ASEAN and East Asia Domestic Wrap: Sydney FC gain 'Big Blue' bragging rights

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

ASEAN and East Asia Domestic Wrap: Sydney FC gain 'Big Blue' bragging rights

Kuala Lumpur: Sydney FC continued their winning run in Australia’s A-League to move 10 points clear at the summit after easing past rivals Melbourne Victory while their nearest challengers dropped points. 

Elsewhere in ASEAN, Hantharwady United are now the only team with a 100 percent record in Myanmar after recording their third straight victory.

In East Asia, meanwhile, BOG Strykers continue to lead the way in Guam after making it seven wins from seven in the Pacific island nation.

ACL Play-offs: 5 Memorable Matches

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

ACL Play-offs: 5 Memorable Matches

Kuala Lumpur: With the decisive AFC Champions League Play-offs taking place on Tuesday, when eight teams will fight for a place at the 2020 edition, we look back on five iconic matches from the past that saw Continental dreams come true or end in heartbreak.

Since 2009, Asia's football fans have enjoyed the exciting addition of the qualifying stage to the AFC Champions League experience. Over a decade ago that entire process involved just five teams, a number that has risen to today's total of 28 sides.

There have been some classic encounters over the years involving late winners, penalty shootouts and upset victories. And, in one notable case, the winners of the entire tournament progressing all the way from the play-offs.

Underdog role will suit us against FC Seoul, says Kedah's Baddrol

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Underdog role will suit us against FC Seoul, says Kedah's Baddrol

Alor Setar: Kedah captain Baddrol Bakhtiar believes the pressure is off the Malaysian Super League side ahead of their 2020 AFC Champions League play-off tie against Korea Republic's FC Seoul on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old midfielder spoke to the-AFC.com in an exclusive interview following Kedah's 5-1 win over Hong Kong's Wofoo Tai Po in the Preliminary Round 2 and the one-club man reflected on that match, the impressive form of new signing Kipre Tchetche and looked ahead to the crunch games against FC Seoul.

Arnold: Taking Australia to the Olympics one of my greatest achievements

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Arnold: Taking Australia to the Olympics one of my greatest achievements

Bangkok: Graham Arnold hailed Australia’s qualification for the Tokyo Olympic Games as among the greatest achievements of his coaching career after steering his side to third place at the AFC U23 Championship Thailand 2020 with a 1-0 win over Uzbekistan on Saturday.

Nick D’Agostino’s individual goal two minutes into the second half sealed the win for the Olyroos and ended Australia’s 12-year Olympic absence, leaving Arnold delighted with the achievements of a squad that features a host of players who rarely play for their clubs.

West Asia Domestic Wrap: Al Nassr back on top, Shabab Al-Ahli march on

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

West Asia Domestic Wrap: Al Nassr back on top, Shabab Al-Ahli march on

Beirut: Reigning champions Al Nassr returned to the top of the Saudi Pro League standings while Shabab Al-Ahli continued their impressive run of results after registering their fourth consecutive victory to remain on top in the UAE.

Al Duhail continued their unbeaten run this season to widen the gap at the top of the Qatar Stars League while Al Qadsia strengthened their grip on first position in Kuwait. Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the domestic action in West Asia.

We’ve got to keep working, says Australia hero D’Agostino

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

We’ve got to keep working, says Australia hero D’Agostino

Bangkok: Nicholas D’Agostino has urged Australia to keep working hard after his strike against Uzbekistan in the AFC U23 Championship Thailand 2020 third place play-off match took the Olyroos to the Tokyo Olympics.

D’Agostino’s solo run in the 47th minute proved to be the difference as Australia won 1-0 at the Rajamangala Stadium on Saturday to join Korea Republic, Saudi Arabia and hosts Japan as Asia’s representatives at Tokyo 2020.

Preliminary Stage 2: Buriram United (THA) 2-1 Hochiminh City FC (VIE)

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Preliminary Stage 2: Buriram United (THA) 2-1 Hochiminh City FC (VIE)

Buriram: Buriram United survived a late fightback to defeat Vietnam's Hochiminh City FC 2-1 in their AFC Champions League Preliminary Stage 2 tie at the Buriram Stadium on Tuesday.

Burriam broke the deadlock in the second half through goals from Bernardo Cuesta and Ricardo Bueno, while Hochiminh scored a late consolation through Pape Diakite.

The Thailand side will now face Shanghai SIPG of China PR in next week's Playoff with the winners to advance to Group H alongside Australia's Sydney FC, Yokohama F. Marinos of Japan and Korea Republic side Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.