Ulsan Hyundai, Al Duhail seek triumphant end to FIFA Club World Cup campaign

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Ulsan Hyundai, Al Duhail seek triumphant end to FIFA Club World Cup campaign

Doha: Ulsan Hyundai FC and Al Duhail SC will be aiming to end their FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020 campaign on a high when the two Asian sides meet in the play-off for fifth place on Sunday.

Both suffered narrow defeats in their respective second round ties with 2020 AFC Champions League winners Ulsan Hyundai edged 2-1 by Mexico's Tigres UANL while reigning Qatar Stars League champions Al Duhail were defeated 1-0 by Egypt's Al Ahly SC.

Despite their respective defeats, Ulsan Hyundai head coach Hong Myung-bo and his Al Duhail counterpart Sabri Lamouchi were generally satisfied with the performances of their sides and both will be expecting more on Sunday.

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/ulsan_hyundai-fifa_club_world_cup_2020-getty.html

Ulsan Hyundai's Hong upbeat despite defeat to Tigres UANL

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Ulsan Hyundai's Hong upbeat despite defeat to Tigres UANL

Doha: There was to be no winning debut for Hong Myung-bo as Ulsan Hyundai FC fell 2-1 to Tigres UANL of Mexico in their FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020 second round tie but the newly-appointed head coach was generally satisfied with the performance of his side.

Ulsan Hyundai, the 2020 AFC Champions League winners, enjoyed a dream start at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium on Thursday with Kim Kee-hee giving them a 24th minute lead.

Frenchman Andre-Pierre Gignac, however, emerged as Tigres' star with a brace, drawing the CONCACAF champions level in the 38th minute before scoring from the penalty spot in first half added time.

Exceptional experience gained despite defeat, says Al Duhail's Benatia

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Exceptional experience gained despite defeat, says Al Duhail's Benatia

Doha: Al Duhail suffered a slim 1-0 defeat to Egypt’s Al Ahly in the second round of the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020 on Thursday, but defender Mehdi Benatia believes the team gained valuable experience.

In a match where Al Ahly claimed a first half lead through Hussein El Shahat’s effort, Al Duhail bounced back stronger in the second half, but fine defending by the CAF champions saw them holding on for the win.

Al Mawas, Ji So-yun, Taremi and Wadi – Vote for your AFC International Player of the Week!

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Al Mawas, Ji So-yun, Taremi and Wadi – Vote for your AFC International Player of the Week!

Kuala Lumpur: Ji So-yun put on a midfielder masterclass, while Mahmoud Wadi, Mehdi Taremi and Mahmoud Al Mawas all found the back of the net as Asia’s football legionnaires produced another memorable week.

This week’s list of contenders features players from six different AFC nations, all of whom have excelled for clubs outside of the continent over the last week.

Study the shortlist, based on performances from January 28 to February 3, and don’t forget to register your vote.

Indonesia's Bagus Kahfi moves to FC Utrecht

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Indonesia's Bagus Kahfi moves to FC Utrecht

Utrecht: Promising Indonesian talent Bagus Kahfi has signed for Dutch Eredivisie side FC Utrecht until mid-2022.

Bagus, 19, will initially ply his trade with Utrecht's Under-18 squad and has an option to extend his contract by two years, the club said on their website.

Tatsuma Yoshida extends contract with Singapore Lions

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Tatsuma Yoshida extends contract with Singapore Lions

Singapore: Tatsuma Yoshida will continue as national team coach until December 2022, the FA of Singapore (FAS) has announced.

Japanese Yoshida was appointed to the post on in June, 2019 and has since instilled an attractive, offensive style of play that has earned plaudits from both players and fans.

Japan's Keisuke Honda to join Portimonense

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Japan's Keisuke Honda to join Portimonense

Portimao: Japanese star Keisuke Honda will join Portuguese Primeira Liga outfit Portimonense SC until the end of the season after parting ways with Brazilian club Botafogo.

The 34-year-old Honda, who also had spells with AC Milan, CSKA Moscow, Dutch sides Vitesse Arnhem and VVV-Venlo, Mexico's Pachuca and Melbourne Victory, revealed his next destination on his audio streaming platform on Thursday.