#ACLElite - R16, 2nd Leg: What they said

Fri, 14 Mar, 2025

#ACLElite - R16, 2nd Leg: What they said

Kuala Lumpur: The return leg of the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 had it all - amazing comebacks, superstars shining and sides ending long waits to qualify for the quarter-finals.

As excitement intensifies for Monday's knockout stage draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, we take a look at what the eight quarter-finalists had to say after winning the respective Round of 16 ties.

#ACLElite - R16, 2nd Leg: Five takeaways

Fri, 14 Mar, 2025

#ACLElite - R16, 2nd Leg: Five takeaways

Kuala Lumpur: The cast for the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2025/25 quarter-finals was finalised following the conclusion of a thrilling Round of 16, second leg this past week.

As the eight teams eagerly await Monday's draw, which will be held at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures from the Round of 16's return leg.

#ACLElite draw to reveal epic Finals showdowns

Tue, 04 Mar, 2025

#ACLElite draw to reveal epic Finals showdowns

Kuala Lumpur: The remaining contenders for the Continent’s ultimate club prize will discover their last-eight fate on Monday, March 17 at 3pm at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur.

The draw for the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 will chart the path from the Quarter Finals to the showpiece Final, with all seven highly-anticipated battles to take place in a unique centralised format between April 25 and May 3 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

#ACLTwo - Q-finals (2nd leg): Facts and figures

Sat, 15 Mar, 2025

#ACLTwo - Q-finals (2nd leg): Facts and figures

Kuala Lumpur: There was joy and despair as the semi-finalists of the AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 were confirmed this week.

As the four remaining teams start preparing for April's semi-finals, the-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures from the second leg of the quarter-finals.

Talay: Return to basics powered Sydney past Jeonbuk

Fri, 14 Mar, 2025

Talay: Return to basics powered Sydney past Jeonbuk

Sydney: Head coach Ufuk Talay credited Sydney FC’s mentality shift for their amazing comeback against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in their AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 quarter-final second leg on Thursday.

Jeonbuk had drawn level on aggregate after a scintillating first saw the Korea Republic side take a 2-0 lead, only for Sydney to do the same after the break as the Australian side won 3-2 on the night and 5-2 on aggregate to set up a semi-final against Singapore’s Lion City Sailors in April.

Alex Grant, Patryk Klimala and Douglas Costa scored to wipe out Jeon Jin-woo’s brace with Talay effusive in his praise.  

Olaroiu hails Sharjah’s desire and determination

Thu, 13 Mar, 2025

Olaroiu hails Sharjah’s desire and determination

Sharjah: Head coach Cosmin Olaroiu was unreserved in his praise for his players after Sharjah triumphed on penalties against Shabab Al Ahli in their AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 quarter-final on Wednesday.

The marathon match went all the way after the return leg ended 1-1 and 2-2 on aggregate, with Marcos Meloni putting Sharjah ahead before Mu’nas Dabbur’s stoppage time header took the tie into extra time and subsequently, penalties.

Lion City have put Singapore on the map, says Rankovic

Thu, 13 Mar, 2025

Lion City have put Singapore on the map, says Rankovic

Singapore: Aleksandar Rankovic expressed pride after Lion City Sailors became the first Singapore side to secure a place in the AFC Champions League Two™ semi-finals following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Sanfrecce Hiroshima on Wednesday.

Holding a 3-0 lead from the first leg, Lion City weathered a strong challenge from the Japanese side to secure a 4-1 aggregate victory to set up a meeting with either Australia’s Sydney FC or Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC in the semi-finals. 

Al Abdali hails Al Taawoun’s resilience

Wed, 12 Mar, 2025

Al Abdali hails Al Taawoun’s resilience

Buraidah: A dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout win against Tractor FC leaves Al Taawoun FC only two steps away from being crowned AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 winners, much to the delight of head coach Mohammed Al Abdali.

Injuries and suspension made things difficult for Al Abdali in preparation for the second leg at Wolves Park with the 51-year-old applauding his players’ incredible fitness after penalty misses from Tractor’s Mehdi Shiri and Sajjad Ashourimeidani sealed their semi-final spot.

#ACBeachSoccer - Flashback

Sat, 15 Mar, 2025

#ACBeachSoccer - Flashback

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 is just around the corner, with 16 teams set to vie for the coveted title.

The-AFC.com rewinds the clock to some of the most iconic and standout occasions in the tournament's 19-year history.

#ACBeachSoccer contenders out to shine at Thailand 2025

Wed, 26 Feb, 2025

#ACBeachSoccer contenders out to shine at Thailand 2025

Kuala Lumpur: The pristine sand of the Jomtien Beach Arena is set to provide the stage for the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 when it gets underway on Thursday, March 20.

Located in the eastern Thai city of Pattaya, which also served as hosts during the previous two occasions when the tournament was held in Thailand, the arena will welcome 16 contenders for the 11th edition.