We’ll give everything to win AFC Cup, says Nasaf hero Kaluđerović

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

We’ll give everything to win AFC Cup, says Nasaf hero Kaluđerović

Karshi: Extra-time hero Andrija Kaluđerović immediately set his sights towards next month’s AFC Cup final after his 106th-minute volley gave FC Nasaf a thrilling 3-2 win over Hong Kong’s Lee Man in Wednesday’s Inter-Zone final at Markaziy Stadium.

The Uzbek side were two goals up and seemingly cruising towards victory after half an hour, but an opportunistic strike from Gil Martins and a Jose Angel penalty saw the visitors force extra-time before Nasaf’s Serbian substitute sealed victory with an instinctive strike on the turn.
 
It’s nearly two decades since Kaluđerović took his first steps in the professional game, but there will have been few moments as crucial as this one, which sent Nasaf back to the final 10 years after they famously lifted the AFC Cup in 2011.

www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_cup/video/afccup2021_-_inter-zonal_final_|_fc_nasaf_uzb_3-2_lee_man_hkg.html

Nasaf advance after Inter-Zone thriller with Lee Man

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Nasaf advance after Inter-Zone thriller with Lee Man

Karshi: An extra-time strike from substitute Andrija Kaluđerović sent Nasaf to the 2021 AFC Cup Final after a thrilling Inter-zone final against Lee Man of Hong Kong ended 3-2 after extra time at Markaziy Stadium on Wednesday.

The Uzbek side looked to be cruising into the decider when an Fernando Recio own goal and Khusain Norchaev’s seventh of the tournament had them 2-0 up after 26 minutes, but the visitors produced a stirring response to force extra-time thanks to second half goals from Gil Martins and Jose Angel.
 
But Kaluđerović emerged as the hero, volleying home in the 106th minute as Nasaf booked a place in next month’s decider against Muharraq Club of Bahrain, who defeated Kuwait SC 2-0 in the West Zonal final on Wednesday.

Muharraq Club cruise past Kuwait SC in West Zonal final

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Muharraq Club cruise past Kuwait SC in West Zonal final

Muharraq: Bahrain's Muharraq Club will contest their third AFC Cup final, after comfortably beating Kuwait SC 2-0 in the 2021 AFC Cup West Zonal Final on Wednesday to reach the competition's decider on November 5.

Muharraq will face FC Nasaf of Uzbekistan - who defeated Hong Kong's Lee Man earlier on Wednesday - in the final. 

Kim hails Pohang's ‘fantastic’ performance

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Kim hails Pohang's ‘fantastic’ performance

Jeonju: Pohang Steelers head coach Kim Gi-dong was full of praise for his players after they came from a goal down to eventually eliminate holders Ulsan Hyundai on penalties in the 2021 AFC Champions League semi-final after a dramatic encounter at Jeonju World Cup Stadium on Wednesday.

The fixture pitted East Coast Derby rivals Pohang and Ulsan against each other for the first time in the competition and, following a quiet opening 45 minutes, the game sprang into life after the interval with Yun Il-lok giving the defending champions the lead early in the second half.

Hong looks towards domestic titles after holders Ulsan Hyundai exit

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Hong looks towards domestic titles after holders Ulsan Hyundai exit

Jeonju: Hong Myung-bo has set his sights on winning the domestic double after defending champions Ulsan Hyundai were eliminated in the 2021 AFC Champions League semi-finals following a penalty shootout defeat to East Coast Derby rivals Pohang Steelers on Wednesday.

Yun Il-lok gave Ulsan the lead in the 52nd minute at Jeonju World Cup Stadium but, after Won Du-jae was sent off midway through the second half, Alex Grant headed in a late leveller that forced extra-time and, ultimately, penalties.

Dave Bulthuis, one of the heroes of the 2020 title-winning campaign, blasted the first spot-kick over and, with Pohang netting all five of their penalties, it was the 2009 champions that advanced to a final against Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal SFC.

Young stars ready for action at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2022™ Qualifiers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Young stars ready for action at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2022™ Qualifiers

Kuala Lumpur: The stage is set for Asia’s future stars to shine when the AFC U23 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2022™ Qualifiers kick off on Saturday in centralised venues.

With the excitement building up, 39 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Member Associations (MAs) will be vying for 15 available spots to join host Uzbekistan at the keenly anticipated AFC U23 Asian Cup in 2022, which will be staged in the Central Zone for the first time in Asian football history.

Xavi Hernandez and Laurent Blanc anticipate spectacular FIFA World Cup™ in Qatar

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Xavi Hernandez and Laurent Blanc anticipate spectacular FIFA World Cup™ in Qatar

Doha: Two FIFA World Cup™ winners – Laurent Blanc, who lifted the trophy with France in 1998, and Xavi Hernandez, a champion with Spain in 2010 – are currently plying their trade as coaches in Qatar, which will host the next edition of international football’s showpiece event in 2022.

Ahead of the next major milestone on the road to Qatar 2022 – the inauguration of Al Thumama Stadium, the sixth World Cup-ready venue – Blanc and Xavi visited the stadium where they will face-off in the dugout. 

UAE to host next FIFA Club World Cup in early 2022

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

UAE to host next FIFA Club World Cup in early 2022

Paris: The United Arab Emirates will host the next FIFA Club World Cup early in 2022, FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced on Wednesday.

The latest edition of the tournament - which features the champions of the six continental Confederations along with the top team in the host nation - was due to be played at the end of this year in Japan before it pulled out as host because of the pandemic.

Magic Mitoma, Al Ammari, Alipour and more: Vote for your AFC International Player of the Week

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Magic Mitoma, Al Ammari, Alipour and more: Vote for your AFC International Player of the Week

Kuala Lumpur: Many returned to club duty after a crucial international break, but there was little let up in quality from the Asian players plying their trade outside the continent.

Son Heung-min, Amir Al Ammari and Ali Gholizadeh hit the ground running after returning to their respective European homes, Kaoru Mitoma scored a sensational hat-trick in Belgium while Tang Jiall struck a blow for Chinese women’s football in England.
 
But who deserves the title of AFC International Player of the Week? Study our 10 nominees – based on performances from October 13 to 19 – and don’t forget to register your vote.

UAE’s Taheri eager to not let up after comeback win over Guam

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

UAE’s Taheri eager to not let up after comeback win over Guam

Bishkek: A stirring come-from-behind win against Guam kept United Arab Emirates’ dream of AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 qualification alive - now head coach Houriya Taheri wants to make it a reality.

Staring down the barrel of defeat after a defensive error allowed Aprl Talledo to put Guam ahead, the Emiratis dug deep to turn the game around at Bishkek’s Dolen Omurzakov Stadium on Monday.
 
Naeema Gharib’s willingness to press paid off when she intercepted a wayward pass from Guam shot stopper Kiarra Hutcherson before slotting home the equaliser, and captain Nouf Faleh Al Anzi provided the winner from the penalty spot with less than 10 minutes remaining to spark mass celebrations.