Rajabi applauds Foolad players for fighting till the end

Fri, 24 Feb, 2023

Rajabi applauds Foolad players for fighting till the end

Al Wakrah: Foolad Khouzestan FC were able to neutralise Al Hilal SFC’s change in tactics but head coach Hamidreza Rajabi admitted that his side were eventually overpowered by the defending AFC Champions League™ holders in their quarter-final tie on Thursday.

After a first half which saw Islamic Republic of Iran’s Foolad come close three times, defending champions Al Hilal took control of the second period with Moussa Marega striking three minutes from the end to take the Saudi Pro League side into yet another continental semi-final. 

www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league/video/acl2022_qf2west_-_foolad_khouzestan_fc_irn_0-1_al_hilal_sfc_ksa.html

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/2946897.html

Moreno: Missed chances cost Al Shabab

Fri, 24 Feb, 2023

Moreno: Missed chances cost Al Shabab

Doha: Vicente Moreno was left to rue his team’s squandered opportunities as Al Shabab FC exited the AFC Champions League™ 2022 on Thursday. 

The Saudi Arabia side had several chances, especially in the first half, but their failure to convert cost them dearly as Qatar’s Al Duhail SC registered a 2-1 win to advance to the AFC Champions League semi-finals for the first time. 

Marega strike keeps Al Hilal on course

Fri, 24 Feb, 2023

Marega strike keeps Al Hilal on course

Al Wakrah: Defending champions Al Hilal SFC left it late to defeat Foolad Khouzestan 1-0 on Sunday thanks to Moussa Marega’s 87th minute strike, to qualify to the AFC Champions League™ 2022 West semi-final.

The last obstacle on Al Hilal’s march towards a fifth continental final in the last nine years will be Qatar’s Al Duhail SC, who advanced to the semi-final after defeating Al Shabab FC 2-1 earlier on Thursday.

Olunga powers Al Duhail into semi-final

Fri, 24 Feb, 2023

Olunga powers Al Duhail into semi-final

Doha: Michael Olunga’s second-half double sent Qatar’s Al Duhail into the AFC Champions League™ semi-finals for the first time in their history after they defeated Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab 2-1 in the first game of the 2022 quarter-finals at Al Thumama Stadium on Thursday.

Al Duhail are now within one match of meeting Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan, who sealed their place in the final from the East zone last August.

Panama complete Australia & New Zealand 2023 cast

Thu, 23 Feb, 2023

Panama complete Australia & New Zealand 2023 cast

Hamilton: Panama claimed the final place at the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand with a 1-0 win over Paraguay n the Inter-Confederation playoffs in New Zealand on Thursday.

Panama will be at their first FIFA Women's World Cup and go into Group F with France, Jamaica and Brazil. They face Brazil in their opening game on July 24 in Adelaide.
 
Asia will be represented by AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022™ champions China PR, runners-up Korea Republic, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam and hosts Australia. 

Japan down Canada; China PR draw against Spain

Thu, 23 Feb, 2023

Japan down Canada; China PR draw against Spain

Dallas: Japan ended their SheBelieves Cup campaign with a thumping 3-0 win over Canada on Wednesday. 

China PR, meanwhile, settled for a goalless draw with Spain as both Asian teams brought this stage of their preparations for the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 to a conclusion. 

Australia win Cup of Nations

Thu, 23 Feb, 2023

Australia win Cup of Nations

Newcastle: Striker Caitlin Foord got on the scoresheet as Australia beat Jamaica 3-0 on Wednesday to stretch their win streak to seven in an ideal build-up to the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 on home soil this year.

The victory at Newcastle, north of Sydney, ensured they won the four-team Cup of Nations - a dress rehearsal for the showpiece tournament in Australia and New Zealand in July-August.
 
Sam Kerr's side - who face Ireland, Nigeria and Canada in World Cup Group B - also beat Spain 3-2 and the Czech Republic 4-0.

K League 1 2023 Season Preview

Thu, 23 Feb, 2023

K League 1 2023 Season Preview

Seoul: The 2023 season of the K League 1 is all set to begin on Saturday with a blockbuster curtain raiser seeing defending champions Ulsan Hyundai hosting title rivals Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.

The Horangi finally ended their title hoodoo in the 2022 edition, finishing three points ahead of Jeonbuk and bringing a halt to the Jeonju side’s run of five successive triumphs since 2017 to be crowned champions for the first time since 2005.
 
The two teams are once again the hot favourites for the title but several other sides will hope to break the duopoly in what promises to be yet another thrilling campaign. With the kick-off to the new season just around the corner, the-AFC.com has everything you need to know.