AFC President congratulates China PR for completing Asia’s Tokyo Olympics line-up

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AFC President congratulates China PR for completing Asia’s Tokyo Olympics line-up

Kuala Lumpur: AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has congratulated China PR for clinching their spot at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after they defeated Korea Republic 4-3 on aggregate over two legs in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Tokyo 2020 Asian Qualifiers Final Round Playoff on Tuesday.

The AFC President said: “On behalf of the Asian football family, I would like to congratulate China PR for sealing their place at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Wang Shuang stars as China PR edge Korea Republic for Tokyo Olympics spot

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Wang Shuang stars as China PR edge Korea Republic for Tokyo Olympics spot

Suzhou: A 103rd-minute strike from Wang Shuang helped China PR claim the final Asian place in the women’s football tournament at the Tokyo Olympics, prevailing 4-3 on aggregate after a breathless playoff second leg against Korea Republic ended 2-2 after extra time at Suzhou Olympic Center Stadium on Tuesday.

Jia Xiuquan’s side overcame the absence of captain Wu Haiyan and a blistering start from the visitors, who overturned China’s 2-1 first leg with two goals before half-time before a virtuoso display from Wang ensured the Steel Roses will appear at a third consecutive Summer Games.

A Kang Chae-rim volley and a Li Mengwen own goal had Korea Republic dreaming of Tokyo, but Yang Man got the hosts back into the match when she nudged home a Wang free kick, before Wang herself delivered the decisive blow with a superb goal in extra-time.

Preview: Persepolis, Al Wahda primed for titanic AFC Champions League clash

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Preview: Persepolis, Al Wahda primed for titanic AFC Champions League clash

Goa: Islamic Republic of Iran’s Persepolis FC and Al Wahda from United Arab Emirates will both be aiming to lay down a marker when they face off in their 2021 AFC Champions League Group E opener on Wednesday. 

Persepolis, having lost the 2018 and 2020 AFC Champions League finals, will be aiming for the title while Al Wahda will be out to make up for a lost opportunity after having been forced to withdraw from last year's competition by a COVID-19 outbreak in their squad.

Preview: Goa, Al Rayyan in bid to make AFC Champions League history

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Preview: Goa, Al Rayyan in bid to make AFC Champions League history

Goa: India’s FC Goa are set to make their AFC Champions League bow when they face Al Rayyan of Qatar in Group E on Wednesday.

History will be made at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, when hosts Goa become the first Indian side to play in the AFC Champions League group stage, while Al Rayyan will be looking to make the knockout stage for the first time.

Preview: Al Sadd, Foolad Khouzestan set for enticing AFC Champions League clash

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Preview: Al Sadd, Foolad Khouzestan set for enticing AFC Champions League clash

Riyadh: Al Sadd SC of Qatar and Islamic Republic of Iran's Foolad Khouzestan FC will be looking to secure an early advantage when the two clash in Group D of the 2021 AFC Champions League on Wednesday. 

Al Sadd, coming off a dominant domestic season which saw them lift the Qatar Stars League title unbeaten, will be aiming to maintain that form as they look to add to the AFC Champions League title won in 2011.

Foolad will be heading into the match with full confidence after their emphatic 4-0 win over UAE's Al Ain FC in the playoff just three days ago to qualify for the group stage for the fourth time in their history.

Preview: Sharjah in the way as Air Force Club aim for triumphant return to AFC Champions League

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Preview: Sharjah in the way as Air Force Club aim for triumphant return to AFC Champions League

Sharjah: Three-time AFC Cup champions Air Force Club return to the AFC Champions League group stage after 13 years as they take on Group B hosts Sharjah FC on Wednesday.

The Iraqi side had won Asia’s second club competition in 2016, 2017 and 2018 and were eliminated from the AFC Champions League playoff in 2019 before overcoming Saudi Arabia’s Al Wehda in this year’s qualifying playoff.

Preview: Pakhtakor, Tractor seek winning start to AFC Champions League campaign

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Preview: Pakhtakor, Tractor seek winning start to AFC Champions League campaign

Sharjah: Less than seven months after a frustrating quarter-final elimination at the hands of Persepolis FC, Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor start a new AFC Champions League journey and this time it is against another Iranian opponent, Tractor FC.

The 2021 campaign will be Pakhtakor’s 15th involvement in Asia’s top club competition, a record matched by few teams across the continent. And throughout that journey, the Uzbek powerhouse have recorded some impressive results, including two semi-finals and two quarter-finals.