AFC Champions League™ 2022 (East) – 5 things to look out for

Thu, 14 Apr, 2022

AFC Champions League™ 2022 (East) – 5 things to look out for

Kuala Lumpur: A week after the AFC Champions League™ 2022 kicked off in the West, the 19 sides from the East are ready for action as the continental campaign gets underway in Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam on Friday and Saturday.

Among the line-up are four former winners, two debutants, a second-tier side and the AFC Champions League’s all-time leading scorer in what is an intriguing cast. 

As the cities of Buriram, Pathum Thani, Johor Bahru and Ho Chi Minh City get set to host Asian football’s premier club competition, the-AFC.com has selected five things to look out for.

"Buzzing” Maclaren ready for AFC Champions League™ 2022 challenge

Wed, 13 Apr, 2022

"Buzzing” Maclaren ready for AFC Champions League™ 2022 challenge

Pathum Thani: Three-time A-League Men Golden Boot winner Jamie Maclaren is again leading the scorers in the Australian top flight and will be hoping to bring his prolific form to the AFC Champions League™ 2022, his first appearance in the continental competition since 2017.

The 28-year-old previously featured on the Asian stage in the colours of Brisbane Roar but will be returning this time in the sky blue of A-League Men champions Melbourne City, his hometown club who are set to make their AFC Champions League debut.  

The Socceroos striker joined the-AFC.com for an exclusive interview to discuss the upcoming continental clashes, his memories from past campaigns and his goals for 2022.

Kitchee’s record-breaker Damjanovic targeting more goals and knockout round qualification

Thu, 07 Apr, 2022

Kitchee’s record-breaker Damjanovic targeting more goals and knockout round qualification

Hong Kong: Dejan Damjanovic has set his sight on further extending his all-time AFC Champions League™ scoring record and firing Kitchee SC into the knockout rounds for the first time as the Montenegrin prepares for his ninth season in the continental competition.

Having netted for FC Seoul, Beijing FC and Suwon Samsung Bluewings over the years, Damjanovic returned for the first time since 2018 last year and scored in four successive games to break Lee Dong-gook’s 37-goal haul and stand alone as the tournament’s leading marksman.

Urawa's Nishikawa excited for AFC Champions League™ return

Wed, 13 Apr, 2022

Urawa's Nishikawa excited for AFC Champions League™ return

Saitama: Six campaigns, two finals and one title, Urawa Red Diamonds’ goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa is a veteran of the AFC Champions League™ but his excitement at returning to the continental competition remains undimmed ahead of the 2022 edition when the East Zone kicks off on Friday.

Now 35 years old, and one of the few remaining members of the championship-winning 2017 side, the custodian remains a key member of the Urawa side that ensured their return to the AFC Champions League after a two-year absence by winning last season’s Emperor’s Cup.

“The AFC Champions League is not an easy competition to qualify for, so we’re really happy to return. Becoming Asia’s number one team [in 2017] was like a dream and the chance has come again,” Nishikawa told the-AFC.com.

The FA Cup was just the beginning, says Jeonnam’s Kim Hyeon-ug

Thu, 14 Apr, 2022

The FA Cup was just the beginning, says Jeonnam’s Kim Hyeon-ug

Pathum Thani: Jeonnam Dragons captain Kim Hyeon-ug has insisted that the remarkable Korean FA Cup victory at the end of last year was only the start of something special as his side get set to become the first-ever K League 2 club to appear in the AFC Champions League™.

Jeonnam created history last season as they followed up an FA Cup semi-final victory over then-Asian champions Ulsan Hyundai by overhauling a one-goal first-leg deficit against Daegu FC in the final to win the return meeting 4-3 and become the first second-tier side to lift the trophy. 

AFC Champions League™ 2022 (East): Forwards in Form

Thu, 14 Apr, 2022

AFC Champions League™ 2022 (East): Forwards in Form

Kuala Lumpur: As the big kick-off to the AFC Champions League™ 2022 (East) rapidly approaches, the-AFC.com takes a look at the strikers who are poised to make a difference in the eastern side of the continent.

With no shortage of attacking talent on display, we shine the spotlight on six strikers who are on song in their clubs’ domestic campaigns and could be set to bring those hot streaks onto the Asian stage in this year's continental club competition.

AFC Champions League™ 2022 (EAST) – Ones To Watch

Wed, 13 Apr, 2022

AFC Champions League™ 2022 (EAST) – Ones To Watch

Kuala Lumpur: Over the years, the AFC Champions League™ has attracted some iconic names, both from across Asia and beyond, and the latest edition of the competition is no different.

With the start of the group stage action in the East drawing ever closer, the-AFC.com takes a look at some of the star players that will be on show in the hubs in Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia.

Andres Iniesta is the headline-maker and even at 37 years old the Barcelona and Spain legend has lost none of his technical artistry and influence on the field. Elsewhere, Chanathip Songkrasin, Mathew Leckie, Nguyen Cong Phuong, Jun Amano and Dejan Damjanovic are also set to play keys roles for their respective sides.