New AFC club competition brands hailed by AFC Marketing Committee

Fri, 16 Aug, 2024

New AFC club competition brands hailed by AFC Marketing Committee

Kuala Lumpur: The latest new brands, anthems and trophies commemorating the dawn of a new era for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) club competitions were lauded by the AFC Marketing Committee at its second meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Friday.

Held just hours before the official draw ceremonies for the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 League Stage and AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 Group Stage, Chairperson Dasho Ugen Tsechup opened the proceedings by praising the branding efforts undertaken in creating a distinct and vibrant identity for each of the new club competitions.

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#ACLElite cast finalised

Wed, 14 Aug, 2024

#ACLElite cast finalised

Kuala Lumpur: The lineup for the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 has been finalised following the completion of the Preliminary Stage on Tuesday.

Shandong Taishan of China PR and Qatar's Al Gharafa were the last two teams to advance after registering hard-fought wins against Thailand's Bangkok United FC and Shabab Al Ahli of the United Arab Emirates respectively.

#ACLTwo teams decided

Thu, 15 Aug, 2024

#ACLTwo teams decided

Kuala Lumpur: Turkmenistan's Altyn Asyr FC and Kuwait SC of Kuwait were the final teams to confirm their places in the AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 group stage after winning their respective Preliminary Stage 1 ties on Wednesday.

Altyn Asyr defeated India's East Bengal 3-2 in a thrilling match while Kuwait SC beat Al Ahli of Bahrain 1-0.

The two join 30 other teams in Friday's draw in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Alaaeldin makes Al Arabi switch, Brener boosts Antlers

Fri, 16 Aug, 2024

Alaaeldin makes Al Arabi switch, Brener boosts Antlers

Doha: Experienced forward Ahmed Alaaeldin has made the move to join Al Arabi on loan from Al Gharafa in a bid to get more playing minutes in the Qatar Stars League.

The 31-year-old Qatar international enjoyed two Qatar Stars Cup successes with Al Gharafa but will now be working with head coach Younes Ali at Al Arabi, who finished fifth in the league last season.

Officials gear up for new season at AFC Elite Women Referees & Assistant Referees Seminar

Thu, 15 Aug, 2024

Officials gear up for new season at AFC Elite Women Referees & Assistant Referees Seminar

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) reiterated its commitment to provide tailormade support to its match officials by conducting the AFC Women's Elite Referees & Assistant Referees Seminar from August 12 to 15, 2024 in Malaysia’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur.

Attended by 78 women match officials from across Asia, the four-day course provided the participants with the opportunity to further enhance their skills ahead of the 2024/25 season through a number of theoretical and practical exercises.

Hojageldiyev praises Altyn Asyr’s grit against East Bengal

Thu, 15 Aug, 2024

Hojageldiyev praises Altyn Asyr’s grit against East Bengal

Kolkata: Altyn Asyr head coach Yazguly Hojageldiyev lauded his team for showing nerves of steel after the Turkmenistan club overturned a one-goal deficit to defeat East Bengal 3-2 in the AFC Champions League Two™ Preliminary Stage on Wednesday.

Altyn Asyr fell behind in the seventh minute but recovered to score twice heading into the break before adding the third, with East Bengal netting a late consolation.

Ito goes to Belgium, Nakayama beefs up Machida

Thu, 15 Aug, 2024

Ito goes to Belgium, Nakayama beefs up Machida

Gent: Belgian Pro League side KAA Gent have confirmed the capture of Japanese midfielder Atsuki Ito on a four-year contract from Urawa Red Diamonds.

The 26-year-old Ito played 177 times for the J1 side and was also the captain of the team, playing his part in Urawa lifting the 2022 AFC Champions League™.

PS: Kuwait SC edge Al Ahli to advance

Thu, 15 Aug, 2024

PS: Kuwait SC edge Al Ahli to advance

Manama: Kuwait SC left it late before securing a 1-0 win against Al Ahli in their AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 Preliminary Stage tie at Khalifa Sports City Stadium on Wednesday.

The win sees Kuwait SC continuing their journey into the group stage, with the draw to be conducted on Friday.

Al Ahli will still have continental football to look forward to as they will now continue their journey in the AFC Challenge League™ 2024/25.

PS: Altyn Asyr roar into group stage

Thu, 15 Aug, 2024

PS: Altyn Asyr roar into group stage

Kolkata: Turkmenistan’s Altyn Asyr FC fought back from a goal down to defeat East Bengal of India 3-2 in their AFC Champions League Two™ Preliminary Stage tie at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium on Wednesday.

Goals from Myrat Annayev erased David Lalhlansanga’s opener before Selim Nurmyradov gave Altyn Asyr the lead going into the break. Mihail Titov increased the Turkmenistan side’s tally early in the second half with Saul Crespo netting a late consolation for East Bengal.

While Altyn Asyr will take their place in Friday’s AFC Champions League Two draw, East Bengal will feature in the AFC Challenge League™ 2024/25, with the draw scheduled for August 22. 

Sharma applauds Paro’s fighting spirit

Wed, 14 Aug, 2024

Sharma applauds Paro’s fighting spirit

Kathmandu: Paro FC head coach Puspalal Sharma praised his team’s determination after they fought back from a goal down to defeat Nepal’s Church Boys United 2-1 on Tuesday, securing their place in the AFC Challenge League™ 2024/25 group stage.

Paro fell behind to Laken Limbu’s 38th-minute strike but the Bhutanese side quickly recovered with Kinga Wangchuk equalising just a minute later before the game was decided in the 66th minute when William Opoku capitalised on a defensive lapse to score the winner.

Choi sets Shandong knockout stage target

Wed, 14 Aug, 2024

Choi sets Shandong knockout stage target

Jinan: Head coach Choi Kang-hee wants to see his Shandong Taishan side present themselves as formidable opponents when the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 group stage begins in September.

This comes after his Chinese Super League side came from behind to edge Bangkok United 4-3 on penalties in a keenly fought Preliminary Stage 2 tie to clinch their place in Friday’s group stage draw.