Experts discuss way forward at 3rd AFC Grassroots Panel meeting

Wed, 19 Apr, 2023

Experts discuss way forward at 3rd AFC Grassroots Panel meeting

Kuala Lumpur: Grassroots specialists from 13 Member Associations (MAs) of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) met virtually on Tuesday to discuss strategy and exchange ideas for the development of grassroots football in Asia.

Led by AFC Technical Director Andy Roxburgh, the highly engaging meeting proved to be an excellent platform for experts from all over Asia to discuss ways to expand the reach of the grassroots movement across the Continent.

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Urawa Red Diamonds' ACL history

Wed, 19 Apr, 2023

Urawa Red Diamonds' ACL history

Saitama: The most successful Japanese side in Asia’s premier club competition, Urawa Red Diamonds have won the AFC Champions League™ twice and reached the final four times, while only two teams have lifted the continent’s most prestigious trophy on more occasions.

Should they win the final of the 2022 edition against four-time champions Al Hilal SFC of Saudi Arabia, the Saitama side would move level on three titles apiece with Korea Republic’s Pohang Steelers and write yet another chapter in their continental success story.
 
Ahead of the first leg of the final in Riyadh on April 29, the-AFC.com looks back at Urawa in the AFC Champions League. 

Al Duhail fight back to regain lead

Wed, 19 Apr, 2023

Al Duhail fight back to regain lead

Doha: Al Duhail SC reclaimed the Qatar Stars League pole position after a thrilling come-from-behind 4-3 win over Al Rayyan on Tuesday.

The victory took Hernan Crespo's side to 45 points, two ahead of Al Arabi with three matches remaining.

Ighalo on the double as Al Hilal dent Al Nassr's title hopes

Wed, 19 Apr, 2023

Ighalo on the double as Al Hilal dent Al Nassr's title hopes

Riyadh: Odion Ighalo scored twice from the penalty spot as Al Hilal SFC defeated Al Nassr 2-0 in the Saudi Pro League on Tuesday.

The win meant not only did Al Hilal keep their slim hopes of defending the title alive but also dealt a blow to Al Nassr's ambitions at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh.
 
Al Nassr's defeat means Al Ittihad - on 56 points and with a match in hand - are firmly in control of the title race with Al Nassr three points adrift. Al Hilal, who are fourth, moved up to 49 points but have only five matches remaining to Al Ittihad's seven. 

Al Hilal’s ACL history

Tue, 18 Apr, 2023

Al Hilal’s ACL history

Riyadh: The AFC Champions League™ 2022 Final will offer Al Hilal SFC the chance to extend their record as the most successful side in the history of the competition as they chase a fifth title, which would put them two clear of the next best side in the continent.

When the competition was relaunched under the AFC Champions League name in 2002-03, Al Hilal had already been one of a few clubs who had two titles to their name, alongside the likes of Esteghlal, Thai Farmers Bank and Korean duo Pohang Steelers and Suwon Samsung Bluewings, but in the years since then, the club set out on a journey to stand out from the rest.

Europe Wrap: Hwang seals Wolves win; Kerr sends Chelsea into final

Tue, 18 Apr, 2023

Europe Wrap: Hwang seals Wolves win; Kerr sends Chelsea into final

Kuala Lumpur: Korea Republic forward Hwang Hee-chan scored in his 50th game in England’s Premier League as Wolverhampton Wanderers beat Brentford 2-0 on Saturday while Australia's Sam Kerr hit the winner as Chelsea reached the Women’s FA Cup final by defeating Aston Villa 1-0 on Sunday. 

In France, Japanese youngster Yuito Suzuki made an impressive debut in Ligue 1, scoring in a crucial victory for relegation battlers Strasbourg, while his compatriots Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda netted for Australian tactician Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic as they inched closer to a second straight league title in Scotland. 
 
Islamic Republic of Iran's Sardar Azmoun bagged an assist in Bayer Leverkusen’s draw with Union SG in the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals, Japan’s Ayase Ueda scored a double in Belgium and Iraq's Osama Rashid hit a stunner in Portugal, so join the-AFC.com as we review how the Asian stars performed in Europe over the week.