Group J: Hanoi end Urawa's reign

Wed, 06 Dec, 2023

Group J: Hanoi end Urawa's reign

Hanoi: Defending champions Urawa Red Diamonds exited the AFC Champions League™ 2023-24 on Wednesday as the J1 League side slumped to a 2-1 loss against Hanoi FC at My Dinh Stadium with Maciej Skorza’s outfit needing to win to have any hope of advancing to the last 16.

Alex Scholz had his 10th minute penalty saved before Dao Van Nam gave Hanoi an unlikely lead eight minutes into the second half and, although Bryan Linssen equalised 12 minutes later, the home side took the points when Pham Tuan Hai converted an 87th minute spot-kick.
 
The result, coupled with Wuhan Three Towns’ 1-1 draw with Pohang Steelers, means Urawa finish second in Group J but their tally of seven points will not be enough to claim one of the three best runners-up berths in the Round of 16 draw later this month.

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Group J: Wuhan deny Pohang perfect finish

Wed, 06 Dec, 2023

Group J: Wuhan deny Pohang perfect finish

Wuhan: Pohang Steelers came from behind to rescue a 1-1 draw against Wuhan Three Towns at Wuhan Sports Centre on Wednesday as they wrapped up their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 group stage campaign without tasting a defeat.

After a first half with little goalmouth action, Wuhan drew first blood four minutes into the restart as Lee Gyu-baek scored into his own goal. However, Lee Ho-jae headed in a 77th-minute equaliser for Pohang as they progressed to the Round of 16 with five wins and a draw in Group J. 

Al Nassr's Castro satisfied despite Istiklol stalemate

Wed, 06 Dec, 2023

Al Nassr's Castro satisfied despite Istiklol stalemate

Dushanbe: Al Nassr were not able to end their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Group E campaign with a win but head coach Luis Castro was happy with his team's overall performance.

With Cristiano Ronaldo not in the squad and the likes of Anderson Talisca, Aymeric Laporte and Sadio Mane among those starting on the bench, Al Nassr needed an Abdulrahman Ghareeb goal for a share of the points against Tajikistan's FC Istiklol.
 
Castro said he opted for a relativily unfamiliar lineup to give the fringe players match exposure and to keep the regulars fresh for their Saudi Pro League 2023/24 campaign.

Golmohammadi: Persepolis deserved more

Wed, 06 Dec, 2023

Golmohammadi: Persepolis deserved more

Tehran: Head coach Yahya Golmohammadi apologised to the fans but felt Persepolis FC deserved more from their final AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Group E tie against Al Duhail SC on Tuesday.

Needing a win to boost their hopes of advancing, the Islamic Republic of Iran side instead fell to a 2-1 defeat to exit the competition.

Focused Al Ain please Crespo

Wed, 06 Dec, 2023

Focused Al Ain please Crespo

Ashbagat: Hernan Crespo applauded his Al Ain players for their unwavering focus in their final AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Group A match against Ahal FC on Tuesday.

The 2003 AFC Champions League winners raced into a two-goal lead following penalty strikes from Souifane Rahimi and Omer Atzili with Elman Tagayew reducing the deficit.
 
With all the goals coming in the first half, Al Ain had to show resolve in the remaining period to end their campaign with 15 points. 

#ACL - West: Round of 16 cast finalised

Wed, 06 Dec, 2023

#ACL - West: Round of 16 cast finalised

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 West Zone Round of 16 cast was finalised on Tuesday following the conclusion of the group stage.

Three former champions were among the eight teams who advanced, with the draw to be conducted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on December 28.

Lopez replaces Queiroz as Qatar head coach

Wed, 06 Dec, 2023

Lopez replaces Queiroz as Qatar head coach

Kuala Lumpur: Carlos Queiroz has stepped down as national team head coach with Marquez Lopez taking over, the Qatar Football Association said on Wednesday

Former Real Madrid and Portugal coach Queiroz had taken charge of Qatar in February, replacing Felix Sanchez.

Player to Watch: Wu Lei (China PR)

Wed, 06 Dec, 2023

Player to Watch: Wu Lei (China PR)

Kuala Lumpur: Wu Lei has been the standout name on the China PR team sheet for a number of years, and with that comes the weight of expectation from a nation that has yet to win the most prestigious prize in Asian football. 

The forward has twice fired Shanghai Port to the Chinese Super League title, became the first player from his country to score in Spain’s top flight, and has netted more than 250 goals since making his senior club debut as a 14-year-old back in 2006.
 
Now 32 and set to appear in his third AFC Asian Cup™, Wu will look to inspire China to a strong showing at Qatar 2023.