Semi-final Preview: Al Nassr, Al Hilal set for enthralling derby

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Semi-final Preview: Al Nassr, Al Hilal set for enthralling derby

Riyadh: An enticing Saudi Arabian derby awaits as Al Hilal SFC face cross-city rivals Al Nassr at King Saud University Stadium on Tuesday in the bid for a spot in the 2021 AFC Champions League final.

This is a match-up of several seconds: The second all-Saudi semi-final, the first coming in the 2012 AFC Champions League edition, when two-time champions Al Ittihad faced Jeddah rivals Al Ahli FC Saudi. It is also Al Nassr’s second semi-final in a row, losing last time out on penalties to Persepolis. 

www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league/video/acl2021_-_quarter_final_|_persepolis_fc_irn_0_-_3_al_hilal_sfc_ksa.html

www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league/video/acl2021_quarter_final_|_al_wahda_fscc_uae_1_-_5_al_nassr_ksa.html

Emanuel revels in Al Nassr victory as Al Wahda's Ten Cate rues missed chances

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Emanuel revels in Al Nassr victory as Al Wahda's Ten Cate rues missed chances

Riyadh: Head Coach Pedro Emanuel reveled in the atmosphere as his Al Nassr side defeated Al Wahda FSCC 5-1 in front of a full crowd at King Saud University Stadium on Saturday to reach the 2021 AFC Champions League semi-finals.

The match was the first club game to see 100% attendances allowed as Saudi Arabia eased COVID-19 restrictions, and Al Nassr rewarded their fans with a fine attacking display, brushing aside their opponents to set up a semi-final date with fierce rivals Al Hilal who defeated Persepolis FC later in the day.

Jardim hails 'fantastic' Al Hilal, Persepolis' Golmohammadi apologises for defeat

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Jardim hails 'fantastic' Al Hilal, Persepolis' Golmohammadi apologises for defeat

Riyadh: Al Hilal SFC head coach Leonardo Jardim hailed his side’s display as they brushed aside Persepolis FC 3-0 to reach the 2021 AFC Champions League semi-finals on Saturday.

A second-half brace from Bafetimbi Gomis added to Salem Al Dawsari’s fine strike in the first half to help the 2019 champions set up a clash with domestic rivals Al Nassr on Tuesday with a place in the final at stake.

Hong applauds Ulsan Hyundai players for staying strong against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Hong applauds Ulsan Hyundai players for staying strong against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors

Jeonju: Ulsan Hyundai head coach Hong Myung-bo saluted his players’ never-say-die attitude as the holders’ defence of their AFC Champions League title continues into the semi-finals following their 3-2 win after extra-time against fellow K League 1 side Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors on Sunday.

The Horangi took the lead on three separate occasions over the 120 minutes of play at Jeonju World Cup Stadium, but first half goals from Valeri Qazaishvili and Yun Il-lok were each time cancelled out by their opponents as Han Kyo-won and Takahiro Kunimoto responded.

However, there was to be no answer for a stunning strike from substitute Lee Dong-gyeong in extra-time that ultimately settled matters as Ulsan took a step towards becoming the first team to retain the continental title since Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad in 2005.

Proud Kim praises Pohang Steelers after masterclass against Nagoya Grampus

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Proud Kim praises Pohang Steelers after masterclass against Nagoya Grampus

Jeonju: Pohang Steelers head coach Kim Gi-dong spoke of his immense pride in his team after the K League 1 side defeated Japan’s Nagoya Grampus 3-0 to reach the AFC Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009 at Jeonju World Cup Stadium on Sunday.

The Steelers weathered a storm from the J League side in the first half, but after the break Kim’s charges were in command as a brace from Lim Sang-hyub and a goal from Lee Seung-mo saw the red-and-black clad men into the last four.

Chan: Mental strength and team spirit Lee Man's strongest weapons in AFC Cup Inter-Zone Final

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Chan: Mental strength and team spirit Lee Man's strongest weapons in AFC Cup Inter-Zone Final

Karshi: Chan Hiu Ming believes Hong Kong side Lee Man FC have already made history by reaching the 2021 AFC Cup Inter-Zone Final, but the head coach is still hoping to cause a major upset when his team face Uzbekistan's FC Nasaf on Wednesday.

It appears a mismatch on paper with FC Nasaf, founded in 1986, boasting a rich domestic and continental history that includes an AFC Cup title, multiple campaigns in the AFC Champions League and a semi-final appearance at the 2002 Asian Club Championship facing off against a Lee Man a side who came together in 2017.

Nevertheless, these two vastly contrasting clubs have reached the penultimate stage of the 2021 AFC Cup. Ahead of the clash with the 2011 winners at Markaziy Stadion, the-AFC.com spoke with the 46-year-old Chan, a former Macau national team coach, about his side's chances of continental glory.

West Asia Wrap: Al Ramtha on the verge of Jordanian Pro League title

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

West Asia Wrap: Al Ramtha on the verge of Jordanian Pro League title

Dubai: Al Ramtha are primed to clinch the Jordanian Pro League title after a huge win on Sunday.

In Qatar, Al Sadd and Al Duhail registered thrilling wins while leaders Al Ittihad were held in Saudi Arabia.
Join the-AFC.com as we review the latest round of domestic action in West Asia.

East Asia & ASEAN Wrap: Marinos win to keep up the chase

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

East Asia & ASEAN Wrap: Marinos win to keep up the chase

Kuala Lumpur: Two goals in the final 10 minutes saw Yokohama F. Marinos defeat Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo 2-1 on Saturday as they kept alive their slim hopes of catching Kawasaki Frontale at the top of the J1 League.

Thai League 1 pacesetters Buriram United chalked up another win while the leaders in Indonesia, Bhayankara, were beaten by Persib Bandung in what was their first defeat of the season.

And there was one game in Korea Republic, so join the-AFC.com as we bring you up to speed with the latest round of fixtures across East Asia and ASEAN.

Final places up for grabs in last gasp India 2022 Qualifiers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Final places up for grabs in last gasp India 2022 Qualifiers

Bishkek:  Seven teams will this week battle for the final two places at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022, with Kyrgyz Republic and Bahrain taking centre stage in the race to the Finals.