ASEAN Zonal Semi-finals: Ones to Watch

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

ASEAN Zonal Semi-finals: Ones to Watch

Kuala Lumpur: There's just a few days to go to the ASEAN Zonal Semi-finals with teams from Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam set to go head-to-head in some classic encounters.

The two-legged semi-finals will kick off on Tuesday and Wednesday with the return legs the following week. The two victors will progress to the ASEAN Zonal Final a month later to determine who is the 2019 AFC Cup's Southeast Asia champion.

We look at four players - one from each of the semi-finalists - who could prove to be the difference-makers.

The Group Stage in Numbers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

The Group Stage in Numbers

Kuala Lumpur: After the conclusion of the 2019 AFC Cup group stage in the West and ASEAN, the eight Zonal semi-finalists have been confirmed ahead of June's knockout round fixtures.

While the qualification race remains ongoing in the Central, South and East Zones, the-AFC.com looks back at some of the key statistics from the six completed groups.

Persija Jakarta, head coach Ivan Kolev part ways 

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Persija Jakarta, head coach Ivan Kolev part ways 

Jakarta: Persija Jakarta have announced the resignation of Ivan Kolev as the head coach of the Indonesian champions.

Persija have endured a difficult start to the season - domestic as well as international - with the club already eliminated from the 2019 AFC Cup and languishing third from bottom in the domestic league.

Analysis: Patient Binh Duong leave it late to progress

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Analysis: Patient Binh Duong leave it late to progress

Bacolod City: The remaining two places in the AFC Cup ASEAN Zonal semi-finals were decided earlier in the week and arguably the biggest story came from the Philippines, where Vietnam’s Becamex Binh Duong struck late to defeat Ceres Negros 1-0 and join their opponents in the knockout rounds. 

With the Group G game scoreless and the clock ticking down, Binh Duong were heading for elimination until Brazilian forward Wander Luiz struck a goal of the tournament contender from 40 yards that looped ove goalkeeper Roland Muller to secure their place in the next round.

AFC Cup 2019 Allianz Goal of the Week: Bruno Matos

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AFC Cup 2019 Allianz Goal of the Week: Bruno Matos

Kuala Lumpur: The-AFC.com has announced that Persija Jakarta's Bruno Matos is the winner of this week’s Goal of the Week presented by Allianz for the 2019 AFC Cup after a public vote on the AFC’s official website.

Lemos hails Abihani's fighting spirit

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Lemos hails Abihani's fighting spirit

Dhaka: Abahani Limited Dhaka head coach Mario Lemos has described his team's 3-2 win over Chennaiyin in their AFC Cup Group E match as a great match for Bangladesh and the club.

Abahani showed tremendous resilience in coming from a goal down to defeat the previously unbeaten Chennaiyin on Wednesday, having also seen the Indian club hauling themselves back into the match when 2-1 down.

Kitchee SC still have a chance to make the knockout stage, says Fernando

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Kitchee SC still have a chance to make the knockout stage, says Fernando

Taipei City: Brazilian forward Fernando believes Kitchee SC's hard-fought win over Hang Yuan FC in Chinese Taipei on Wednesday keeps alive their hopes of escaping Group I.

Despite losing their opening two 2019 AFC Cup matches, back-to-back wins on the Continent have got Hong Kong's Kitchee SC believing again.

The latest came away in Taipei when goals from Jordi Tardes and Fernando ensured a 2-1 win over hosts Hang Yuan.

It's a result that means coach Alex Chu's side's slim chances of a place in the knockout road endures, although they do remain six points behind leaders 4.25 SC of DPR Korea.