Al Nassr's Otavio targeting glory

Thu, 22 Feb, 2024

Al Nassr's Otavio targeting glory

Riyadh: Otavio wants more after Al Nassr sealed progress to the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 quarter-finals on Wednesday. 

The Portuguese midfielder opened the scoring in the 17th minute with compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo adding the second as Al Nassr defeated Al Fayha 2-0 in their Round of 16 second leg tie, advancing to a last eight meeting with UAE's Al Ain 3-0 on aggregate. 

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Crespo: Players have made Al Ain proud

Thu, 22 Feb, 2024

Crespo: Players have made Al Ain proud

Al Ain: Hernan Crespo hailed his players after Al Ain came from behind to defeat FC Nasaf 2-1 in their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Round of 16 second leg at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on Wednesday.

Victory meant former AFC Champions League winners Al Ain advanced to the quarter-finals of the continental showpiece for the first time in seven years, adding to Crespo's joy.

Marinos’ perseverance delights Kewell

Thu, 22 Feb, 2024

Marinos’ perseverance delights Kewell

Yokohama: Head coach Harry Kewell was delighted with Yokohama F Marinos’ never-say-die attitude after the Japanese side came out tops in the second leg of their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Round of 16 tie against Thailand’s Bangkok United on Wednesday. 

Tied 2-2 after the first leg, Marinos dominated possession but found Bangkok hard to break but just when it seemed that a penalty shootout would be needed to decide the winners,  Wisarut Imura handled the ball in the final seconds of extra-time, with Anderson Lopes slotting home from 12 yards. 

Jo: Ulsan must be fully focused for Jeonbuk showdown

Thu, 22 Feb, 2024

Jo: Ulsan must be fully focused for Jeonbuk showdown

Tokyo: Jo Hyeon-woo is confident of Ulsan Hyundai’s chances against fellow Korea Republic side Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors if they are fully focused when the two sides meet in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24.

The veteran shot stopper was at his best to deny a plucky Ventforet Kofu in their Round of 16 second leg tie as Ulsan sealed a 2-1 win on Wednesday to advance 5-1 aggregate. 

Vote for your Continental Goal of the Tournament

Wed, 21 Feb, 2024

Vote for your Continental Goal of the Tournament

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ turned out to be a spectacular 18th edition of the prestigious competition, with hosts Qatar lifting their second successive title after an action-packed month of football.

A total of 132 goals were scored in 51 matches across the country at a ratio of 2.59 per match. The-AFC.com selects eight of the finest strikes from the tournament and asks you, the fans, to vote for your favourite at the foot of the article.

Petrescu applauds Jeonbuk’s willpower

Wed, 21 Feb, 2024

Petrescu applauds Jeonbuk’s willpower

Pohang: Head coach Dan Petrescu praised Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors for showing composure in their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Round of 16 second leg draw with fellow K League 1 side Pohang Steelers on Tuesday.

Jeonbuk came from behind to force the 1-1 draw, with the result taking the two-time AFC Champions League winners through to the quarter-finals 3-1 on aggregate.
 
Jeonbuk didn't enjoy the brightest of starts at the Pohang Steel Yard, conceding an early goal to Park Chan-yong in the 12th minute, with Pohang then coming at them with a vengeance.  However, Jeong Tae-wook’s late headed goal meant Petrescu's advanced to the last eight, where they will face either compatriots Ulsan Hyundai or Japan’s Ventforet Kofu.

Choi sets high target for Shandong after ousting Frontale

Wed, 21 Feb, 2024

Choi sets high target for Shandong after ousting Frontale

Kawasaki: Head coach Choi Kang-hee is hopeful that Shandong Taishan’s stunning AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Round of 16 win against Kawasaki Frontale can act as a springboard for the Chinese Super League side to go the distance.

Shandong erased a 3-2 first leg defeat with a spectacular 4-2 victory at Kawasaki Todoroki Stadium on Tuesday to advance to the quarter-final stage for the third time with the Korean tactician saying he wants his team to aim higher, having never featured in the semi-finals of the continental showpiece.