2021 AFC Champions League: The Week in Numbers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

2021 AFC Champions League: The Week in Numbers

Kuala Lumpur: The 2021 AFC Champions League quarter-finals and semi-finals were held over the past week as a whirlwind few days’ of action ended in Al Hilal SFC and FC Pohang Steelers booking their places in the grand finale on November 23. 

A record 40 teams were part of the group stage when it kicked off back in April and just two remain in the quest to be crowned kings of Asia. 

With the competition now taking a break until the sides meet in Riyadh next month, the-AFC.com looks back at the numbers that stood out after the recent set of games. 

Vote for your Best Goal of the 2021 AFC Champions League Quarter and Semi-Finals

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Vote for your Best Goal of the 2021 AFC Champions League Quarter and Semi-Finals

Kuala Lumpur: The 2021 AFC Champions League finalists have been confirmed after an action-packed few days which saw both the quarter-finals and the semi-finals held in Saudi Arabia and Korea Republic.

The six games produced some incredible drama with sizzling action, penalty shootouts and, of course, some stunning goals. The-AFC.com has selected five of the best and ask you, the fans, to vote for your favourite at the foot of the article.

Qualifiers - Group K: Cambodia defeat Hong Kong for flying start to qualifying campaign

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Qualifiers - Group K: Cambodia defeat Hong Kong for flying start to qualifying campaign

Futaba: Cambodia kicked off their bid to qualify for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2022 with a 4-2 win over Hong Kong at the J-Village ground in Futaba on Saturday.

The win sets Cambodia up nicely for their next match - against hosts Japan - with victory on Tuesday taking them to the Finals from the three-team Group K.

Hong Kong's fate, meanwhile, depends on Japan defeating Cambodia before the two teams meet in the group finale on Thursday.

AFC U23 Asian Cup 2022 Qualifiers: Ones to Watch

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AFC U23 Asian Cup 2022 Qualifiers: Ones to Watch

Kuala Lumpur: The 2022 AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifying campaign kicks off on Saturday with 39 teams from across the continent battling it out for the 15 remaining places at the tournament in Uzbekistan next year.

As ever, some of Asia’s finest young talent will be on display in the 11 qualifying groups, and the-AFC.com has identified some of the key players to look out for.

Spectacular Al Thumama Stadium becomes sixth tournament-ready venue for Qatar 2022

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Spectacular Al Thumama Stadium becomes sixth tournament-ready venue for Qatar 2022

Doha: Qatar’s latest FIFA World Cup™ tournament venue was unveiled on Friday night when Al Thumama Stadium hosted the Amir Cup Final between Al Rayyan and Al Sadd. The stunning venue – which was designed by Qatari architect Ibrahim M. Jaidah – was inaugurated in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of Qatar, as the country marked yet another milestone on the road to 2022.

The inauguration ceremony took place prior to the final and involved local schoolchildren celebrating the design of the stadium. On the pitch, Al Sadd won the final 5-4 on penalties after the match finished 1-1 after 90 minutes. It was a record 18th victory in the competition for the Wolves.

Al Sadd edge Al Rayyan on penalties to lift Qatar Emir Cup trophy

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Al Sadd edge Al Rayyan on penalties to lift Qatar Emir Cup trophy

Doha: Al Sadd SC added more silverware to their trophy cabinet after defeating Al Rayyan 5-4 on penalties in the 2021 Qatar Amir Cup final at the sparkling new Al Thumama Stadium on Friday.

Al Sadd, however, had to come from behind to force the shootout with Al Rayyan having taken the lead from a Yacine Brahimi penalty just before the break.