#ACLElite - MD5: What they said

Fri, 29 Nov, 2024

#ACLElite - MD5: What they said

Kuala Lumpur: Joy, relief and frustration were all part of Matchday Five of the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25.

Three of the eight West Zone knockout stage were filled but there were plenty more talking points, as the-AFC.com finds.

#ACLElite - MD5: Facts & Figures

Thu, 28 Nov, 2024

#ACLElite - MD5: Facts & Figures

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday Five of the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 was yet another spectacular affair.

Record equaling runs, new landmarks and sharpshooters were all part of a memorable matchday on the continent.

The-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures with the teams to go at it again next week.

Al Haydos, Yamashita lead Asian nominees

Fri, 29 Nov, 2024

Al Haydos, Yamashita lead Asian nominees

Kuala Lumpur: Qatar’s Hasan Al Haydos and Ayaka Yamashita of Japan are among several Asian players nominated for The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024.

Japan women’s head coach Futoshi Ikeda, Yui Hasegawa, Saki Kumagai and Australian duo Ellie Carpenter and Steph Catley have also been nominated.

#ACLTwo - MD5 in numbers

Sat, 30 Nov, 2024

#ACLTwo - MD5 in numbers

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday Five of the AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 ended with 12 of the 16 knockout stage spots filled.

As the hopefuls prepare for one final assault on the remaining berths in the coming week, the-AFC.com takes a look at some key facts and figures from Matchday Five.

Rangsan praises Port’s resilience; Hodak hopeful Persib can advance

Fri, 29 Nov, 2024

Rangsan praises Port’s resilience; Hodak hopeful Persib can advance

Pathum Thani: Port FC sealed progression to the knockout stage of AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 after a 2-2 draw with Persib Bandung on Thursday, much to the delight of head coach Rangsan Vivatchaichok.

Rangsan was pleased that his charges came from behind to lead despite ultimately having to share points after conceding a late equaliser.

Uthai pleased qualification in Muangthong’s hands

Fri, 29 Nov, 2024

Uthai pleased qualification in Muangthong’s hands

Petaling Jaya: Head coach Uthai Bunmo was a relieved man after Muangthong United produced a spirited comeback to earn a vital 2-1 win over Selangor FC in their AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 Group H match on Thursday.

The three points lifted Muangthong to second spot, a point ahead of Selangor going into the final set of fixtures to be played next week with qualification now in their own hands.

Ouahim jubilant after hat-trick powers Sydney into knockout stage

Fri, 29 Nov, 2024

Ouahim jubilant after hat-trick powers Sydney into knockout stage

Hong Kong: Anas Ouahim expressed pride after his stunning hat-trick helped Sydney FC secure a resounding 4-1 victory over Eastern in their AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 Group E tie at the Mong Kok Stadium on Thursday.

The win, coupled with Sanfrecce Hiroshima's 1-1 draw with Kaya FC-Iloilo, confirmed the Australian side’s place in the Round of 16.

Focused approach steering Al Taawoun, says Arruabarrena

Thu, 28 Nov, 2024

Focused approach steering Al Taawoun, says Arruabarrena

Buraidah: Head coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena praised Al Taawoun’s ability to overcome their first half challenges to notch a 2-1 win over Bahrain’s Al Khaldiya in their AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 tie on Wednesday.

The win sealed Al Taawoun’s place in the knockout stage, with their superior head-to-head record against Al Khaldiya confirming a top-two finish in Group B irrespective of next week’s results.

Sousa’s second half tinkering pays off for Shabab Al Ahli

Thu, 28 Nov, 2024

Sousa’s second half tinkering pays off for Shabab Al Ahli

Amman: Paulo Sousa’s bold decisions paved the way for Shabab Al Ahli’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Al Hussein, which secured their spot in the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 on Wednesday.

Munas Dabbar was the hero for Shabab Al Ahli after his stoppage time lob secured the vital win which saw the UAE side assume the Group D top spot at the expense of their beaten rivals from Jordan, with both teams advancing with a match to spare.

Jovovic proud of Kuwait SC’s discipline

Thu, 28 Nov, 2024

Jovovic proud of Kuwait SC’s discipline

Qarshi: Head coach Nebojsa Jovovic was extremely proud of the grit and determination Kuwait SC showed in the 2-1 comeback win against PFC Nasaf in their AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 Group D match on Wednesday.

Jovovic saw his side being dominated in the first half but two goals in eight minutes in the opening minutes after the break turned the game in Kuwait SC’s favour.

The win was, however, in vain as Shabab Al Ahli’s 3-2 victory over Al Hussein sent both Kuwait SC and Nasaf out of the competition.

Japan stay top; UAE, Indonesia surge

Thu, 28 Nov, 2024

Japan stay top; UAE, Indonesia surge

Kuala Lumpur: Japan maintained their position as Asia's top side in the latest FIFA World Ranking issued on Thursday.

Hajime Moriyasu's side, who are on the verge of clinching an eighth consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup Finals, remained unchanged at 15th in the ranking.