#ACL - Group Stage Review

Thu, 14 Dec, 2023

#ACL - Group Stage Review

Kuala Lumpur: The group stage of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 concluded on Wednesday with the final outcome lacking no shortage of surprises.

As the 16 teams who qualified look forward to the knockout stage draw which is scheduled to be held on December 28 at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the-AFC.com takes a look at how the group stage unfolded.

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/2997647.html

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/2997646.html

Park Tae-ha takes over as Steelers head coach

Fri, 15 Dec, 2023

Park Tae-ha takes over as Steelers head coach

Pohang: Pohang Steelers have named Park Tae-ha as their new head coach on a two-year contract.

Park replaces Kim Gi-dong, who is taking charge of FC Seoul after spending four and a half years with Steelers. 

Choi expects more from Shandong

Thu, 14 Dec, 2023

Choi expects more from Shandong

Yokohama: China PR’s Shandong Taishan FC ended their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 group stage campaign on a low after a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Yokohama F Marinos on Wednesday, much to the disappointment of head coach Choi Kang-hee.

Despite the result not affecting Shandong’s progress to the knockout stage as they qualified as one of three best runners-up, the Korean tactician was not pleased with the lapses in concentration shown at the Yokohama International Stadium.

Emotional Muscat signs off with high praise for Marinos

Thu, 14 Dec, 2023

Emotional Muscat signs off with high praise for Marinos

Yokohama: Kevin Muscat did not try to hide his emotions after Yokohama F. Marinos produced an outstanding performance to beat Shandong Taishan 3-0 to advance to the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 knockout stage on Wednesday. .

The match was Muscat’s last as Marinos head coach and the Australian was incredibly proud with the performance which saw them topping Group G. 

The win capped Muscat’s reign, having taken over from Ange Postecoglou in 2021, where he guided Marinos to the Japanese title in 2022 and a runners-up finish in the recently concluded season.

Petrescu: Jeonbuk need to improve

Thu, 14 Dec, 2023

Petrescu: Jeonbuk need to improve

Jeonju: Dan Petrescu admits there is much improvement needed if there is going to be cheer for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 knockout stage. 

The Korean side had to work hard for their 3-2 win over Group F winners Bangkok United on Wednesday, a result which saw the two-time AFC Champions League winners advancing to the Round of 16 as one of the three best runners-up from the East Zone. 

Jeonbuk had to rally from a goal down to lead 3-1, with Bangkok scoring a late consolation.

Hong: Ulsan have more to offer

Wed, 13 Dec, 2023

Hong: Ulsan have more to offer

Ulsan: Hong Myung-bo believes Ulsan Hyundai are capable of much more after reversing a two-goal deficit to hold Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale 2-2 to secure their spot in the AFC Champions League™ 2023-24  Round of 16 on Tuesday.

The point earned was enough for two-time AFC Champions League winners Ulsan to take one of the three best runners-up berths from the East zone in the knockout stage following Melbourne City’s earlier draw with Zhejiang FC. The K League 1 champions finished on 10 points, with Kawasaki topping Group I with 16.

Shinoda proud of history-makers Ventforet

Wed, 13 Dec, 2023

Shinoda proud of history-makers Ventforet

Buriram: Japan's Ventforet Kofu ensured their fairytale run would continue after their 3-2 win over Buriram United in Tuesday’s AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Group H tie saw them top the group and seal a historic spot in the Round of 16.

The tournament debutants needed all three points to become the first second division side to advance to the AFC Champions League knockout stage and head coach Yoshiyuki Shinoda was immensely proud of his team’s efforts.