#ACLElite - R16 (East): 2nd Leg in Numbers

Fri, 13 Mar, 2026

#ACLElite - R16 (East): 2nd Leg in Numbers

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ East Zone's quarter-finalists were decided this past week with the completion of the Round of 16.

As the four successful teams set their sights on the knockout stage, the-AFC.com picks out several facts and figures that caught the eye from the second leg of the East Zone's Round of 16.

#WAC2026 - Vote for your favourite Group Stage Goal Presented by Visa

Thu, 12 Mar, 2026

#WAC2026 - Vote for your favourite Group Stage Goal Presented by Visa

Sydney: The AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Group stage came to a thrilling end with brilliant goals that deserved a hat off. From an ice-cold free kick to stunning solos and powerful long shots, the players produced their best.

The-AFC.com invites you - the fans - to vote for the goal which you think was the best in the group stage.

Munoz proud of JDT’s progress

Thu, 12 Mar, 2026

Munoz proud of JDT’s progress

Hiroshima: Xisco Munoz was beaming with pride after Johor Darul Ta’zim reached the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ on Wednesday.

Kosuke Kinoshita’s 90th-minute penalty gave Sanfrecce Hiroshima a 1-0 win on the night but Malaysia’s JDT advanced 3-2 on aggregate, securing quarter-final progression for the first time.

Osako hits the high note at the right time for Vissel

Thu, 12 Mar, 2026

Osako hits the high note at the right time for Vissel

Vissel: Yuya Osako was a man on a mission in Vissel Kobe’s 2-1 win over FC Seoul in their AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ Round of 16 second leg tie on Wednesday.

His header in the 78th minute saw the home side draw level after having been behind for much of the game to Patryk Klimala’s 20th minute strike, with Japan's Vissel eventually going on to win the game 2-1 thanks to Yosuke Ideguchi’s 89th minute goal to advance 3-1 on aggregate.

It had been a long wait for Osako - who started the competition with a strike in the opening League Stage game against China PR’s Shanghai Port FC - for a second goal, having missed four matches due to injury.

Etheridge applauds fans as Buriram survive Melbourne encounter

Wed, 11 Mar, 2026

Etheridge applauds fans as Buriram survive Melbourne encounter

Buriram: Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge paid tribute to the fans after guiding Buriram United past Melbourne City FC in a tense penalty shootout in their AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 Round of 16 second leg tie on Tuesday.

The Filipino custodian, who made two crucial saves to help his side win 4-2 on penalties, praised both his teammates’ commitment and the unwavering support of the fans.

Nakamura repays teammates; Kuroda hails Machida spirit

Wed, 11 Mar, 2026

Nakamura repays teammates; Kuroda hails Machida spirit

Machida: Debutants FC Machida Zelvia continued their fairy-tale run in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ after the 1-0 win against Gangwon FC on Tuesday took the Japanese side into the quarter-finals.

Hotaka Nakamura scored in the 25th minute and the 28-year-old right-back was delighted to be able to help the team, having missed the majority of the League Phase due to injury.