Securing Afif's future, finding foreign players Xavi's immediate targets

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Securing Afif's future, finding foreign players Xavi's immediate targets

Doha: Renewing Akram Afif's contract and securing replacements for Gabi and Marco Fabian are top of Xavi's list after signing a one-year extension as Al Sadd head coach.

The Spanish legend put pen to paper on Sunday, committing his future to the reigning Qatar Stars League champions till the end of the 2020-21 season.

The FIFA World Cup winner and Barcelona legend said he would work closely with the Al Sadd management on a number of key issues.

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/akram_afif_-_al_sadd_-_afp.html

ACL Legends: Syria

Tue, 30 Nov, -0001

ACL Legends: Syria

Kuala Lumpur: Having revisited legends from Australia, Japan, Korea Republic, Saudi Arabia, Islamic Republic of Iran and the UAE, the latest part of the series looks at five players from Syria who have left a mark on the AFC Champions League.

While the last appearance of Syrian clubs in the AFC Champions League dates all the way back to 2008, players from the Eastern Mediterranean nation have continued to make an impact in the competition with clubs from across West Asia.

Azmoun stars as Zenit ease to Russian title

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Azmoun stars as Zenit ease to Russian title

Krasnodar: Islamic Republic of Iran striker Sardar Azmoun was crowned a Russian Premier League champion for the second successive season, scoring twice as Zenit Saint Petersburg wrapped up a second consecutive title on Sunday.

The Team Melli hotshot was the Player of the Match on the day of Zenit’s coronation, netting the opening goal in the fifth minute, then adding a second shortly after half time as Sergey Semak’s side beat Krasnodar 4-2, extending their lead over second placed Lokomotiv Moscow to an insurmountable 13 points with four matches remaining.

Xavi signs on at Al Sadd for one more year

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Xavi signs on at Al Sadd for one more year

Doha: Former Barcelona star Xavi Hernandez extended his contract as head coach of reigning Qatar Stars League champions Al Sadd for one more year on Sunday.

"I am happy to continue with Al-Sadd, and the team's goal will always be to compete for all titles," he said in a statement on the club's website which added that his contract had been renewed for a second season.

The Best ACL2017 XI announced!

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

The Best ACL2017 XI announced!

Kuala Lumpur: After more than 200,000 votes, the fans' Best XI from the 2017 AFC Champions League has been decided with an exciting array of talent making the final line-up.

The 2017 AFC Champions League was full of thrills and spills with breathtaking matches and standout performers and now, after taking a trip down memory lane in recent weeks, we present the 'Dream Team' as voted by you, the fans.

Below are the 11 players who made the cut on the public polls on the-AFC.com, while an XI by OPTA, the official statistics provider for the AFC, is also included as a comparison.

Asia’s Greatest FIFA World Cup Goals – Semi-final 2

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Asia’s Greatest FIFA World Cup Goals – Semi-final 2

Kuala Lumpur: After tens of thousands of fans from throughout the footballing world cast their votes last week, the race to decide Asia’s Best FIFA World Cup goals continues.

In a second semi-final featuring 10 more Asian World Cup classics, this week’s selection features some of the continent’s all-time greats, all delivering moments of magic on the game’s biggest stage.

There are fabulous free-kicks, blistering breakaways and scorchers from distance, but which five goals will advance to next week’s final?

Cast your vote below from our list of nominees:

5 of the Best: Last-minute winners

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

5 of the Best: Last-minute winners

Kuala Lumpur: It's hard to beat the feeling of snatching victory from the jaws of defeat at the very last, and this week's '5 of the Best' highlights some of the most dramatic climaxes ever seen in the AFC Cup. 

From scenes in Singapore to joy in Jakarta and incredible climaxes in Guwahati, Hisor and Al Wakrah, our latest edition shines the spotlight on the magical moments that help make the beautiful game the most watched sport in the world.

Also take a look at past editions that feature acrobatic goals, solo goals, volleys, long-range screamers and free-kicks.