilal edge Al Nassr to book AFC Champions League final ticket

Riyadh: Al Hilal SFC reached their third final in five years after bringing down 10-man Al Nassr 2-1 in the semi-final of the 2021 AFC Champions League on Tuesday. 

The game lived up to the pre-match hype in every way, combining the feel of the Riyadh Derby with the sense of occasion that comes with an AFC Champions League semi-final.

UAE’s Taheri eager to not let up after comeback win over Guam

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

UAE’s Taheri eager to not let up after comeback win over Guam

Bishkek: A stirring come-from-behind win against Guam kept United Arab Emirates’ dream of AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 qualification alive - now head coach Houriya Taheri wants to make it a reality.

Staring down the barrel of defeat after a defensive error allowed Aprl Talledo to put Guam ahead, the Emiratis dug deep to turn the game around at Bishkek’s Dolen Omurzakov Stadium on Monday.
 
Naeema Gharib’s willingness to press paid off when she intercepted a wayward pass from Guam shot stopper Kiarra Hutcherson before slotting home the equaliser, and captain Nouf Faleh Al Anzi provided the winner from the penalty spot with less than 10 minutes remaining to spark mass celebrations.

2021 AFC Cup - Inter-Zone, West Zonal Finals: Facts & Stats

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

2021 AFC Cup - Inter-Zone, West Zonal Finals: Facts & Stats

Kuala Lumpur: Four teams remain in the race for the 2021 AFC Cup title with Wednesday's Inter-Zone and West Zonal semi-finals set to be highly competitive affairs.

Hong Kong's Lee Man are the odd ones out with Uzbekistan's FC Nasaf, Muharraq Club and Kuwait SC all having previously lifted the title.

Join the-AFC.com as we analyse the facts and stats ahead of the semi-finals.

Nasaf v Lee Man – Six players who could make the difference in AFC Cup Inter-Zone Final

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Nasaf v Lee Man – Six players who could make the difference in AFC Cup Inter-Zone Final

Karshi: Just 90 minutes stand between FC Nasaf, Lee Man FC and a shot at Asian football immortality, giving both sets of players a rare opportunity to shine on the continent’s biggest stages.

Uzbekistan Super League runners-up Nasaf will welcome Hong Kong’s Lee Man with a place in next month’s final awaiting the winners, and both sides are equipped with potential match-winners who can turn a game at their whim.
 
Ahead of one of the biggest club fixtures on the calendar, we’ve picked out six players – three from each team – who possess the ability to make a major impact on Wednesday’s Inter-Zone final.