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. 

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Ulsan end Ventforet's run

Wed, 21 Feb, 2024

Ulsan end Ventforet's run

Tokyo: Ulsan Hyundai booked their place in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League™ 2023-24 as Hong Myung-bo’s side defeated Ventforet Kofu 2-1 in Tokyo on Wednesday to complete a 5-1 aggregate win and set up a clash with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. 

Kim Ji-hyun’s 11th minute goal at Japan’s National Stadium effectively confirmed Ulsan’s progress after winning 3-0 in the first leg in Korea Republic and the 2012 and 2020 champions will now face fellow two-time winners Jeonbuk over two legs next month.

Kazushi Mitsuhiro’s 88th minute header salvaged a consolation for a Kofu side that had become the first second division outfit to reach the last 16 of the continental club championship before Joo Min-kyu sealed victory for Ulsan in injury time.

Lopes penalty takes Marinos through

Thu, 22 Feb, 2024

Lopes penalty takes Marinos through

Yokohama: Anderson Lopes hit a dramatic late winner from the spot in the final seconds of extra time as Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos progressed to the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 after defeating Bangkok United 1-0 in the second leg of their Round of 16 tie on Wednesday.

After the first leg finished all square at 2-2 in Pathum Thani, Harry Kewell’s Yokohama failed to find a way through the Bangkok defence for more than 120 minutes before Lopes’s penalty sent Bangkok goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai the wrong way to win the game in the dying moments of extra time.

Rahimi nets late winner as Al Ain edge Nasaf

Thu, 22 Feb, 2024

Rahimi nets late winner as Al Ain edge Nasaf

Al Ain: Al Ain came from behind to defeat FC Nasaf 2-1 thanks to a Soufiane Rahimi goal deep into added time in their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Round of 16 second leg tie at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on Wednesday.

Al Ain will next face Al Nassr in the quarter-finals, after the Saudi Pro League side beat Al Fayha 3-0 on aggregate.

Al Nassr defeat Al Fayha to stay on track

Thu, 22 Feb, 2024

Al Nassr defeat Al Fayha to stay on track

Riyadh: Al Nassr qualified to the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 quarter-finals after beating Al Fayha 2-0 in the Round of 16 second leg at Al Awwal Park on Wednesday.

Progression to the next stage of the competition sees Al Nassr take on United Arab Emirates' Al Ain FC for a place in the semi-final.

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. 

ASEAN Zonal Final - Preview: Macarthur FC (AUS) v Central Coast Mariners (AUS)

Thu, 22 Feb, 2024

ASEAN Zonal Final - Preview: Macarthur FC (AUS) v Central Coast Mariners (AUS)

Sydney: It will be a meeting between two Australian sides in good form when Macarthur FC and Central Coast Mariners face off in the AFC Cup™ 2023/24 ASEAN Zonal final on Thursday.

Both sides have not only flown the Australian flag proudly in the AFC Cup but are also enjoying good seasons in the A League Men, with defending champions Mariners second in the standings and Macarthur fourth and the domestic rivals will be equally fired up to advance to the Inter-Zone semi-finals, where India's Odisha FC await. 

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.