Quarter-finals, 2nd Leg: What They Said

Fri, 15 Mar, 2024

Quarter-finals, 2nd Leg: What They Said

Kuala Lumpur: The line-up for the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 semi-finals was decided this week after Al Ain FC, Al Hilal SFC, Ulsan Hyundai FC and Yokohama F. Marinos emerged victorious.

World records, injury woes, and eyes firmly fixed on the prize as the 2023/24 quarter-finals concluded in exciting style with the second leg matches played out in Saudi Arabia, Korea Republic, and Japan. Here's the post-match reaction from some of the key men involved.

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Quarter-finals: 2nd Leg in Numbers

Fri, 15 Mar, 2024

Quarter-finals: 2nd Leg in Numbers

Kuala Lumpur: Just four teams remain in the hunt for the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 title after the semi-finalists were confirmed over the past week. 

Former winners Al Ain FC, Al Hilal SFC and Ulsan Hyundai FC – who have collectively won a quarter of the 20 AFC Champions League editions since the tournament was launched in 2002-03 – will be joined by semi-final debutants Yokohama F. Marinos in the final four. 
 
As the continental competition now takes a month-long break before resuming in mid-April, the-AFC.com looks back at the numbers that stood out in the second legs of the quarter-finals. 

Qatar's Al Haydos announces international retirement

Sun, 17 Mar, 2024

Qatar's Al Haydos announces international retirement

Doha: Hassan Al Haydos, who skippered Qatar to a second successive AFC Asian Cup™ title in February, has retired from international football.

The Qatar Football Association (QFA) announced Al Haydos' decision on Saturday, bringing down the curtain on a 16-year career highlighted by back-to-back AFC Asian Cup victories.
 
Al Haydos is the most capped player for Qatar with 182 appearances, scoring 41 times.

DPR Korea fight back to lift title

Sun, 17 Mar, 2024

DPR Korea fight back to lift title

Tashkent: Jon Ryong jong scored twice as DPR Korea came from behind to defeat Japan 2-1 in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2024 final at the JAR Stadium on Saturday.

Victory for DPR Korea ended their long wait for the title, having last won the AFC U-19 Women’s Championship in 2007 and having finished runners-up in the last five editions.
 
It was heartbreak for Japan, who entered the final aiming to add to their record six AFC U-19 Women’s Championship titles.

DPR Korea’s Chae Un yong named Most Valuable Player

Sat, 16 Mar, 2024

DPR Korea’s Chae Un yong named Most Valuable Player

Tashkent: DPR Korea’s Chae Un yong’s dazzling performances saw her named as Most Valuable Player of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2024 on Saturday.

Midfielder Chae picked up the award after she helped her nation beat Japan in the final, having been in sterling form throughout the tournament. 

Japan's Maya Hijikata wins Yili Top Scorer Award

Sat, 16 Mar, 2024

Japan's Maya Hijikata wins Yili Top Scorer Award

Tashkent: Japan’s Maya Hijikata was named the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2024 Yili Top Scorer Award on Saturday.

The forward, whose assist led to Japan’s opener in the final, edged out Korea Republic’s Jeon Yu-gyeong on assists with both having netted four goals.

DPR Korea’s Chae Un Gyong takes Best Goalkeeper crown

Sat, 16 Mar, 2024

DPR Korea’s Chae Un Gyong takes Best Goalkeeper crown

Tashkent: Chae Un gyong’s rock solid performances for DPR Korea in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2024 saw her claim the Best Goalkeeper Award.

The DPR Korea custodian displayed fine form throughout the tournament, keeping three clean sheets including shutting out Korea Republic in the semi-finals and Japan in their group stage encounter.

Blayney applauds Australia’s determination, Korea Republic's Park optimistic despite defeat

Sun, 17 Mar, 2024

Blayney applauds Australia’s determination, Korea Republic's Park optimistic despite defeat

Tashkent: Australia head coach Leah Blayney was delighted to see her side finish third in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2024 after edging Korea Republic in a difficult playoff on Saturday.

Blayney admitted her side passed a tough test, with the introduction of Milly Boughton and Lara Gooch in the second half paying dividends as the two combined to give Australia the 1-0 win.