AFC Cup 2020 Archive

KJSMWorld Corp.’s exclusive deal includes all major AFC national team and club competitions, including but not limited to the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar Final Round, the AFC Champions League and AFC Cup from the 2021 season, the AFC Asian Cup China 2023 and the AFC U23 Asian Cup Finals in 2022 and 2024.

The deal includes all major AFC national team and club competitions, including but not limited to the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar Final Round, the AFC Champions League and AFC Cup from the 2021 season, the AFC Asian Cup China 2023 and the AFC U23 Asian Cup Finals 2022 and 2024.

Arguably the finest player the Maldives has ever produced, Ali Ashfaq's wonder goal in 2013, scored in Indonesia against Persibo Bojonegoro, emerged top of the 32-goal AFC Cup Bracket Challenge.

A stunning solo goal, having already rounded the 'keeper it appeared Ashfaq had an easy tap-in, but the striker seemed intent on tormenting the Persibo backline, twisting one way and then the next before coolly finishing into the centre of the goal for a memorable effort that Asia's football fans clearly haven't forgotten.

In a showdown between arguably the biggest talents in their respective countries, Malaysian Safawi - currently on loan at Portuguese side Portimonense - polled 70 percent of the votes against Vietnamese sensation Quang Hai.

Thirty-two players from all five of the AFC's Zones began the contest more than six weeks ago and that number has now been whittled down to just two as fans voted in their masses to help Ashfaq and Chan reach the showpiece event.

The final pits South Asia against East Asia as Maldivian superstar Ashfaq's superb solo goal for Male side New Radiant in 2013 goes up against a wonderful strike by Chan for Hong Kong's South China AA in 2013.

Football lovers voted in their masses to ensure both former South China AA player Chan edged past Johor Darul Ta'zim's Malaysian superstar Safawi Rasid and ex-New Radiant forward Ashfaq overcame Nguyen Quang Hai of Vietnam's Hanoi FC in the semi-finals.

Chan's goal against Malaysia's Pahang sealed the tie for South China AA and the former Hong Kong international will now face off against Ali Ashfaq of Maldives side New Radiant in the final which kicks off on Wednesday.

The 46-year-old Englishman, while delighted that his players passed a stiff test, does not see it as the end of a journey for his Australian outfit, saying the club from top to bottom stand together in their bid to win the final edition of the AFC Cup.

After a goalless first half at Central Coast Stadium, Miguel Di Pizio found the breakthrough for the hosts in the 78th minute before a goal from Mikael Doka and a second from Di Pizio sealed their 4-1 aggregate win and booked the title clash with Lebanon’s Al Ahed FC on May 5.

Leading 1-0 after the first leg, Lebanon's Al Ahed found themselves pegged back by Omer Al Malki's equaliser.

Lee Erwin, however, scored twice after coming off the bench with Walter Bwalya's late goal proving to be a mere consolation as 2019 AFC Cup winners Al Ahed advanced 3-2 on aggregate.

Lee Erwin scored both goals as Lebanon's Al Ahed won 3-2 on aggregate and will either face Australia's Central Coast Mariners or FK Abdysh Ata Kant of Kyrgyz Republic in the AFC Cup final on May 5.

Both sides are playing for the chance to become their nation’s first representative in the final of the AFC Cup and with the scores tied at 1-1 after the first leg, the return fixture promises to be an exciting one.

Al Ahed will take a 1-0 lead into the tie but Al Nahda of Oman will believe home ground advantage will take them past the Lebanese side at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex.

Brian Kaltak gave Australia’s Mariners the lead with nine minutes left but Magamed Uzdenov equalised for Kyrgyz Republic’s Abdysh-Ata, with Islam Akhmedov hopeful his team will play even better in next week’s return leg.