Pohang Steelers make semis after second half power show against Nagoya Grampus

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Pohang Steelers make semis after second half power show against Nagoya Grampus

Jeonju: FC Pohang Steelers advanced to the semi-finals of the 2021 AFC Champions League for the first time in 12 years on Sunday as Lim Seung-hyub scored twice either side of an effort from Lee Seung-mo as Kim Gi-dong’s side went through to the last four with a 3-0 win over Nagoya Grampus at the Jeonju World Cup Stadium.

Pohang, who last reached the semi-final stage on their way to winning the 2009 title, saw off a Nagoya side who had finished above them in the group phase of the competition but who had no answer to the K-League side’s second half showing.
 
A point-blank save from Pohang goalkeeper Lee Jun, making his first-ever appearance in the AFC Champions League, 12 minutes before the break kept the scores level while Lim put Kim’s side in front eight minutes after the restart. Lee Seung-mo doubled the lead with 20 minutes left and Lim scored a spectacular third deep into injury time.
 
Pohang will now take on either defending champions Ulsan Hyundai or Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in the semi-final on Wednesday with the pair due to meet later on Sunday.

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.

Gustavsson names Australia squad for Brazil friendlies

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Gustavsson names Australia squad for Brazil friendlies

Sydney: Head coach Tony Gustavsson has named a well-balanced squad for Australia's friendlies against Brazil next week as the Matildas kick off their preparations for the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022 and FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023.

Set to be in action on home soil for the first time in almost 600 days, Australia will host World Number 7 Brazil in Sydney with the matches to be played on October 23 and 26.

India defeat Nepal for eighth title

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

India defeat Nepal for eighth title

Male: India won the 2021 SAFF Championship title with a 3-0 win over Nepal in the final at the National Football Stadium in Male on Saturday.

It was a remarkable eighth title for India, who lifted the crown after having started their campaign with two successive draws.

Ćeran hat-trick seals Pakhtakor Uzbekistan Super League title

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Ćeran hat-trick seals Pakhtakor Uzbekistan Super League title

Tashkent: FC Pakhtakor are the champions of Uzbekistan for a record-extending 14th time, and a third in a year in a row, after they defeated Qizilqum Zarafshon 4-2 on Saturday.

Prolific Serbian forward Dragan Ćeran bagged a hat-trick in the victory, which gives the Tashkent club an unassailable haul of 54 points with four matches remaining in the season. 

The title win is the first under the leadership of Dutch head coach Pieter Huistra, who previously served as the assistant to Shota Arveladze prior to the former Georgian striker’s departure at the end of last season.