ASEAN Wrap: Bangkok reach FA Cup semis; Sydney down Wanderers in derby

Mon, 15 Apr, 2024

ASEAN Wrap: Bangkok reach FA Cup semis; Sydney down Wanderers in derby

Kuala Lumpur: Bangkok United are one win away from booking a place in the Thai FA Cup final for the second consecutive season after Vander’s late winner helped them defeat Lamphun Warriors 1-0 on Wednesday and set up a semi-final clash with third-division side Udon United who upset Chonburi FC in their quarter-final tie. 

Jaiden Kucharski’s 98th-minute goal proved decisive in a thrilling finish as Sydney FC defeated Western Sydney Wanderers in the third and final Sydney derby of the regular season in Australia while defending champions Central Coast Mariners stayed in the lead ahead of the first leg of their AFC Cup™ 2023/24 Inter-Zone final against FK Abdysh-Ata Kant. 
 
Phnom Penh Crown and Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng set up a title clash in the Hun Sen Cup in Cambodia while reigning champions Kaya FC-Iloilo are among the four teams to win their first two matches of the new league season in the Philippines, so join the-AFC.com as we review the week’s action from ASEAN.

#ACL - Semi-final (West): Ones to Watch

Sat, 13 Apr, 2024

#ACL - Semi-final (West): Ones to Watch

Al Ain: The race for the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 title boils down to four teams as the competition enters the semi-final stage. Former champions Al Ain and Al Hilal lock horns on the west side with the first leg taking place in the UAE on Tuesday.

With both sides boasting multiple local and international stars, the-AFC.com shines the spotlight on three stars from each side that could make the difference in their respective teams’ pursuit of a spot in the final.

#AFCCup - West Zone Final: Key Players

Sun, 14 Apr, 2024

#AFCCup - West Zone Final: Key Players

Karbala: Oman’s Al Nahda and Lebanon’s Al Ahed face-off in a double header with a place in the AFC Cup™ 2023/24 final the reward for the winning side in the West Zone Final.

The two teams will be familiar with each other’s game, having qualified together from Group A, but this time around only one of them will qualify through to the next round. The-AFC.com highlights the players who have the potential to be the difference makers in the tie.

#AFCU23 - Ones to Watch

Sun, 14 Apr, 2024

#AFCU23 - Ones to Watch

Kuala Lumpur: Sixteen teams from across the continent will bring some of Asia's brightest talents to the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ as the sixth edition of the tournament kicks off on Monday.

Over the years, the competition has witnessed a number of players who have gone on to impress for club and country, and that is exactly what the current crop of players will be aiming for as they also seek continental glory and a place at the 2024 Paris Olympics by finishing as one of the top three teams.
 
From Japanese midfield livewire Kuryu Matsuki to United Arab Emirates prolific scorer Sultan Adil, the-AFC.com takes a look at eight youngsters who could make heads turn in the latest edition of the continental competition.

#ACL - East S-Final: How they got there

Sun, 14 Apr, 2024

#ACL - East S-Final: How they got there

Ulsan: Korea Republic's Ulsan Hyundai FC will host Yokohama F. Marinos of Japan in the first leg of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 East semi-final on Wednesday.

It promises to be an enthralling showdown with Ulsan Hyundai seeking a third continental title while Yokohama will be aiming to lift the coveted trophy for the first time.
 
Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at how the two sides progressed to the semi-finals.

Semi-Finals: 5 things to look out for

Fri, 12 Apr, 2024

Semi-Finals: 5 things to look out for

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 has reached the semi-final stage as the four remaining sides get ready to battle it out for a place in Asian club football’s main event.

With four-time Asian champions Al Hilal SFC, inaugural AFC Champions League winners Al Ain FC, two-time champions Ulsan Hyundai FC and Japanese powerhouse Yokohama F. Marinos making up the line-up, it’s a star-studded cast set to take centre stage on the continent.
 
Ahead of the first legs on April 16 and 17, the-AFC.com has selected five things to look out for.

#AFCCup - Road to Inter-Zone final

Sun, 14 Apr, 2024

#AFCCup - Road to Inter-Zone final

Bishkek: FK Abdysh-Ata Kant and Central Coast Mariners FC will square off in the AFC Cup™ 2023/24 Inter-Zone final on Wednesday.

Both sides will be aiming to create history as no team from Kyrgyz Republic or Australia have featured in the AFC Cup final before. 
 
The-AFC.com takes a look at how the two progressed to the Inter-Zone final.