ASEAN Wrap: JDT clinch Malaysia Charity Shield; Albirex and Sailors make winning starts

Mon, 27 Feb, 2023

ASEAN Wrap: JDT clinch Malaysia Charity Shield; Albirex and Sailors make winning starts

Kuala Lumpur: Johor Darul Ta’zim kicked off their season by securing the first silverware on offer in Malaysia with a 2-0 win over last season’s runners-up Terengganu FC in the league opener, which also served as the Charity Shield, at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on Friday. 

In the opening fixtures of the Singapore Premier League, defending champions Albirex Niigata (S) defeated Young Lions 3-0 and Lion City Sailors beat Tanjong Pagar United 3-1, while Melbourne City returned to winning ways in Australia by defeating Sydney FC 3-2. 
 
In Thailand, leaders Buriram United were made to sweat for their 1-0 win over PT Prachuap, while there were also matches taking place in Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar and Laos, so join the-AFC.com as we review the week’s action from across Southeast Asia. 

East Asia Wrap: Ulsan down Jeonbuk in opener; Kawasaki off the mark

Mon, 27 Feb, 2023

East Asia Wrap: Ulsan down Jeonbuk in opener; Kawasaki off the mark

Hong Kong: Defending champions Ulsan Hyundai kicked off their league campaign in Korea Republic with a hard-earned 2-1 victory over FA Cup winners Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors at the Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium where Swedish striker Gustav Ludwigson supplied the winning goal on his debut on Saturday.

Akihiro Ienaga scored from the spot in the dying embers of the contest to help Kawasaki Frontale edge Kashima Antlers 2-1 for their first win of the season in Japan, while leaders Kitchee SC made it 10 wins in a row in Hong Kong and there were also matches in Guam, so join the-AFC.com as we review the week’s action from East Asia.

West Asia Wrap: Sharjah lift UAE Super Cup; Ronaldo hat-trick keeps Al Nassr ahead

Mon, 27 Feb, 2023

West Asia Wrap: Sharjah lift UAE Super Cup; Ronaldo hat-trick keeps Al Nassr ahead

Doha: Sharjah edged Al Ain 1-0 to lift the UAE Super Cup on Saturday.

In Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo starred with a hat-trick as Al Nassr stayed ahead in the race for the title.
 
There was also action in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine and Qatar so join the-AFC.com as we review the past week's domestic scene across West Asia. 

Diaz confident of different outcome in Urawa rematch

Mon, 27 Feb, 2023

Diaz confident of different outcome in Urawa rematch

Doha: Ramon Diaz is confident of a different outcome when Al Hilal SFC play Urawa Red Diamonds in the AFC Champions League™ 2022 final. 

The Argentine coach was in charge when Al Hilal suffered a heartbreaking defeat to the Japanese side in the 2017 decider, losing 2-1 on aggregate.
 
Al Hilal, however, are a different side now from then as the Saudi Arabian side went on to lift the trophy twice - in 2019 and 2021 - and Diaz is confident they will become only the second side to emerge back-to-back champions in the AFC Champions League era. 

Al Duhail must learn from defeat, says Crespo

Mon, 27 Feb, 2023

Al Duhail must learn from defeat, says Crespo

Doha: Hernan Crespo raised his hand in defeat after Al Duhail SC were taught a sobering lesson by Al Hilal SFC in their AFC Champions League™ 2022 semi-final at the Al Thumama Stadium on Sunday.

The defending champions were in imperious form as they cruised to a 7-0 victory, leading to Crespo admitting that the Saudi Arabian side thoroughly deserved the win which booked them a final date with Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds. 

Ighalo: Fast start secured emphatic victory

Mon, 27 Feb, 2023

Ighalo: Fast start secured emphatic victory

Doha: Four-goal hero Odion Ighalo attributed Al Hilal SFC’s fast start for their sensational AFC Champions League™ 2022 semi-final win over Qatar's Al Duhail SC at the Thumama Stadium on Sunday.

Ighalo’s second-minute opener laid the groundwork for defending champions Al Hilal cruising to a 7-0 win, with the Saudi Arabian side taking a hefty five-goal lead into the half-time break.