Japan legend Hasebe announces retirement

Thu, 18 Apr, 2024

Japan legend Hasebe announces retirement

Frankfurt: Japan’s AFC Asian Cup™-winning captain Makoto Hasebe has announced he will bring down the curtain on his illustrious career when he retires at the end of the current Bundesliga season.

The 40-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder played 114 times for Japan and led his country to the continental title in 2011 while also winning the 2007 AFC Champions League title with Urawa Red Diamonds during a career that featured almost 700 club appearances.

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Hoang’s half-time pep talk inspires Vietnam to victory

Thu, 18 Apr, 2024

Hoang’s half-time pep talk inspires Vietnam to victory

Doha: Head coach Hoang Anh Tuan's half-time pep talk sparked Vietnam to an impressive 3-1 win over Kuwait in their opening AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ Group D campaign on Wednesday. 

After an eventful first which saw both teams reduced to 10 men and tied 1-1, Hoang admitted he didn’t hold back during the break. 

Kapadze pleased with Uzbekistan’s winning start; Malaysia’s Garrido stays positive

Thu, 18 Apr, 2024

Kapadze pleased with Uzbekistan’s winning start; Malaysia’s Garrido stays positive

Doha: Timur Kapadze was pleased to see his Uzbekistan side pass their first test at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ following a 2-0 win over Malaysia on Wednesday.

Strikes from Jasurbek Jaloliddinov and Ulugbek Khoshimov helped the former champions take a big step towards the knockout stage with Kapadze satisfied despite Uzbekistan not firing on all cylinders. 

Al Ain's Rahimi promises more after ending Al Hilal's amazing run

Thu, 18 Apr, 2024

Al Ain's Rahimi promises more after ending Al Hilal's amazing run

Al Ain: Soufiane Rahimi promised more of the same next week after his hat-trick helped steer Al Ain to a stunning 4-2 win over Al Hilal SFC in the first leg of their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 semi-final on Wednesday.

The Morocco striker scored all of his goals in the first half as UAE's Al Ain stopped Al Hilal's world-record breaking run at 34 wins. 

Ulsan make Hong proud; Kewell confident Marinos can bounce back

Thu, 18 Apr, 2024

Ulsan make Hong proud; Kewell confident Marinos can bounce back

Ulsan: Head coach Hong Myung-bo expressed pride after Ulsan Hyundai confirmed their spot in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 following their 1-0 win over Yokohama F. Marinos in the first leg of their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 semi-final on Wednesday.

Although there is still work to be done if Ulsan are to stay on track for a third continental title, the slender first leg win over Marinos meant they are assured of being one of the four Asian teams who will compete in next year's expanded FIFA Club World Cup.

Abdysh-Ata’s Akhmedov, Mariners’ Jackson equally optimistic of advancing

Thu, 18 Apr, 2024

Abdysh-Ata’s Akhmedov, Mariners’ Jackson equally optimistic of advancing

Bishkek: It remains all to play for in the AFC Cup™ 2023/24 Inter-Zone final between FK Abdysh-Ata Kant and Central Coast Mariners, with both head coaches optimistic of their respective sides’ chances of going through. 

Brian Kaltak gave Australia’s Mariners the lead with nine minutes left but Magamed Uzdenov equalised for Kyrgyz Republic’s Abdysh-Ata, with Islam Akhmedov hopeful his team will play even better in next week’s return leg.