Life begins at 30: Ai Kesen chasing AFC Champions League scoring record after reviving Guangzhou Evergrande’s campaign

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Life begins at 30: Ai Kesen chasing AFC Champions League scoring record after reviving Guangzhou Evergrande’s campaign

Doha: Ai Kesen is chasing the dual objectives of a third AFC Champions League title and statistical immortality, after his Player of the Match display against Vissel Kobe on Saturday produced his 30th career goal in the competition.

The Braziiian-born Chinese international, formerly known as Elkeson, became just the fourth player in the competition’s history to reach the 30-goal barrier, taking him to within seven of the all-time record holder, Korea Republic legend Lee Dong-gook.

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Perreira adapting to AFC Champions League schedule as Shanghai SIPG overcome Yokohama F. Marinos 

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Perreira adapting to AFC Champions League schedule as Shanghai SIPG overcome Yokohama F. Marinos 

Doha: Shanghai SIPG head coach Vitor Perreira remained pragmatic as his side collected the three points in a 2-1 win over Yokohama F. Marinos despite a gruelling schedule that has seen them play four 2020 AFC Champions League games in nine days.

SIPG took the lead in the Group H tie through Cai Huikang’s powerful header early on before Ado Onaiwo struck the equaliser a few minutes later. Ricardo Lopes had the final say though, putting the Chinese Super League side ahead midway through the second half after combining with Oscar who sent the former in on goal.

Guangzhou Evergrande beat Vissel Kobe to get back on track in AFC Champions League

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Guangzhou Evergrande beat Vissel Kobe to get back on track in AFC Champions League

Doha: Guangzhou Evergrande put an end to their seven-game winless streak in the competition after defeating Vissel Kobe 2-0 in Group G of the 2020 AFC Champions League on Saturday.

The J1 League side had already sealed qualification to the Round of 16 prior to this match in what is their maiden AFC Champions League campaign, while Guangzhou Evergrande needed a win ahead of their crunch tie against the third team in the group, Suwon Samsung Bluewings, which Fabio Cannavaro’s men duly delivered.

Cannavaro mourns loss of friend and hero Maradona as AFC Champions League coaches pay tribute to Argentina legend

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Cannavaro mourns loss of friend and hero Maradona as AFC Champions League coaches pay tribute to Argentina legend

Doha: AFC Champions League coaches paid tributes to football legend Diego Maradona who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 60 after suffering a heart attack at his home in Buenos Aires.

Widely recognised as one of the greatest football players of all time, Maradona spent brief spells in Asian football as head coach of UAE Pro League sides Al Wasl SC and Fujairah.

Chiangrai United’s AFC Champions League win was a gift to the Thai people, says Alongkorn

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Chiangrai United’s AFC Champions League win was a gift to the Thai people, says Alongkorn

Doha: Chiangrai United interim boss Alongkorn Thongaum paid tribute to his players, labelling their stunning 2-1 win over FC Seoul a gift to the nation of Thailand at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Friday.

The Beetles had lost 5-0 to Seoul just three days earlier, and even a draw would have seen them eliminated from the competition, but two goals from 36-year-old Brazilian striker Bill gave them a historic win which not only lifted the club’s spirits but revived their hopes of reaching the Round of 16.

Chiangrai’s win gives them three points from four matches, putting them within three of second placed Seoul with two group stage matches remaining.

Beijing’s Génésio vows to keep foot on the floor after sealing AFC Champions League knockout place

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Beijing’s Génésio vows to keep foot on the floor after sealing AFC Champions League knockout place

Doha: They are the clear leaders of Group E and one of the form teams of the competition, but Beijing FC head coach Bruno Génésio has pledged to keep piling up the wins after his side secured their progression to the 2020 AFC Champions League Round of 16 on Friday.

The Chinese side booked their place in the knockout stage two games early, accounting for Australia’s Melbourne Victory for the second time in four days with Jonathan Viera and Zhang Yuning scoring in a commanding 2-0 win at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.

Led by outstanding captain Renato Augusto, but with an even contribution from players all over the pitch, Beijing are increasingly being viewed as a potential ACL finalist, but Génésio remains focused on more immediate concerns, saying he simply wants to keep winning matches.

Staying calm, focused key to FC Tokyo's AFC Champions League win over Shanghai Shenhua, says Hasegawa

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Staying calm, focused key to FC Tokyo's AFC Champions League win over Shanghai Shenhua, says Hasegawa

Doha: FC Tokyo head coach Kenta Hasegawa praised his side’s calm and focused approach in the second half as they scored twice after the break to earn a 2-1 win against Shanghai Shenhua in Group F of the 2020 AFC Champions League on Friday.

Leandro and Shuto Abe struck for the J1 League side, before substitute Gonzalo Moreno breathed life into his side's bid for the points yet it proved just a consolation goal.