ASEAN Wrap: A-League finals line-up confirmed; Pahang impress

Mon, 01 May, 2023

ASEAN Wrap: A-League finals line-up confirmed; Pahang impress

Kuala Lumpur: The regular season in Australia concluded on Saturday confirming a meeting between Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers for the very first time in A-League Finals Series while Central Coast Mariners defeated Adelaide United 4-1 to finish ahead of them in second place.

In Malaysia, unbeaten Pahang posted their fourth consecutive win in the league as they edged Terengganu 2-1 to maintain the pressure on leaders Johor Darul Ta’zim while Kuala Lumpur City, who were without a win five games into the season, have now won all four of their outings since. 
 
Khon Kaen United, Nakhon Ratchasima, Lamphun Warriors, PT Prachuap and Sukhothai remain under the threat of relegation with two games left of the season in Thailand while Kaya FC-Iloilo improved their position at the top of the table in the Philippines, so join the-AFC.com as we review the week’s action from across ASEAN. 

East Asia Wrap: Vissel bounce back; Shanghai Derby ends level

Mon, 01 May, 2023

East Asia Wrap: Vissel bounce back; Shanghai Derby ends level

Hong Kong: After a defeat to reigning champions Yokohama F. Marinos in their last outing, league leaders Vissel Kobe returned to winning ways in Japan by defeating Shonan Bellmare 2-0 on Saturday but are under pressure from Sanfrecce Hiroshima who edged Cerezo Osaka 1-0 to stay two points behind.

In China PR, the honours were even as Shanghai Port and Shanghai Shenhua met in a crunch Shanghai Derby on Sunday while defending champions Wuhan Three Towns defeated newly promoted Qingdao Hainiu 3-0 as they continue to rebound from a shaky start to their title defence. 

Defending champions Ulsan Hyundai were made to sweat for a 2-1 victory against Gwangju FC in Korea Republic and now enjoy a six-point advantage at the top while there were also matches in Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei and Macau, so join the-AFC.com as we review the week’s action from across East Asia.

Scholz wants Urawa Reds to show improvement

Mon, 01 May, 2023

Scholz wants Urawa Reds to show improvement

Riyadh: Alexander Scholz insists Urawa Red Diamonds must improve despite battling to a 1-1 draw in the AFC Champions League™ 2022 final first leg on Saturday.

Japan's Urawa produced a second half fightback to deny Al Hilal SFC of Saudi Arabia victory with Shinzo Koroki's 53rd minute goal cancelling Salem Al Dawsari’s 13th minute opener.

Michael confident Al Hilal can finish the job in Saitama

Mon, 01 May, 2023

Michael confident Al Hilal can finish the job in Saitama

Riyadh: Brazilian forward Michael fully believes Al Hilal SFC will overcome Urawa Red Diamonds  in the AFC Champions League™ 2022 final second leg at Saitama.

Salem Al Dawsari gave the defending champions a first half lead only for Urawa to level the tie through Shinzo Koroki at the King Fahd International Stadium.

Urawa filled with hope after tough first leg, says Skorza

Sun, 30 Apr, 2023

Urawa filled with hope after tough first leg, says Skorza

Riyadh: Maciej Skorza paid tribute to his Urawa Red Diamonds players for standing up to a dominant Al Hilal SFC in the AFC Champions League™ 2022 final first leg on Saturday.

Al Hilal looked to well placed for a resounding victory after taking a 13th minute lead through Salem Al Dawsari but Urawa not only weathered the storm but equalised through Shinzo Koroki to force a 1-1 draw at the King Fahd International Stadium, leaving next week's second leg tantasilingly poised.

Diaz: Al Hilal will fight till the end

Sun, 30 Apr, 2023

Diaz: Al Hilal will fight till the end

Riyadh: Ramon Diaz didn’t hide his disappointment but the head coach was adamant that Al Hilal SFC are still very much in the race to lift the AFC Champions League™ 2022 title.

A dominant Al Hilal paid a heavy price against Urawa Red Diamonds in Saturday’s first leg, allowing the Japanese to fight back for a 1-1 draw and losing the talismanic Salem Al Dawsari to a red card at the King Fahd International Stadium.

Al Dawsari had given Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal the lead in the 13th minute and the defending champions looked set for a convincing victory, only for a mistake allowing Shinzo Koroki to score the equaliser in the 53rd minute.

Men's Group B: Thailand 3-1 Singapore; Vietnam 2-0 Laos

Mon, 01 May, 2023

Men's Group B: Thailand 3-1 Singapore; Vietnam 2-0 Laos

Phnom Penh: Vietnam and Thailand secured opening day victories over Laos and Singapore respectively in Group B of the 2023 Cambodia Sea Games men's football on Saturday.

Defending champions Vietnam cruised to a 2-0 win over Laos while Thailand, the 2021 silver medalists, defeated Singapore 3-1.