Serial winner Marega determined to power Sharjah to glory

Sat, 16 Sep, 2023

Serial winner Marega determined to power Sharjah to glory

Sharjah: After two very successful seasons at Al Hilal in which he helped the Saudi club win the AFC Champions League™ 2021, Malian forward Moussa Marega returns to the competition in new colours this season.

With his former club investing in seven new foreign players, Marega completed a move to UAE Pro League side Sharjah FC earlier this month. He leaves behind an exceptional legacy in Riyadh, having reached the AFC Champions League final in both of his two seasons at the club.
 
Perhaps no moment symbolises Marega’s impact in Riyadh than his goal in the semi-final of the 2021 edition. After a tense start at King Saud University Stadium, Marega moved into the right half-space, receiving Bafetimbi Gomis’ pass and applying the finish into the far corner past the goalkeeper to open the scoring and set the tone for a famous 2-1 derby victory that sent his team into the final.

www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league/video/acl2021_-_semi_final_|_al_nassr_ksa_1_-_2_al_hilal_sfc_ksa.html

www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league/video/acl2021_-_final_|_al_hilal_sfc_ksa_2_-_0_fc_pohang_steelers_kor.html

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#ACL 2023/24: Ones to Watch (West)

Sat, 16 Sep, 2023

#ACL 2023/24: Ones to Watch (West)

Riyadh: As the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 gets underway on Monday, the five West groups will feature an unprecedented level of star power, with some of the world’s finest players moving to Asia over the course of the past few months.

Asia’s top club competition will for the first time boast not one, but two former Ballon d’Or winners, as well as some prolific AFC Champions League perennials and some of their respective nations’ all-time top scorers. The-AFC.com looks at some of the most exciting players to watch ahead of the group stage.

#ACL 2023/24: Ones to Watch (East)

Fri, 15 Sep, 2023

#ACL 2023/24: Ones to Watch (East)

Kuala Lumpur: The wait for the 2023/24 AFC Champions League™ is almost over with the group stage set to kick off on Monday as 40 clubs across the continent battle it out for the ultimate prize in Asian club football.

It is the first time since the beginning of the 2020 campaign and the onset of COVID-19 that the group stage will return to the home-and-away format with the Matchday One games taking place in 18 countries across Asia.  
 
As we countdown the hours to the big kick-off, the-AFC.com takes a look at five players from the East side of the draw who could play a pivotal role for their clubs during what promises to be the most star-studded AFC Champions League season yet. 

Preview - Group B : Al Faisaly (JOR) v FC Nasaf (UZB)

Sun, 17 Sep, 2023

Preview - Group B : Al Faisaly (JOR) v FC Nasaf (UZB)

Amman: Jordan's Al Faisaly and FC Nasaf of Uzbekistan will be determined to kick off their respective AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 campaigns on a winning note when they face off in their opening Group B tie on Monday.

While Nasaf have AFC Champions League history behind them, Al Faisaly will be fired up to mark their group stage debut on a high note.

Preview - Group B: Al Sadd SC (QAT) v Sharjah FC (UAE)

Tue, 19 Sep, 2023

Preview - Group B: Al Sadd SC (QAT) v Sharjah FC (UAE)

Doha: Qatar's Al Sadd SC will aim to avoid an early slip-up when they face Sharjah FC in their opening AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Group B tie on Monday.

Al Sadd will be on a mission to redeem themselves after suffering group stage elimination last season.

Preview - Group C: Air Force Club (IRQ) v Sepahan FC (IRN)

Tue, 19 Sep, 2023

Preview - Group C: Air Force Club (IRQ) v Sepahan FC (IRN)

Erbil: Air Force Club of Iraq and Islamic Republic of Iran's Sepahan FC are set for a thrilling clash in Group C of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 on Monday.

With Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad and AGMK FC of Uzbekistan also in the group, both teams know a winning start will be crucial if they are to enjoy successful campaigns.

Preview - Group C: Al Ittihad FC (KSA) v AGMK FC (UZB)

Tue, 19 Sep, 2023

Preview - Group C: Al Ittihad FC (KSA) v AGMK FC (UZB)

Jeddah: Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad FC will look to hit the ground running when they open their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Group C campaign against AGMK FC of Uzbekistan on Monday.

The Jeddah-based side ended a 14-year wait for the Saudi Pro League title in 2022/23 but AFC Champions League glory has eluded them even longer, having won back-to-back titles in 2004 and 2005.

Preview - Group D: Mumbai City (IND) v Nassaji Mazandaran (IRN)

Mon, 18 Sep, 2023

Preview - Group D: Mumbai City (IND) v Nassaji Mazandaran (IRN)

Pune: Having impressed in their AFC Champions League™ debut last year, India's Mumbai City will be hoping to scale even greater heights in the 2023/24 edition.

In a memorable debut, Mumbai City became the first Indian team to win an AFC Champions League match en route to a second-place finish in Group B.