Teamwork took Al Duhail through, says Olunga

Fri, 24 Feb, 2023

Teamwork took Al Duhail through, says Olunga

Doha: Michael Olunga was the hero with both goals but the Kenyan striker paid tribute to his teammates after Al Duhail SC defeated Al Shabab FC 2-1 to advance to the AFC Champions League™ semi-finals for the first time on Thursday.

After a tight first half which saw both teams exchanging blows, Olunga scored in the 77th and 85th minutes to all but secure Qatar’s Al Duhail their place in the semi-final, with Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab netting a consolation through Saeed Al Rubaei in added time.
 
Olunga, the 2021 AFC Champions League topscorer, was deservingly named Player-of-the-Match but the striker said it was team effort which took Al Duhail through.

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Rajabi applauds Foolad players for fighting till the end

Fri, 24 Feb, 2023

Rajabi applauds Foolad players for fighting till the end

Al Wakrah: Foolad Khouzestan FC were able to neutralise Al Hilal SFC’s change in tactics but head coach Hamidreza Rajabi admitted that his side were eventually overpowered by the defending AFC Champions League™ holders in their quarter-final tie on Thursday.

After a first half which saw Islamic Republic of Iran’s Foolad come close three times, defending champions Al Hilal took control of the second period with Moussa Marega striking three minutes from the end to take the Saudi Pro League side into yet another continental semi-final. 

Moreno: Missed chances cost Al Shabab

Fri, 24 Feb, 2023

Moreno: Missed chances cost Al Shabab

Doha: Vicente Moreno was left to rue his team’s squandered opportunities as Al Shabab FC exited the AFC Champions League™ 2022 on Thursday. 

The Saudi Arabia side had several chances, especially in the first half, but their failure to convert cost them dearly as Qatar’s Al Duhail SC registered a 2-1 win to advance to the AFC Champions League semi-finals for the first time. 

Marega strike keeps Al Hilal on course

Fri, 24 Feb, 2023

Marega strike keeps Al Hilal on course

Al Wakrah: Defending champions Al Hilal SFC left it late to defeat Foolad Khouzestan 1-0 on Sunday thanks to Moussa Marega’s 87th minute strike, to qualify to the AFC Champions League™ 2022 West semi-final.

The last obstacle on Al Hilal’s march towards a fifth continental final in the last nine years will be Qatar’s Al Duhail SC, who advanced to the semi-final after defeating Al Shabab FC 2-1 earlier on Thursday.

Olunga powers Al Duhail into semi-final

Fri, 24 Feb, 2023

Olunga powers Al Duhail into semi-final

Doha: Michael Olunga’s second-half double sent Qatar’s Al Duhail into the AFC Champions League™ semi-finals for the first time in their history after they defeated Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab 2-1 in the first game of the 2022 quarter-finals at Al Thumama Stadium on Thursday.

Al Duhail are now within one match of meeting Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan, who sealed their place in the final from the East zone last August.

Asia’s rising stars raring to shine on AFC U20 Asian Cup™ stage

Fri, 24 Feb, 2023

Asia’s rising stars raring to shine on AFC U20 Asian Cup™ stage

Kuala Lumpur: Asia’s future stars will kick off the race towards continental glory when the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 commences on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. 

The erstwhile U-19 championship, returning under its new U-20 brand, will also serve as the qualifiers for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Indonesia 2023, which is scheduled to be held from May 20 to June 11.

Panama complete Australia & New Zealand 2023 cast

Thu, 23 Feb, 2023

Panama complete Australia & New Zealand 2023 cast

Hamilton: Panama claimed the final place at the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand with a 1-0 win over Paraguay n the Inter-Confederation playoffs in New Zealand on Thursday.

Panama will be at their first FIFA Women's World Cup and go into Group F with France, Jamaica and Brazil. They face Brazil in their opening game on July 24 in Adelaide.
 
Asia will be represented by AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022™ champions China PR, runners-up Korea Republic, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam and hosts Australia. 

Japan down Canada; China PR draw against Spain

Thu, 23 Feb, 2023

Japan down Canada; China PR draw against Spain

Dallas: Japan ended their SheBelieves Cup campaign with a thumping 3-0 win over Canada on Wednesday. 

China PR, meanwhile, settled for a goalless draw with Spain as both Asian teams brought this stage of their preparations for the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 to a conclusion. 

Australia win Cup of Nations

Thu, 23 Feb, 2023

Australia win Cup of Nations

Newcastle: Striker Caitlin Foord got on the scoresheet as Australia beat Jamaica 3-0 on Wednesday to stretch their win streak to seven in an ideal build-up to the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 on home soil this year.

The victory at Newcastle, north of Sydney, ensured they won the four-team Cup of Nations - a dress rehearsal for the showpiece tournament in Australia and New Zealand in July-August.
 
Sam Kerr's side - who face Ireland, Nigeria and Canada in World Cup Group B - also beat Spain 3-2 and the Czech Republic 4-0.