Tale of two winners: Al Hilal 2019 v Al Ittihad 2004-05

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Tale of two winners: Al Hilal 2019 v Al Ittihad 2004-05

Kuala Lumpur: Two Saudi Arabian sides, two continental champions, two history makers. Al Ittihad and Al Hilal SFC are the only teams from the Kingdom to conquer the AFC Champions League.

Al Ittihad set a new standard for dominance, remaining the only team to win back-to-back AFC Champions League titles in 2004 and 2005, while Al Hilal’s persistence saw them overcome years of frustration to finally lift the trophy in 2019. the-AFC.com compares Saudi Arabia’s last two continental champions.

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/razvan_lucescu-hilal-getty.html

www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league/video/aclfinal_2019_-_2nd_leg_urawa_red_diamonds_vs_al_hilal_sfc.html

ACL Legends: Japan

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

ACL Legends: Japan

Kuala Lumpur: In the fourth edition of our AFC Champions League legends series, we turn the spotlight on Japan and highlight five icons who have graced Asia's premier club competition over the years. 

Three J.League clubs have tasted Continental glory in the AFC Champions League era, with Urawa Red Diamonds, Gamba Osaka and Kashima Antlers all having lifted the prestigious trophy, and players from the trio feature heavily in our selection.

Hougang's Anderson hits the books during lockdown

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Hougang's Anderson hits the books during lockdown

Singapore: As much of the world went into lockdown in a bid to suppress the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, Hougang United defender Zac Anderson buried his head deeper into his books in his latest move towards life after football.

Soon after the Singapore Premier League suspended play on March 24, the 29-year-old was continuing his work towards a Masters degree in Business Administration, all part of a plan to prepare for the days when he no longer pulls on his boots and takes to football fields around Asia.

Guangzhou Evergrande start work on 100,000-capacity stadium

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Guangzhou Evergrande start work on 100,000-capacity stadium

Shanghai: Chinese Super League champions Guangzhou Evergrande on Thursday began building a new stadium costing 12 billion yuan (US$1.7 billion) and boasting a 100,000 capacity, making it one of the world's largest arenas.

It will be marginally larger than Barcelona's Nou Camp and is scheduled to be ready by the end of 2022, Xinhua news agency said.

After long isolation, Steel Roses welcome Wang’s return

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

After long isolation, Steel Roses welcome Wang’s return

Suzhou: Chinese women’s national team head coach Jia Xiuquan has paid tribute to returning star Wang Shuang, after the 2018 AFC Women’s Player of the Year joined her teammates for the first time since being separated as a result of the coronavirus.

The former Paris Saint-Germain spent more than two months in isolation in Wuhan, forcing her to miss China PR’s Tokyo Olympic Qualifiers in Australia and continue her training within the confines of her apartment building.

With Wuhan’s lockdown finally at an end, and after a week or quarantine within the team camp, Wang and fellow Wuhan locals Lv Yueyun and Yao Wei finally took part in a training session with their international teammates on Thursday.

5 of the Best: Chips, lobs and scoops

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

5 of the Best: Chips, lobs and scoops

Kuala Lumpur: It's that time of the week when the-AFC.com looks back at some of the finest goals the AFC Champions League has witnessed during its rich history, with the latest '5 of the Best' taking in chips, lobs and scoops. 

Following on from the opening four editions – acrobatic goals, solo goals, volleys and long-range stunners – this week's compilation sees beautifully executed finishes from Saudi giants Al Ittihad and Al Hilal as well as entrants from FC Seoul, Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Guangzhou Evergrande, so sit back and enjoy!

Asia's World Cup Heroes: Expert verdict and results!

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Asia's World Cup Heroes: Expert verdict and results!

Kuala Lumpur: Two weeks ago, the-AFC.com profiled five Asian FIFA World Cup heroes from over the years and asked the fans to vote for their favourite. Now, it's the turn of our experts panel. 

Given the choice of Sami Al Jaber, Alireza Beiranvand, Tim Cahill, Keisuke Honda and Park Ji-sung, the fans' vote was won by Iranian goalkeeper Beiranvand, with Japan's Honda and Saudi legend Al Jaber coming in second and third place respectively – a decision that goes towards 25 percent of the overall result.