Group B: Al Shabab cruise past Mumbai FC

Sat, 09 Apr, 2022

Group B: Al Shabab cruise past Mumbai FC

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia's Al Shabab marked their return to continental football after a seven-year absence with an emphatic 3-0 win against debutants Mumbai City of India in Group B of the AFC Champions League™ 2022 at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd on Friday.

Ever Banega opened the scoring for Al Shabab in the first half, before doubling their lead in the second, with Turki Al Ammar rounding off the night with his effort to bag all three points.

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Group A: Al Rayyan edge FC Istiklol in thriller

Mon, 11 Apr, 2022

Group A: Al Rayyan edge FC Istiklol in thriller

Riyadh: Qatar’s Al Rayyan FC defeated FC Istiklol of Tajikistan 3-2 in a thrilling AFC Champions League™ 2022 Group A tie at King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh on Friday.

In an absorbing encounter, Mukhammadzhon Rakhimov put Istiklol in front but the Tajikistan side soon saw their lead wiped out by goals from Yacine Brahimi and Yohan Boli, only for Muhammad Isaev to draw them level. Al Rayyan, however, took the points thanks to Boli’s second of the night in the 71st minute. 

Group E: Nine-man Al Sadd hold on for draw with FC Nasaf

Sat, 09 Apr, 2022

Group E: Nine-man Al Sadd hold on for draw with FC Nasaf

Dammam: Nine-man Al Sadd held on for a 1-1 draw against Uzbekistan’s FC Nasaf in the opening match of Group E of the AFC Champions League™ 2022 at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd on Friday.

Semir Smajlagic’s tame shot after a quick break six minutes into the game and Akram Afif’s miscued attempt from inside the box six minutes later were the closest either side came to scoring in the early proceedings.

Al Taawoun fans delight Van den Brom, Crespo sorry for Al Duhail's wastefulness

Fri, 08 Apr, 2022

Al Taawoun fans delight Van den Brom, Crespo sorry for Al Duhail's wastefulness

Buraidah: Al Taawoun head coach John van den Brom expressed his delight with the atmosphere at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium as his side came from behind to defeat Al Duhail 2-1 in their opening match of the AFC Champions League™ 2022 Group D on Thursday.

An early defensive mix-up allowed Edmilson Junior to take possession of the ball and fire into the top corner to give the Qatari side the lead inside seven minutes, but Leandre Tawamba restored parity within minutes with a fine lobbed effort before he set up Alvaro Medran’s late winner with a sublime backheel pass. 

Nekounam, Stramaccioni expect improvement after opening stalemate

Fri, 08 Apr, 2022

Nekounam, Stramaccioni expect improvement after opening stalemate

Jeddah: There were mixed feelings for Foolad Khouzestan FC’s head coach Javad Nekounam after his side failed to take advantage of their possession as they settled for a goalless draw against Al Gharafa in their AFC Champions League™ 2022 Group C opener on Thursday. 

The Islamic Republic of Iran side saw plenty of the ball, with 67.4% of possession, but could not find a breakthrough against their Qatari opponents. 

Muhadov applauds battling Ahal FC players, Ali rues Shabab Al Ahli's missed chances

Fri, 08 Apr, 2022

Muhadov applauds battling Ahal FC players, Ali rues Shabab Al Ahli's missed chances

Jeddah: Rovshen Muhadov praised his Ahal FC side who produced a superb defensive display to withstand the flurry of early Shabab Al Ahli Dubai attacks in their AFC Champions League™ 2022 Group C tie which ended 1-1 on Thursday.

With the draw, the debutants earned their first point and goal in the AFC Champions League courtesy of an Abdy Bashimov strike from close range.

Sepahan's Navidkia hails second half resurgence in victory over Pakhtakor

Fri, 08 Apr, 2022

Sepahan's Navidkia hails second half resurgence in victory over Pakhtakor

Buraidah: Sepahan FC head coach Moharram Navidkia admitted his side had two contrasting halves as they defeated Pakhtakor FC 3-1 on Matchday One of Group D in the AFC Champions League™ 2022 on Thursday.

Dragan Ceran opened the scoring for the Uzbek Super League champions who went into the break ahead, but the Isfahan-based side turned the table in the second period with Shahriyar Moghanlou bagging a brace and Mohammed Reza Hosseini rounding off the Sepahan win.