Kewell relishing stepping into the unknown with Yokohama

Wed, 08 May, 2024

Kewell relishing stepping into the unknown with Yokohama

Yokohama: Harry Kewell will be taking a step into the unknown when he leads his Yokohama F. Marinos side into the first leg of the AFC Champions League™ 2023-24 final against Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates at the Yokohama International Stadium on Saturday.

The former Liverpool and Australia winger has vast experience from his playing days to draw on as he primes his squad for the continental final, but even for someone with Kewell’s background the upcoming two-legged decider represents a new frontier.

www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league/video/acl_-_sf_|_east_zone_2nd_leg_|_yokohama_f_marinos_jpn_3_-_2_5_-_4_pso_ulsan_hyundai_fc_kor.html

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Al Ain in the #ACL

Wed, 08 May, 2024

Al Ain in the #ACL

Riyadh: The United Arab Emirates’ most successful club, Al Ain, return to the AFC Champions League™ final for the fourth time in their history, facing the challenge of Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos in the 2023/24 edition.

Among West Asian clubs, only two (Al Hilal and Al Sadd) have played in the AFC Champions League more than Al Ain, and only Al Hilal have contested the knockout stages of the competition more times than the Emirati powerhouse. Ahead of the first leg of the final, the-AFC.com revisits Al Ain’s journey in the continental competition over the past two decades.

Yokohama F. Marinos in the #ACL

Mon, 06 May, 2024

Yokohama F. Marinos in the #ACL

Kuala Lumpur: Yokohama F. Marinos will become the fourth Japanese side to feature in the AFC Champions League™ final when they take on Al Ain FC in the main event of the 2023/24 edition.

Three-time winners Urawa Red Diamonds, along with Gamba Osaka and Kashima Antlers – who have won the title once apiece – have all lifted the trophy meaning Yokohama will also become the fourth J1 League side to be crowned champions should they overcome their Emirati opponents.
 
With the first leg of the final to take place at Yokohama International Stadium on Saturday, the-AFC.com looks back at the Marinos’ history in the continent’s premier club competition.

#ACL Final: 5 Classic 1st Legs

Tue, 07 May, 2024

#ACL Final: 5 Classic 1st Legs

Riyadh: The Yokohama Internatinoal Stadium plays host to the AFC Champions League 2023-24™ final first leg between Yokohama F. Marinos and Al Ain, bringing to a close a two-decade long era in Asia’s top club competition.

Twenty years earlier, Al Ain were also involved in the final, and with clubs moving into the AFC Champions League Elite and AFC Champions League 2 as of next season, the-AFC.com looks back at some of the most memorable final first legs.

#ACL - Hall of Fame

Mon, 06 May, 2024

#ACL - Hall of Fame

Kuala Lumpur: Yokohama F. Marinos and Al Ain FC will battle for the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 title over the coming days, with the first leg of the final to be played on Saturday.

Both will be determined to lift the trophy in the final season of the AFC Champions League in its present format, with a new three-tier club system to be introduced from the 2024/25 season.

Semi-final, 2nd Leg: What they said

Fri, 26 Apr, 2024

Semi-final, 2nd Leg: What they said

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 semi-finals delivered in spectacular fashion over the past few days as the United Arab Emirates’ Al Ain FC and Yokohama F. Marinos of Japan booked their tickets to May’s final.

Having eliminated four-time Asian champions Al Hilal SFC, inaugural winners Al Ain will be aiming to lift the trophy for the second time while Yokohama, who ousted Ulsan Hyundai FC on penalties, are set to appear in the showpiece event for the first time. 
 
Following a pair of semi-final second legs that will live long in the memory, the-AFC.com looks back at what those involved had to say.

Semi-finals: 2nd Leg in Numbers

Fri, 26 Apr, 2024

Semi-finals: 2nd Leg in Numbers

Kuala Lumpur: Only two clubs remain in the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 after the semi-final stage of the continental competition came to an exciting conclusion on Wednesday.

While Al Ain FC of the United Arab Emirates held on to edge Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal SFC on aggregate and enter next month’s two-legged final from the West Zone, Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos fought back to overcome Korean champions Ulsan Hyundai FC in a penalty shootout in the other last-four clash to represent the East. 
 
With both contests providing plenty to talk about, the-AFC.com looks back at the stats and facts that caught the eye from the second legs of the semi-finals.

Vote for your best goal of #AFCU23

Sun, 05 May, 2024

Vote for your best goal of #AFCU23

Kuala Lumpur:  With the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ having come to a close following Friday’s final, we reflect on some of the best goals from the tournament and ask you, the fans, to select your favourite. 

Long-range screamers, magnificent solo efforts, stunning free-kicks and superb team moves, the sixth edition of one the continent’s premier youth competitions saw goals from all angles and distances to delight lovers of Asian football across the globe. 

Weary Indonesian players a concern for Shin ahead of Guinea playoff

Wed, 08 May, 2024

Weary Indonesian players a concern for Shin ahead of Guinea playoff

Paris: Indonesia's focus has been on recovery and rehabilitation ahead of their Olympic Playoff against Guinea on Thursday.

Shin Tae-yong's squad arrived in Paris on Sunday and the head coach admitted it will be a challenge to get his players ready for Indonesia's final tilt at Paris Olympics qualification.

Preview - Group A: Philippines v DPR Korea

Thu, 09 May, 2024

Preview - Group A: Philippines v DPR Korea

Bali: The Philippines and DPR Korea will play for a potential early place in the semi-finals of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Indonesia™ 2024 when they meet in their Group A match at the Bali United Training Center on Thursday. 

Both teams started their campaigns with decisive victories. Three-time AFC U-16 Women’s Championship winners DPR Korea defeated Korea Republic 7-0 on Monday while debutants the Philippines beat hosts Indonesia 6-1.

Preview - Group A: Korea Republic v Indonesia

Thu, 23 May, 2024

Preview - Group A: Korea Republic v Indonesia

Bali: Korea Republic will be looking to get their AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024 campaign back on the road when they face Indonesia at the Capt. I Wayan Dipta Stadium on Thursday.

Having suffered a 7-0 reverse at the hands of DPR Korea in their opening match, head coach Kim Eun-jung knows that her side can ill afford to drop any more points if they are to reach the knockout stage.

My dream is to play for Barcelona, says Japan’s Miharu

Wed, 08 May, 2024

My dream is to play for Barcelona, says Japan’s Miharu

Bali: Captain Shinjo Miharu cut a commanding figure in Japan’s 4-0 win over Thailand in Group B of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024 on Tuesday, with her calm play and precision passing in the high-octane tie being rewarded with Player of the Match honours. 

The 17-year-old, who head coach Sadayoshi Shirai calls “our best player”, not only led her team to their opening win but also scored Japan’s first goal via a swerving shot from inside the box that left Thai keeper Atima Boonprakanpai helpless.

China PR’s Li wants goals to match performance

Tue, 07 May, 2024

China PR’s Li wants goals to match performance

Bali: Li Yuhan produced an eye-catching performance for China PR as they asserted themselves as early contenders for a place in the semi-finals of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024.

Li was a constant menace to Australia’s defence in a 3-0 win for the Chinese at Bali United Training Center in their Group B opener on Tuesday.