Pohang’s Kim disappointed with Wuhan draw

Thu, 07 Dec, 2023

Pohang’s Kim disappointed with Wuhan draw

Wuhan: Head coach Kim Gi-dong was disappointed that Pohang Steelers could not end their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Group J campaign with a perfect record. 

The Korea Republic side have been a revelation all season long but had to come from behind to salvage a 1-1 against China PR’s Wuhan Three Towns FC on Wednesday, having won all five previous matches in the group stage. 

www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league/video/acl_-_group_j_|_wuhan_three_towns_fc_chn_1-1_pohang_steelers_kor.html

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.

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. 

Player to Watch: Everton Camargo (Hong Kong, China)

Thu, 07 Dec, 2023

Player to Watch: Everton Camargo (Hong Kong, China)

Kuala Lumpur: Since taking over as Hong Kong, China head coach in December 2021 Jorn Andersen has sought to add energy and goals to a team that often lacked an attacking edge; with the integration of Everton Camargo into his squad in September the Norwegian finally has both.

The Brazil-born forward has only played four times for his new team but in that time the 32-year-old has added pace and power to the right side of a line-up that will be representing the territory at the AFC Asian Cup™ for the first time since 1968.

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.

Japan sparkle, valuable outings for Australia, China PR

Thu, 07 Dec, 2023

Japan sparkle, valuable outings for Australia, China PR

Kuala Lumpur: Japan won one and lost the other in a double header against Brazil as they stepped up preparations for the AFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament - Asian Qualifiers Round 3 scheduled to be played in February 2024.

Meanwhile, Australia and China PR endured tough outings as the women’s international calendar came to a close after a hectic yet exciting 2023.