Asian Domestic Wrap: Derby delight for East Bengal; Mariners down City

Mon, 22 Jan, 2024

Asian Domestic Wrap: Derby delight for East Bengal; Mariners down City

Kuala Lumpur: East Bengal reached the semi-finals of the Indian Super Cup as they fought back from behind to defeat Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-1 in the Kolkata derby on Friday.

Angel Torres’ 88th-minute goal proved to be the difference between the two sides as defending champions Central Coast Mariners edged last season’s premiers Melbourne City 2-1 on Sunday while honours were even in the top-of-the-table clash between Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne Victory in Australia on Friday. 
 
Reigning champions Phnom Penh Crown closed in on leaders Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng in Cambodia while Bashundhara Kings continued their perfect start to the season in Bangladesh with a 3-0 defeat of Sheikh Jamal, so join the-AFC.com as we review the week’s domestic action from across the continent.

Oman’s Ivankovic, Thailand’s Ishii satisfied with draw

Mon, 22 Jan, 2024

Oman’s Ivankovic, Thailand’s Ishii satisfied with draw

Doha: Branko Ivankovic commended the resilience of his Oman side after their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group F encounter with Thailand ended in a 0-0 draw on Sunday.

The Oman head coach also praised Thailand's defensive prowess and conceded to having been out of options when his side struggled to penetrate their opponents' resolute backline.

Passion and pride in full flow

Mon, 22 Jan, 2024

Passion and pride in full flow

Doha: AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ action has not only been spectacular on the pitch but also in the stands with fans doing their best to cheer the 24 teams on.

The supporters have gone to great lengths to will their teams on and the-AFC.com highlights some who have caught the eye at the stadiums hosting the matches. 

Preview - Group A: Tajikistan v Lebanon

Mon, 22 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group A: Tajikistan v Lebanon

Doha: Head coach Petar Segrt is confident of three points when Tajikistan face Lebanon in their final AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group A tie at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Monday.

Both teams secured draws against China PR and a win for either side will boost their chances of advancing into the Round of 16.

Preview - Group A: Qatar v China PR

Mon, 22 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group A: Qatar v China PR

Doha: China PR head coach Aleksandar Jankovic said it was a “privilege” that his team have their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ fate in their own hands as they go into their final Group A meeting with hosts Qatar on Monday knowing a win will take them into the knockout rounds.

Draws against Tajikistan and Lebanon mean a win will guarantee the two-times AFC Asian Cup runners-up a place in the last 16 while a draw could also take Jankovic’s side through to the next phase of the competition.

Tajikistan’s Umarbayev, Lebanon’s Khamis determined to clinch decisive win

Sun, 21 Jan, 2024

Tajikistan’s Umarbayev, Lebanon’s Khamis determined to clinch decisive win

Doha: Midfielder Parvizdzhon Umarbayev believes the hard work Tajikistan have put in will yield positive results when the tournament debutants face Lebanon in their must-win AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group A tie on Monday.

Tajikistan and Lebanon currently occupy the third and fourth positions in the standings, each having secured a single point.

Fathy promises focused Qatar; Wang optimistic China PR will advance

Sun, 21 Jan, 2024

Fathy promises focused Qatar; Wang optimistic China PR will advance

Doha: Qatar midfielder Ahmed Fathy insists he and his teammates will not ease off in their meeting with China PR at Khalifa International Stadium on Monday despite having secured their place in the last 16 of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ as Group A winners.

Fathy has played a leading role thus far, one of only six players Marquez Lopez has chosen to start both their matches against Lebanon and Tajikistan - having only featured in one game during Qatar's title-winning run in 2019.

Bahrain's Madan dedicates goal to family; Kim accepts responsibility for Malaysia’s defeat

Sun, 21 Jan, 2024

Bahrain's Madan dedicates goal to family; Kim accepts responsibility for Malaysia’s defeat

Doha: Ali Madan dedicated his match-winning goal to his family after Bahrain’s 1-0 victory over Malaysia in Group E of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Saturday.

The midfielder struck deep into second half stoppage time to break Malaysian hearts and, more importantly, revive Bahrain’s hopes of advancing to the knockout stage, with the West Asian side a point adrift of Jordan and Korea Republic.
 
They play Jordan on Thursday, knowing victory will take them through to the Round of 16 despite having kicked off their campaign wih a 3-1 defeat to Korea Republic.

Klinsmann hails Korea Republic for not giving up; Jordan make Ammouta proud

Sun, 21 Jan, 2024

Klinsmann hails Korea Republic for not giving up; Jordan make Ammouta proud

Doha: Korea Republic coach Jurgen Klinsmann heralded his team’s fighting spirit after the Taeguk Warriors salvaged a 2-2 with Jordan on Saturday through Yazan Al Arab’s late own goal in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group B tie.

The Jordanians succumbed following a prolonged period of sustained Korean pressure to give up the equaliser in the 91st minute having been on the cusp of a famous win against the two-time AFC Asian Cup winners.
 
Son Heung-min had given the Koreans a ninth minute lead from the penalty spot but Park Yong-woo’s own goal and a strike from distance by Yazan Al Naimat in first half injury time meant Klinsmann’s side were forced to launch a second half fightback to share the points.