Semi-Finals: 5 things to look out for

Fri, 12 Apr, 2024

Semi-Finals: 5 things to look out for

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 has reached the semi-final stage as the four remaining sides get ready to battle it out for a place in Asian club football’s main event.

With four-time Asian champions Al Hilal SFC, inaugural AFC Champions League winners Al Ain FC, two-time champions Ulsan Hyundai FC and Japanese powerhouse Yokohama F. Marinos making up the line-up, it’s a star-studded cast set to take centre stage on the continent.
 
Ahead of the first legs on April 16 and 17, the-AFC.com has selected five things to look out for.

www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league/video/acl_-_preview_semi-finals.html

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3019343.html

Al Hilal cruise past Al Ittihad to lift Saudi Super Cup

Fri, 12 Apr, 2024

Al Hilal cruise past Al Ittihad to lift Saudi Super Cup

Abu Dhabi: Brazilian forward Malcom was the star with two goals as Al Hilal SFC claimed the Saudi Super Cup title with a 4-1 win over Al-Ittihad in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

Al Hilal, who meet UAE's Al Ain in the first leg of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 semi-finals next week, are well placed to clinch the Saudi Pro League title and are in the semi-finals of the King's Cup. 

Kewell, Marinos already in sync ahead of Ulsan showdown

Thu, 11 Apr, 2024

Kewell, Marinos already in sync ahead of Ulsan showdown

Kuala Lumpur: Harry Kewell takes Yokohama F. Marinos into their first AFC Champions League™ semi-final when the Japanese side face Ulsan Hyundai over two legs, with the former Socceroos forward having endured a rapid-fire introduction to life at the helm of the Japanese giants.

There was very little time for Harry Kewell to acclimatise to his new surroundings when he arrived in Japan as the latest Australian coaching import to take the helm of five-time J1 League title winners Yokohama F. Marinos.
 
The 45-year-old’s appointment at the end of last year, while long rumoured as speculation swirled around incumbent Kevin Muscat’s future plans, had been unexpected.
 
Despite a stellar playing career with Leeds United, Liverpool and Australia, Kewell’s limited coaching record meant his selection to follow J1 League-conquering coaches Muscat and Ange Postecoglou was met with some surprise.

Hong determined to power Ulsan to continental glory

Fri, 12 Apr, 2024

Hong determined to power Ulsan to continental glory

Ulsan: Hong Myung-bo has done almost everything during a career that saw him play at four FIFA World Cup Finals and coach Korea Republic to Olympic bronze in London in 2012. Now he has his sights set on steering Ulsan Hyundai into the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 final.

It’s almost two-and-a-half years since Hong Myung-bo replaced Kim Do-hoon as Ulsan Hyundai head coach, and the Korea Republic legend has barely put a foot out of place since.
 
Back-to-back K League 1 titles in his first two seasons at the helm saw Hong build on his predecessor’s achievements, ending a run of domestic disappointment after Kim’s side had become perennial bridesmaids during Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors’ period of dominance.

#AFCU23: Stars who have shone

Wed, 10 Apr, 2024

#AFCU23: Stars who have shone

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U23 Asian Cup™ has a history of showcasing some of the brightest talents on the continent as the players on display look to continue their rise to prominence.

Many of those who have stood out for their countries over the years have gone on to become key performers for their senior national teams and represent some of the biggest clubs in Asia and beyond.
 
As the sixth edition of the AFC U23 Asian Cup (formerly the AFC U23 Championship) approaches its kick-off on April 15, and having already looked at the previous MVPs, the-AFC.com now shines the spotlight on some of the other big names to have graced the tournament.

Thrilling #ACFutsal2024 to kick off in Thailand

Mon, 01 Apr, 2024

Thrilling #ACFutsal2024 to kick off in Thailand

Bangkok: The Continent’s top 16 teams will embark on a quest for ultimate supremacy on the court this Wednesday when they gather for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup™ Thailand 2024.

Staged in the vibrant capital city of Bangkok, the 17th edition is set to run from April 17 to 28 and the top four finishers will qualify for the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024.