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.

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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.

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.

Nagano caps birthday celebrations in style

Wed, 11 Mar, 2026

Nagano caps birthday celebrations in style

Perth: Fresh off celebrating her birthday on Monday, Fuka Nagano proved why she is Japan’s No.10 with a fabulous showing in their 4-0 defeat of Vietnam in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ Group C tie on Tuesday.

Nagano was the key link between the lines, orchestrating Japan’s attack with pinpoint passes all across the Perth Rectangular Stadium – leaving Riko Ueki, Maika Hamano, Aoba Fujino and Kiko Sieke to complete the job.

The 27-year-old Liverpool midfielder had a pass completion rate of over 90 percent - with more than 90 percent accuracy in Vietnam’s half, showcasing her ability to control play and initiate opportunities.

Prasobchoke basks in Chinese Taipei’s progress

Wed, 11 Mar, 2026

Prasobchoke basks in Chinese Taipei’s progress

Sydney: Prasobchoke Chokemor praised the determination of his Chinese Taipei side after they defeated India 3-1 in their final Group C encounter to book a place in the quarter-finals of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ on Tuesday.

With the victory sealing their second win of the campaign, Prasobchoke was generous with his praise and keen to savour the moment.