Navbahor, Al Ittihad settle for draw

Fri, 16 Feb, 2024

Navbahor, Al Ittihad settle for draw

Namangan: Two-time champions Al Ittihad and Uzbekistan’s Navbahor will go into the second leg of their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Round of 16 meeting in Jeddah next week with all to play for after the teams shared a 0-0 draw at Markaziy Stadium on Thursday. 

Neither side could find a way through in front of a bumper crowd in eastern Uzbekistan and the teams will have another 90 minutes – plus the possibility of extra-time and penalties – at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium next Thursday to determine who progresses.

The Saudi Pro League side, winners of the title in 2004 and 2005, were missing former France international striker Karim Benzema but featured high profile signings N’golo Kante and Fabinho in their starting line-up yet struggled against a well-drilled home team.

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Ulsan Hyundai turn on the style against Ventforet

Thu, 15 Feb, 2024

Ulsan Hyundai turn on the style against Ventforet

Ulsan: Korea Republic’s Ulsan Hyundai have one foot in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 after they posted a 3-0 win against visitors Ventforet Kofu in their Round of 16 first leg tie at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium on Thursday.

After hitting the woodwork twice in the early stages of the match, hosts Ulsan opened the scoring through Joo Min-kyu in the 37th minute before the veteran striker doubled their advantage from the penalty spot just before the interval. 

Full-back Seol Young-woo then added a third goal for Ulsan just past the hour mark to seal the victory and put Hong Myung-bo’s side in a commanding position ahead of next week’s return leg in Tokyo. 

Teamwork is Al Nassr's strength, says Ronaldo

Thu, 15 Feb, 2024

Teamwork is Al Nassr's strength, says Ronaldo

Riyadh: Cristiano Ronaldo believes Al Nassr's solid teamwork will steer them to success on the domestic and local fronts after the Saudi Pro League side took a step towards reaching the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 quarter-finals on Wednesday. 

The Portuguese star's 81st minute strike secured Al Nassr a 1-0 win over Al Fayha in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie.
 
Al Nassr, seeking to win the AFC Champions League title for the first time. struggled to break down their Saudi Arabian rivals despite enjoying almost 77 percent of possession and with 14 shots, three of which were on target. 

Al Ain's Crespo satisfied despite Nasaf draw

Thu, 15 Feb, 2024

Al Ain's Crespo satisfied despite Nasaf draw

Qarshi: Head coach Hernan Crespo was not overly disappointed despite his Al Ain side having to share the spoils with FC Nasaf in the first leg of their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Round of 16 tie on Wednesday. 

Both sides struggled in front of goal in a hard-fought encounter but Crespo firmly believes Al Ain will get it right in next Wednesday's return leg on home soil. 

Petrescu: Injuries have overshadowed good Jeonbuk win

Thu, 15 Feb, 2024

Petrescu: Injuries have overshadowed good Jeonbuk win

Jeonju: Head coach Dan Petrescu had mixed emotions after his Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC side secured a 2-0 win over Pohang Steelers in their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Round of 16 first leg tie on Wednesday.

While the Romanian was pleased with the result, which took Jeonbuk within touching distance of the AFC Champions League quarter-finals for the 11th time since 2004, he was concerned with the number of injuries suffered by his players. 

Bangkok impress Totchtawan, Kewell optimistic Marinos will advance

Thu, 15 Feb, 2024

Bangkok impress Totchtawan, Kewell optimistic Marinos will advance

Pathum Thani: Head coach Totchtawan Sripan praised Bangkok United’s resilience after they reversed a two-goal deficit to earn a 2-2 draw against Yokohama F. Marinos in the first leg of their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Round of 16 tie on Wednesday

Trailing 2-0 by the 24th minute,  Bangkok United refused to concede defeat - Nitipong Selanon pulling one back in the 35th minute with Mahmoud Eid scoring the equaliser in second half added time to keep their quarter-final hopes alive. 

Qatar, Jordan surge following AFC Asian Cup™ runs

Thu, 15 Feb, 2024

Qatar, Jordan surge following AFC Asian Cup™ runs

Kuala Lumpur: Qatar and Jordan are Asia's biggest movers in the latest FIFA World Ranking released on Thursday.

Qatar moved up 21 spots following their successful defence of their AFC Asian Cup title on Saturday while Jordan, who emerged runners-up in the continental showpiece, improved 17 spots.