AFC Champions League™ 2022 Playoffs in Numbers

Thu, 17 Mar, 2022

AFC Champions League™ 2022 Playoffs in Numbers

Kuala Lumpur: The final six places in the AFC Champions League™ 2022 Group Stage were confirmed after Tuesday’s playoff matches as three teams from the East and three from the West joined the 34 sides who had already confirmed their spots.

There was no shortage of drama in the one-legged match-ups with late goals and penalty shootouts among the highlights of an action-packed round of qualifiers. 

Join the-AFC.com as we look back at the facts and stats that caught the eye.

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Group Stage cast finalised for AFC Champions League™ 2022

Thu, 17 Mar, 2022

Group Stage cast finalised for AFC Champions League™ 2022

Kuala Lumpur: The stage is set for the AFC Champions League™ 2022 following the conclusion of the playoffs on Tuesday.

Korea Republic's Ulsan Hyundai and Daegu FC were joined by 2020 semi-finalists Vissel Kobe of Japan from the East Playoffs after an evening of pulsating football.

Saudi Arabia's Al Taawoun, Sharjah from UAE and Uzbekistan's FC Nasaf advanced from the West Playoffs, which were equally exciting affairs.

Vissel Kobe were the better side, says Melbourne Victory's Popovic

Thu, 17 Mar, 2022

Vissel Kobe were the better side, says Melbourne Victory's Popovic

Kobe: Melbourne Victory head coach Tony Popovic conceded Vissel Kobe’s quality was the difference between the teams as the J-League side edged the Australians in a thrilling playoff on Tuesday to book their place in the Group Stage of the AFC Champions League™ 2022.

Brazilian striker Lincoln came off the bench to earn Kobe a 4-3 win in extra-time, the substitute netting five minutes into the first period from close range to finally end Melbourne’s resistance.

Nasaf's emphatic away win delights Berdiev

Thu, 17 Mar, 2022

Nasaf's emphatic away win delights Berdiev

Abu Dhabi: FC Nasaf head coach Ruzikul Berdiev hailed his side’s 2-0 victory over Baniyas in the AFC Champions League™ 2022 Playoff as the result of their solid preparation for the Tuesday game.

Goals from left-back Sherzod Nasrullaev and Khusain Norchaev either side of the halftime break sealed an away win for the Uzbek Cup winners, allowing them to advance to the AFC Champions League where they will face Qatar’s Al Sadd, Jordan’s Al Wehdat and Al Faisaly of Saudi Arabia in Group E.

Olaroiu hails penalty hero Al Hosani as Sharjah edge out Al Zawraa

Thu, 17 Mar, 2022

Olaroiu hails penalty hero Al Hosani as Sharjah edge out Al Zawraa

Sharjah: Sharjah FC head coach Cosmin Olaroiu hailed goalkeeper Adel Al Hosani after his side emerged 6-5 winners on penalties against Iraq’s Al Zawraa SC after the two sides played out a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes, the Emirati side booking their place in the AFC Champions League™ 2022 on Tuesday.

Al Hosani produced the winning save in a dramatic game at Sharjah Stadium, where his opposite number Jalal Hassan saved a Caio penalty in the first half before being sent off for a second bookable offence in the 120th minute.

Left without a proper goalkeeper for the shootout, defender Abbas Qassim and midfielder Saad Abdulameer shared the duties between the sticks but were unable to muster any saves as the Emirati side advanced to the group stage for the third time in a row.