#ACL: Race for Group Stage set to be a sizzler

Thu, 17 Aug, 2023

#ACL: Race for Group Stage set to be a sizzler

Kuala Lumpur: The cast for the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Playoffs was finalised on Wednesday following the conclusion of the preliminary stage.

Hong Kong's Lee Man FC were the final team to book their spot following a 5-1 win over Indonesia's Bali United.

Preliminary: Lee Man (HKG) 5-1 Bali United FC (IDN)

Thu, 17 Aug, 2023

Preliminary: Lee Man (HKG) 5-1 Bali United FC (IDN)

Hong Kong: Lee Man will face defending champions Urawa Red Diamonds in the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Playoffs next week with a place in the Group Stage draw at stake after the Hong Kong Premier League runners-up handed Bali United a 5-1 defeat at Hong Kong Stadium on Tuesday.

Mitchel Paulissen scored twice while Gil Martins, Everton Camargo and Jose Angel were also on the scoresheet as Tsang Chiu Tat’s side cruised through to the next round, where they will face the might of the three-time champions at Saitama Stadium.

Chu: Superior fitness powered Haiphong past Hong Kong Rangers

Wed, 16 Aug, 2023

Chu: Superior fitness powered Haiphong past Hong Kong Rangers

Hong Kong: Haiphong FC head coach Chu Dinh Nghiem felt his team’s superior fitness was the key to securing their place in next week’s AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 playoff against Incheon United after the V.League 1 side handed Hong Kong Rangers a 4-1 defeat in extra-time on Tuesday.

The Vietnamese needed a late equaliser from Nguyen Tuan Anh to take the game into 30 minutes of extra-time at Mongkok Stadium after Yumemi Kanda had given Rangers the lead, but Yuri Mamute’s brace either side of a header from Martin Lo meant Haiphong advanced.

Olaroiu: Sharjah will be ready for Tractor

Wed, 16 Aug, 2023

Olaroiu: Sharjah will be ready for Tractor

Sharjah: Head coach Cosmin Olaroiu is looking forward to the AFC Champions League 2023/24 playoffs after Sharjah FC defeated Bashundhara Kings of Bangladesh 2-0 in their preliminary tie on Tuesday.

Brazilian Luanzinho netted both goals as UAE Pro League side Sharjah set up a meeting with Tractor FC of Islamic Republic of Iran next Tuesday for a spot in the group stage. 

Patient Shabab Al Ahli please Nikolic

Wed, 16 Aug, 2023

Patient Shabab Al Ahli please Nikolic

Dubai: Shabab Al Ahli Dubai head coach Marko Nikolic praised the patience of his players after a 3-0 win over Al Wehdat SC in their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 preliminary round tie on Tuesday.

After a goalless first half, Shabab Al Ahli found their scoring boots with Aziz Ganiyev, Renan and Mu'nas Dabbur finding the back on the net to set up an enticing clash against Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr in the playoff next Tuesday.