Regragui hails Al Duhail players after "important" win over Persepolis

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Regragui hails Al Duhail players after "important" win over Persepolis

Doha: Al Duhail SC head coach Walid Regragui described his side’s 2-0 win against Persepolis FC in their 2020 AFC Champions League Group C tie on Tuesday as an important victory.

Mario Mandzukic and Edmilson found the net within the first 13 minutes at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium as Qatar's Al Duhail got off to a roaring start.

www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league/video/group_c_-_md1_al_duhail_sc_2-0_persepolis_fc.html

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/walid_regragui-al_duhail.html

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/yahya_golmohammadi-persepolis_4.html

Group C - MD1: Al Duhail SC (QAT) 2-0 Persepolis FC (IRN)

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Group C - MD1: Al Duhail SC (QAT) 2-0 Persepolis FC (IRN)

Doha: Mario Mandzukic opened his 2020 AFC Champions League account as Qatar’s Al Duhail SC defeated Persepolis of the Islamic Republic of Iran 2-0 at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Group C on Tuesday.

Coach Walid Regragui’s men settled the tie inside the first 15 minutes with a quick double-salvo.

With just five minutes gone, Almoez Ali’s persistence coupled with a lack of discipline from Persepolis defender allowed Mandzukic to get his first goal in Asia’s prime club competition.

More to come from Vissel Kobe, warns Fink

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

More to come from Vissel Kobe, warns Fink

Kobe: Thorsten Fink warned Vissel Kobe’s future opponents in the AFC Champions League there is more to come from his side after the J.League club handed Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim a 5-1 defeat without the services of key midfielder Hotaru Yamaguchi.

The Japan international was ruled out of the game due to fever but his absence had little impact on Vissel as Andres Iniesta inspired the Emperor’s Cup winners to a comfortable win, with Keijiro Ogawa scoring a hat-trick as Kobe signaled their intent in the 2020 AFC Champions League.

Jimenez: Luck was not on Al Wahda’s side

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Jimenez: Luck was not on Al Wahda’s side

Abu Dhabi: Manuel Jimenez was left to rue Al Wahda FSCC’s lack of luck as the UAE Pro League side settled for a draw in their opening 2020 AFC Champions League Group A match on Monday. 

Al Ahli Saudi FC took the lead through Abdulfattah Asiri at the hour mark but Korea Republic’s Rim Chang-woo’s last-minute equaliser rescued a point for Al Wahda at Al Nahyan Stadium.

Draw with Esteghlal a boost for Al Shorta, says head coach Ilic

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Draw with Esteghlal a boost for Al Shorta, says head coach Ilic

Erbil: Al Shorta head coach Aleksandar Ilic was satisfied despite having to settle for a share of the points with Esteghlal FC in their 2020 AFC Champions League Group A tie on Monday.

Hussam Kadhim put the ball into his own net in the first half to give Islamic Republic of Iran's Esteghlal the lead at Franso Hariri Stadium but Ali Fayez salvaged a point for the home team from the penalty spot three minutes into the second half.

Toivonen: Melbourne Victory had to overcome nerves

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Toivonen: Melbourne Victory had to overcome nerves

Melbourne: Ola Toivonen has admitted that Melbourne Victory had to survive a tense second half to claim a hard-fought 1-0 win over Thailand’s Chiangrai United in their opening 2020 AFC Champions League Group E match on Tuesday. 

Swedish forward Toivanen’s penalty midway through the first half proved the difference at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium as the Australian side moved to the top of the standings, with both Beijing FC and FC Seoul not in action.

But, while the hosts were the better side, their last win in the competition came back in April 2018 and they picked up just one point in six games in a disastrous 2019 campaign, something their skipper alluded to.

Kim satisfied as resilient Ulsan fight back to hold FC Tokyo

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Kim satisfied as resilient Ulsan fight back to hold FC Tokyo

Ulsan: Heach coach Kim Do-hoon praised Ulsan Hyundai’s resilience after they picked up a point in their opening 2020 AFC Champions League Group F clash with FC Tokyo at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium on Tuesday.

An own goal from Adailton eight minutes from time earned Ulsan a share of the spoils after Diego Oliveira had given FC Tokyo the lead and, while Kim was disappointed one of his own players had not been able to find the back of the net, he was pleased with the overall performance.