Latest update on the AFC National Team Competitions in 2021 and 2022

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Latest update on the AFC National Team Competitions in 2021 and 2022

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Executive Committee has today approved the AFC Women’s Football Committee’s recommendation to cancel the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Indonesia 2022 and the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2022.

The AFC Executive Committee acknowledged the importance to prioritise the health and safety of all stakeholders in particular, the Continent’s youth players against the backdrop of the ongoing uncertainty and challenges caused by the current pandemic. It was also decided that the same hosts will stage the next editions of both competitions in 2024.

Latest update on the AFC Club Competitions in 2021 and 2022

Wed, 29 Dec, 2021

Latest update on the AFC Club Competitions in 2021 and 2022

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Executive Committee has approved today the AFC Competitions Committee’s recommendation to reschedule all Knockout Stage matches of the AFC Cup 2021 and AFC Champions League 2021 (from the Quarter-finals onwards) from its current home and away format to single leg ties. 

Taking into consideration the existing uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the ongoing travel restrictions imposed across the Continent, the AFC Executive Committee agreed that it was essential to minimise the travel frequency of the participating clubs, while underlining its continued commitment towards ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all players, teams, officials and key stakeholders.

Fatigue almost cost us AFC Champions League triumph over Johor Darul Ta’zim, admits Nagoya Grampus’ Ficcadenti

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Fatigue almost cost us AFC Champions League triumph over Johor Darul Ta’zim, admits Nagoya Grampus’ Ficcadenti

Bangkok: Massimo Ficcadenti was relieved that Nagoya Grampus held on to claim their fifth victory in a row following the 2-1 defeat of Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim in Group G of the 2021 AFC Champions League on Sunday.

The victory sealed Nagoya’s progress into the Round of 16 with one match to spare as the Japanese side have 15 points, while second-placed Pohang Steelers of Korea Republic have 10 after being held 0-0 by Thailand’s Ratchaburi FC in Sunday’s earlier match.

Siripong: Ratchaburi showed true quality in AFC Champions League draw with Pohang Steelers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Siripong: Ratchaburi showed true quality in AFC Champions League draw with Pohang Steelers

Bangkok: Ratchaburi FC's Sek-san Siripong lauded his charges for showing maturity in their 0-0 draw against Korea Republic’s Pohang Steelers on Sunday.

Ratchaburi, playing in the AFC Champions League for the first time, held their own for 90 minutes in the Group G tie at the Rajamangala Stadium to walk away with a point and, in the process, deal a blow to Pohang's hopes of advancing to the Round of 16.

We have to hope for a miracle, admits Gamba Osaka’s Matsunami after AFC Champions League deadlock with Chiangrai

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

We have to hope for a miracle, admits Gamba Osaka’s Matsunami after AFC Champions League deadlock with Chiangrai

Tashkent: Gamba Osaka head coach Masanobu Matsunami pulled no punches in assessing his side’s 2021 AFC Champions League knockout stage chances, admitting the J1 League runners-up will need a miracle to advance following Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Chiangrai United.

Labelled a must-win match by Matsunami prior to kick-off, Gamba dropped points against the Thai side for the second time in four days, with Felipe Amorim’s sixth-minute goal putting the Japanese outfit on the back foot from the outset.

An own goal from Chiangrai defender Brinner just after half-time meant Gamba escaped without defeat, but the result leaves them four points adrift of group leaders Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors with two games remaining.

Tampines Rovers’ Nawas rues misfortune in AFC Champions League defeat to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Kim explains team selections

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Tampines Rovers’ Nawas rues misfortune in AFC Champions League defeat to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Kim explains team selections

Tashkent: Tampines Rovers coach Akbar Nawas rued his side’s misfortune as his 10 men fell to a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors despite putting in a spirited performance at Bunyodkor Stadium on Sunday.

The Singaporean side defended resolutely, limiting their opponents to chances few and far between in the opening half of 2021 AFC Champions League Group H tie and were even inches away from opening the scoring as goalkeeper Hwang Byeong-geun was forced into a fine save to deny Armin Bosnjak before the half-hour mark.

A Stanislav Iljutcenko header late in the first half was the difference until an hour into the game when things started to unravel quickly with Yasir Hanapi receiving two yellow cards in quick succession to leave his side a man short. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors took advantage and added three more goals in the space of 11 minutes.

Room for growth despite AFC Champions League win over Guangzhou, says Kitchee's Chu

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Room for growth despite AFC Champions League win over Guangzhou, says Kitchee's Chu

Buriram: Alex Chu Chi-kwong defended his team’s performance after Kitchee SC notched up a second consecutive 1-0 win over Guangzhou FC to keep pace with Cerezo Osaka at the top of Group J in the 2021 AFC Champions League on Saturday at the Buriram Stadium.

Chu chose to rest several experienced members of his usual starting line-up, including Raul Baena and Cleiton, and Kitchee laboured against the youthful Guangzhou side until the pair were introduced in the second half.

Dejan Damjanovic scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot 20 minutes from time to give Kitchee their third win in four games and set them up perfectly for their crunch meeting with Port FC on Tuesday.