Preliminary Stage: Machhindra FC (NEP) 1-2 Blue Star SC (SRI)

Tue, 05 Apr, 2022

Preliminary Stage: Machhindra FC (NEP) 1-2 Blue Star SC (SRI)

Kathmandu: Sri Lanka’s Blue Star SC moved a step closer to the AFC Cup™ 2022 group stage, earning an impressive 2-1 win against Nepalese champions Machhindra FC in their Preliminary Round clash at Dashrath Stadium on Tuesday.

First half goals from Mohamed Ishan and Shenal Sandesh proved decisive for the visitors, who are now potentially 180 minutes away from becoming the first Sri Lankan club to secure group stage football in the competition.

Sujal Shreshtha pulled back a goal for Machhindra with virtually the final action of the match, but it couldn't prevent a defeat which ended the hosts' Asian odyssey ended at the first hurdle.

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AFC Champions League™ 2022 (WEST) - Star Names

Tue, 05 Apr, 2022

AFC Champions League™ 2022 (WEST) - Star Names

Riyadh: Over the years, the AFC Champions League™ has attracted some iconic names, both from across Asia and beyond, and the latest edition of the competition brings together an unprecedented number of star players.

With the start of the group stage action in the West drawing ever closer, the-AFC.com takes a look at some of the star names that will be on show in Saudi Arabia. 

Santi Cazorla of Al Sadd and Bernard of Sharjah look to make an impact on their second appearance, but each of James Rodriguez, Odion Ighalo, Ever Banega and Toby Alderweireld will be making their debuts for Al Rayyan, Al Hilal, Al Shabab and Al Duhail respectively.

AFC Champions League™ 2022 (WEST) - The Host Cities

Tue, 05 Apr, 2022

AFC Champions League™ 2022 (WEST) - The Host Cities

Riyadh: For the first time in the AFC Champions League™ history, the centralised group stage will take place across four cities in one country, with Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Buraidah hosting west games between 7th and 27th of April.

Over the past three years, and in an effort to ensure continuity of Asia’s premier club competition despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the AFC held the 2020 edition in a centralised format in Qatar, with the cities of Doha and Al Wakrah hosting the games.

Last year, hosting rights for group stage matches were divided between Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and India for the West, while Uzbekistan and Thailand hosted games in the East. Ahead of kick-off of the 2022 edition, the-AFC.com profiles the four host cities of West groups.

Group by Group Preview: AFC Champions League™ 2022 (WEST)

Tue, 05 Apr, 2022

Group by Group Preview: AFC Champions League™ 2022 (WEST)

Riyadh: As we enter the month of April, the AFC Champions League™ 2022 is set to kick-off in a few days’ time starting with matches in the West, with the five groups taking place in Saudi Arabia.

From venues, to past encounters, to the players set to make in an impact in 2022, the-AFC.com profiles each of the five groups.

Asia’s finest learn path to glory in FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Final Draw

Sat, 02 Apr, 2022

Asia’s finest learn path to glory in FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Final Draw

Doha: Five Asian sides including tournament hosts Qatar learned their group stage opponents at a glittering FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Final Draw ceremony at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre on Friday.

Felix Sanchez’s side will kick off the tournament on November against Ecuador after being drawn in an intriguing Group A, which also features Senegal and the Netherlands.

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Final Draw: What they said

Mon, 04 Apr, 2022

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Final Draw: What they said

Doha: The glitzy draw for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ was held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre on Friday.

Japan, Saudi Arabia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Korea Republic and tournament hosts Qatar were handed challenging draws with Felix Sanchez’s side kicking off the tournament in November against Ecuador.

There could be a sixth Asian side in Qatar 2022 as Australia or United Arab Emirates will have to navigate their way to the Finals via an Inter-Confederation playoff victory over Peru.

Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the reaction to the draw.