Semi-finals: 1st Leg in Numbers

Fri, 19 Apr, 2024

Semi-finals: 1st Leg in Numbers

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 witnessed some exhilarating action as the first legs of the two semi-final contests were played out on Wednesday. 

Korean champions Ulsan Hyundai FC earned a narrow 1-0 win against Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos in the East Zone while Al Ain FC of the United Arab Emirates registered a 4-2 victory against four-time Asian champions Al Hilal SFC in the West. 
 
With plenty still to play for in the return legs next week, the-AFC.com looks back at the stats and facts that caught the eye from the first meetings between the semi-finalists.

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Al Ain's Rahimi promises more after ending Al Hilal's amazing run

Thu, 18 Apr, 2024

Al Ain's Rahimi promises more after ending Al Hilal's amazing run

Al Ain: Soufiane Rahimi promised more of the same next week after his hat-trick helped steer Al Ain to a stunning 4-2 win over Al Hilal SFC in the first leg of their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 semi-final on Wednesday.

The Morocco striker scored all of his goals in the first half as UAE's Al Ain stopped Al Hilal's world-record breaking run at 34 wins. 

Ulsan make Hong proud; Kewell confident Marinos can bounce back

Thu, 18 Apr, 2024

Ulsan make Hong proud; Kewell confident Marinos can bounce back

Ulsan: Head coach Hong Myung-bo expressed pride after Ulsan Hyundai confirmed their spot in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 following their 1-0 win over Yokohama F. Marinos in the first leg of their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 semi-final on Wednesday.

Although there is still work to be done if Ulsan are to stay on track for a third continental title, the slender first leg win over Marinos meant they are assured of being one of the four Asian teams who will compete in next year's expanded FIFA Club World Cup.

Japan legend Hasebe announces retirement

Thu, 18 Apr, 2024

Japan legend Hasebe announces retirement

Frankfurt: Japan’s AFC Asian Cup™-winning captain Makoto Hasebe has announced he will bring down the curtain on his illustrious career when he retires at the end of the current Bundesliga season.

The 40-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder played 114 times for Japan and led his country to the continental title in 2011 while also winning the 2007 AFC Champions League title with Urawa Red Diamonds during a career that featured almost 700 club appearances.

Abdysh-Ata’s Akhmedov, Mariners’ Jackson equally optimistic of advancing

Thu, 18 Apr, 2024

Abdysh-Ata’s Akhmedov, Mariners’ Jackson equally optimistic of advancing

Bishkek: It remains all to play for in the AFC Cup™ 2023/24 Inter-Zone final between FK Abdysh-Ata Kant and Central Coast Mariners, with both head coaches optimistic of their respective sides’ chances of going through. 

Brian Kaltak gave Australia’s Mariners the lead with nine minutes left but Magamed Uzdenov equalised for Kyrgyz Republic’s Abdysh-Ata, with Islam Akhmedov hopeful his team will play even better in next week’s return leg. 

Al Ain stun Al Hilal in classic

Thu, 18 Apr, 2024

Al Ain stun Al Hilal in classic

Al Ain: Al Ain inflicted a 4-2 defeat against Al Hilal in the first leg of their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 semi-final at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium on Wednesday.

The Saudi powerhouse came into the game off the back of a world record 34-match winning run, but Al Ain head coach Hernan Crespo guided his side over the team that had beaten his Al Duhail side 7-0 at the same stage last season.

Lee strike gives Ulsan narrow advantage over Marinos

Thu, 18 Apr, 2024

Lee strike gives Ulsan narrow advantage over Marinos

Ulsan: Ulsan Hyundai FC will take a slender advantage to Japan for next week’s return meeting after claiming an entertaining 1-0 victory over Yokohama F. Marinos in the first leg of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 semi-finals on Wednesday.

The hosts opened the scoring at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium shortly before the 20-minute mark through Lee Dong-gyeong before Ulsan captain Joo Min-kyu hit the woodwork midway through the second half.

Two-time champions Ulsan, who confirmed their place in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with the win, could have added to their lead but in the end had to settle for the one-goal victory to leave the semi-final perfectly poised ahead of the second leg on April 24.

Late drama sees Abdysh-Ata, Mariners settling for stalemate

Thu, 18 Apr, 2024

Late drama sees Abdysh-Ata, Mariners settling for stalemate

Bishkek: A dramatic stoppage-time equaliser from Magamed Uzdenov saw FK Abdysh-Ata Kant of Kyrgyz Republic rescue a 1-1 draw against Australia’s Central Coast Mariners in the first leg of the AFC Cup™ 2023/24 Inter-Zone final at Dolen Omurzakov Stadium on Wednesday.

After a goalless first half, Brian Kaltak headed home to give the visitors the breakthrough against the run of play in the 81st minute, but Abdysh-Ata restored parity in the third minute of added time to set up an exciting second leg in Gosford next week.