Oniki expects Kawasaki to remain focused in rematch

Wed, 14 Feb, 2024

Oniki expects Kawasaki to remain focused in rematch

Jinan: Head coach Toru Oniki said his players’ fighting spirit earned Kawasaki Frontale their hard-fought 3-2 win over Shandong Taishan in the first leg of their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Round of 16 tie on Tuesday.

Kawasaki were 2-0 ahead thanks to goals from Erison and Marcinho but Shandong fought back, with Akihiro Ienaga’s strike giving the Japanese side a narrow lead to take into next week’s  return leg.

Kawasaki Frontale edge Shandong Taishan in thriller

Wed, 14 Feb, 2024

Kawasaki Frontale edge Shandong Taishan in thriller

Ji’nan: Kawasaki Frontale will take a slender advantage into the second leg of their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Round of 16 meeting with Shandong Taishan next week after Jadson’s late header limited the Japanese side to a 3-2 win in Jinan on Tuesday.

The Brazilian powered his effort past Jung Sung-ryong four minutes from time to give the Chinese Super League outfit hope of progressing after twice trailing by two goals in an eventful return to the continental championship for both sides.

Erison and Marcinho had given Kawasaki a comfortable lead by the 33rd minute but Fei Nanduo’s  strike gave an improved Shandong belief in the second half before Ienaga restored the J1 League side’s advantage.

But Jadson’s 86th minute header reduced the deficit again to leave the tie finely poised ahead of the return meeting at Kawasaki Todoroki Stadium next Tuesday.

Preview - R16: Al Fayha (KSA) v Al Nassr (KSA)

Thu, 15 Feb, 2024

Preview - R16: Al Fayha (KSA) v Al Nassr (KSA)

Riyadh: Al Fayha will attempt to silence Cristiano Ronaldo again when they host Al Nassr in the first leg of their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Round of 16 tie on Wednesday.

Al Fayha are just one of two teams the Portuguese star has yet to score against in the Saudi Pro League and he will be fired up to find the back of the net.

Preview - R16: FC Nasaf (UZB) v Al Ain FC (UAE)

Wed, 14 Feb, 2024

Preview - R16: FC Nasaf (UZB) v Al Ain FC (UAE)

Qarshi: FC Nasaf and Al Ain FC will both tread with caution when they face off in the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Round of 16 on Wednesday.

Both teams had impressed in advancing to the knockout stage and will head into the first leg tie determined to continue their continental run.

Preview - R16: Bangkok United (THA) v Yokohama F. Marinos (JPN)

Wed, 14 Feb, 2024

Preview - R16: Bangkok United (THA) v Yokohama F. Marinos (JPN)

Pathum Thani: Bangkok United will be confident of their chances when they host Yokohama F. Marinos in the first leg of their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 tie on Wednesday.

The Thai side were a revelation in the group stage while Japan's F. Marinos had to work hard to book their knockout stage spot. 

Preview - R16: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR) v Pohang Steelers (KOR)

Wed, 14 Feb, 2024

Preview - R16: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR) v Pohang Steelers (KOR)

Jeonju: Expect a no-holds barred clash when Korea Republic rivals Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Pohang Steelers square off in the first leg of their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Round of 16 tie on Wednesday.

Both sides will be aiming to start their year on a resounding note with the domestic season kick-off several weeks away.

Jackson thrilled with Mariners’ impressive bounce back

Wed, 14 Feb, 2024

Jackson thrilled with Mariners’ impressive bounce back

Gosford: Head coach Mark Jackson was delighted to see Central Coast Mariners continue their march in the AFC Cup™ 2023/24 after a 4-0 win over Cambodia’s Phnom Penh Crown FC in their ASEAN Zonal semi-final on Tuesday. 

The 46-year-old was proud with how his charges overcame the challenge posed by Oleg Starynskyi’s side, who had beaten another Australian side in Macarthur FC in the group stage.

Mariners will face Macarthur - who defeated Malaysia’s Sabah FC earlier on Tuesday - in the ASEAN Zonal final on February 22.  

Sterjovski praises Macarthur’s composure in win over Sabah

Wed, 14 Feb, 2024

Sterjovski praises Macarthur’s composure in win over Sabah

Sydney: Head coach Mile Sterjovski credited Macarthur FC’s dominant second half display for their 3-0 win against Malaysia's Sabah FC in the AFC Cup™ 2023/24 ASEAN Zonal semi-final at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Tuesday.

The Australian side took the lead through captain Ulises Davila in the 40th minute, with a second half brace from Jed Drew sealing progress into the ASEAN Zonal final, where they will face compatriots Central Coast Mariners on February 22. 

Preview - Asia's challengers at UAE 2024 Dubai

Wed, 14 Feb, 2024

Preview - Asia's challengers at UAE 2024 Dubai

Dubai: Asia will be represented by four teams at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup UAE 2024 Dubai.

The continent's best will have their eyes on the title, having impressed in previous editions of the global tournament.
 
Join the-AFC.com as we shine the spotlight on Asia's representatives.