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.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/video/aclelite-|-r16-2nd-leg-sanfrecce-hiroshima-jpn-1-0-johor-darul-ta’zim-fc-mas

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R16: Johor Darul Ta'zim create history

Wed, 11 Mar, 2026

R16: Johor Darul Ta'zim create history

Hiroshima: Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim will play in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ for the first time despite a 1-0 loss against Sanfrecce Hiroshima on Wednesday as Xisco Munoz’s side completed a 3-2 aggregate win over their Japanese hosts.

JDT, making their third appearance in the last 16 in four seasons, advanced as Bartosh Gaul’s J1 League outfit could only halve the 3-1 deficit from the first leg in Johor when Kosuke Kinoshita’s 90th minute penalty gave Hiroshima hope late in the match.
 
The successful spot-kick was a solitary blemish on an otherwise disciplined defensive display by the visitors, who join Buriram United, Machida Zelvia and Vissel Kobe in progressing to the next round.

R16: Vissel hold firm to confirm quarter-final ticket

Wed, 11 Mar, 2026

R16: Vissel hold firm to confirm quarter-final ticket

Kobe: Japan’s Vissel Kobe batted their way into the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ after they came from behind to beat FC Seoul 2-1 in the second leg of their Round of 16 tie at the Kobe City Misaki Park Stadium on Wednesday.

Patryk Klimala’s first half strike was cancelled out by Yuya Osako and Yosuke Ideguchi after the break to give the Japanese outfit a 3-1 aggregate win as they advanced to the quarter-finals after having fallen at the Round of 16 hurdle last season.

QF (2nd Leg): Felipe’s late winner takes Gamba through

Thu, 12 Mar, 2026

QF (2nd Leg): Felipe’s late winner takes Gamba through

Ratchaburi: Welton Felipe’s goal in the ninth minute of extra time sent Gamba Osaka into the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ East Zone semi-finals after they beat Ratchaburi FC 2-1 in the return leg of their last eight tie at the Ratchaburi Stadium on Wednesday.

A brilliant strike from Gamba’s Genta Miura was offset by an opportunistic goal by Gleyson before Felipe struck the winner for the Japanese side, who had dominated the tie but couldn’t finish the job in regulation time as they advanced 3-2 on aggregate.

#WAC2026 - Group Stage: In Numbers

Wed, 11 Mar, 2026

#WAC2026 - Group Stage: In Numbers

Sydney: The group stage of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ drew to a close on Tuesday after 18 thrilling matches.

Just eight teams remain in the hunt for the coveted title and as they plan their knockout stage journey, the-AFC.com takes a look at some facts and figures that caught the eye from the group stage.

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.