Pohang’s Shin targeting ‘at least’ AFC Champions League semi-finals ahead of Cerezo clash

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Pohang’s Shin targeting ‘at least’ AFC Champions League semi-finals ahead of Cerezo clash

Osaka: Three-time continental champions Pohang Steelers of Korea Republic are aiming to reach the AFC Champions League quarter-finals for the third time when they face Japan’s Cerezo Osaka in the Round of 16. A man who will play a pivotal role in Wednesday’s tie, Pohang midfielder Shin Jin-ho, is in confident mood.

Having captained Ulsan Hyundai to the title in last year’s edition, Shin now finds himself at the Horangi’s regional rivals Pohang but after progressing to the knockout stages of the 2021 AFC Champions League he is once again in familiar territory.

The-AFC.com caught up exclusively with the 33-year-old ahead of the match with Cerezo to discuss his experience of the 2021 edition so far, their Round of 16 opponents and his goals for the tournament.

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2021 AFC Champions League – Round of 16 (East): Young Stars, Dangermen, Key Battles

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

2021 AFC Champions League – Round of 16 (East): Young Stars, Dangermen, Key Battles

Kuala Lumpur: As the 2021 AFC Champions League Round of 16 fast approaches, the-AFC.com takes a closer look at some of the players who could make their sides click as the eight teams in the East section of the draw target a place in the quarter-finals. 

With the sides boasting star-studded quality in defence and attack, as well as a number of exciting young prospects, we shine the spotlight on the potential game-changers ahead of the highly anticipated knockout rounds.

2021 AFC Champions League – Round of 16 (West): Young Stars, Dangermen, Key Battles

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

2021 AFC Champions League – Round of 16 (West): Young Stars, Dangermen, Key Battles

Kuala Lumpur: As the 2021 AFC Champions League Round of 16 fast approaches, the-AFC.com takes a closer look at some of the players who could make their sides click as the eight teams in the West section of the draw target a place in the quarter-finals. 

With the sides boasting star-studded quality in defence and attack, as well as a number of exciting young prospects, we shine the spotlight on the potential game-changers ahead of the highly anticipated knockout rounds.

Qazaishvili: I’m determined to help Ulsan Hyundai win AFC Champions League title again

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Qazaishvili: I’m determined to help Ulsan Hyundai win AFC Champions League title again

Ulsan: Valeri Qazaishvili has admitted that it’s all about silverware as holders Ulsan Hyundai prepare to take on Japanese powerhouse Kawasaki Frontale in the 2021 AFC Champions League Round of 16 at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium on Tuesday.

In what is arguably the tie of the round as the K League 1 leaders take on their J1 League counterparts, the Georgian playmaker could well be pivotal as two of the best sides on the continent face off in the one-legged knockout round. 

After impressing in his AFC Champions League debut in the group stage, where he netted three goals and claimed a pair of assists, Qazaishvili hopes to inspire Ulsan to go deep into the competition once more.

Who’s in, who’s out: AFC Champions League Round of 16 East squads revealed

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Who’s in, who’s out: AFC Champions League Round of 16 East squads revealed

Kuala Lumpur: Asia’s top clubs are just days away from make-or-break AFC Champions League Round of 16 clashes, but with more than two months passing since the East Zone group stage was completed, next week’s blockbusters will not be without some new faces.

As the countdown to the knockout stage reaches its final days, the-AFC.com takes through who has arrived, who has departed and what it all means ahead of some of the biggest matches on the Asian football calendar

Who’s in, who’s out: AFC Champions League Round of 16 West squads revealed

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Who’s in, who’s out: AFC Champions League Round of 16 West squads revealed

Kuala Lumpur: It has been a rollercoaster of a summer transfer window in West Asia with most clubs making wholesale changes to their squads after the end of the 2021 AFC Champions League group stage.

As the countdown to the knockout stage reaches its final days, the-AFC.com takes you through who has arrived, who has departed and what it all means ahead of some of the biggest matches on the Asian football calendar.

The Best 2021 AFC Champions League Group Stage XI announced! 

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

The Best 2021 AFC Champions League Group Stage XI announced! 

Kuala Lumpur: After several weeks of polling, we now have our Best XI of the 2021 AFC Champions League Group Stage, voted by you, the fans! Check out who came out on top!

Below are the 11 players and head coach as voted by the public on the-AFC.com, while an XI based on statistics is included as a comparison.