Central and South Asia Wrap: Persepolis held in opener; Nasaf stay top

Mon, 19 Aug, 2024

Central and South Asia Wrap: Persepolis held in opener; Nasaf stay top

New Delhi: There was no winning start for Persepolis FC as the defending champions kicked off their Iran Pro League 2024/25 season with a 1-1 draw against Zobahan.

FC Nasaf showed resilience as they edged Qizilqim 1-0 despite playing for more than 66 with a one-player deficit in their Uzbekistan Super League tie, while Abdyshh-Ata Kant put up a five-star performance to remain leaders in the Kyygyz League.

In Tajikistan, Istiklol scripted their 13th consecutive victory, while Royal Thimpu College Royal Thimphu defeated Thimphu City to widen the gap in Bhutan.

#ACLElite - Know your teams (East)

Sun, 18 Aug, 2024

#ACLElite - Know your teams (East)

Kuala Lumpur: The newly-minted AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 is set for take-off following the conclusion of the League Stage draw in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Friday.

As we eagerly await for the action to kick off, the-AFC.com takes a look at the 12 teams who will battle for the eight quarter-final spots in the East Zone.

The action promises to be spectacular as only two former AFC Champions League winners made the cut, setting the stage for high-octane matches.

Al Hilal lift Saudi Super Cup in style

Sun, 18 Aug, 2024

Al Hilal lift Saudi Super Cup in style

Abha: Al Hilal kicked off their 2024/25 season majestically as they came from behind to defeat Al Nassr 4-1 in the Saudi Super Cup final on Saturday.

It was their second successive Super Cup and fifth overall as the four-time Asian champions showed they mean business in the upcoming season.

Stars of the AFC Champions League™

Fri, 16 Aug, 2024

Stars of the AFC Champions League™

Kuala Lumpur: The thrilling AFC Champions League era has come to a conclusion as, after 22 years of top-class Asian club football, the tournament has been revamped to AFC Champions League Elite™ in the upcoming season.

From household domestic names to international stars, the competition has been lit up by a number of players who provided memories to cherish for lovers of Asian football.

Spanning East Asia to West Asia, the-AFC.com selects 10 of the biggest superstars the competition has witnessed in its illustrious history.

#ACLElite League Stage Draw: What they said

Fri, 16 Aug, 2024

#ACLElite League Stage Draw: What they said

Kuala Lumpur: The 24 teams are relishing the opportunity to feature in the inaugural AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 following the League Stage draw in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Friday.

The-AFC.com caught up with several teams following the draw, which will usher in a new era for Asian club football.

#ACLTwo Group Stage Draw: What they said

Fri, 16 Aug, 2024

#ACLTwo Group Stage Draw: What they said

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 is set to take off following the conclusion of the group stage draw in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Friday.

The-AFC.com takes a look at what the teams had to say in reaction to the draw. 

#ACLElite League Stage hopefuls learn opponents

Fri, 16 Aug, 2024

#ACLElite League Stage hopefuls learn opponents

Kuala Lumpur: Thrilling battle lines were drawn following the conclusion of the AFC Champions League Elite™ (ACL Elite) 2024/25 season League Stage draw on Friday.

In a pivotal change, the League Stage format will be utilised for the first time in an AFC club competition and features two leagues of 12 teams across the West and East regions.

Iconic new trophy unveiled for #ACLElite

Fri, 16 Aug, 2024

Iconic new trophy unveiled for #ACLElite

Kuala Lumpur: The most coveted piece of silverware of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s elite men’s club competitions was presented to the world on Friday evening, marking the latest milestone in the Asian club game.

A stunning masterpiece that symbolises both the essence of Asian heritage and pinnacle of football achievement, the new AFC Champions League Elite™ (ACL Elite) trophy was unveiled during the official League Stage draw ceremony of the inaugural 2024/25 season at the InterContinental Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia by the AFC Competitions Committee Chairperson, Dr. Tran Quoc Tuan.

Japan maintain status as Asia’s best

Fri, 16 Aug, 2024

Japan maintain status as Asia’s best

Kuala Lumpur: Japan remained the highest-ranked Asian team in the latest FIFA Women’s Ranking released on Friday.

The Nadeshiko, who lost to eventual champions the United States in the quarter-finals of the Olympics Football Tournament Paris 2024, stayed in seventh place while DPR Korea are the only other Asian side in the top 10 after they moved up a spot to ninth.

Dazzling new #ACLTwo trophy unveiled

Fri, 16 Aug, 2024

Dazzling new #ACLTwo trophy unveiled

Kuala Lumpur: Asia’s most promising teams will vie for the right to add a brilliant piece of silverware to their trophy cabinet when they contend for glory in the AFC Champions League Two™ (ACL Two) 2024/25 season.

The first look at the gleaming new trophy came on Friday afternoon when it was revealed at the official draw ceremony for the Group Stage at the InterContinental Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia by the AFC Competitions Committee Chairperson, Dr. Tran Quoc Tuan.

#ACLTwo group stage draw finalised

Fri, 16 Aug, 2024

#ACLTwo group stage draw finalised

Kuala Lumpur: Exciting match-ups and titanic battles are on the cards after teams found out who their opponents are following the group stage draw of the AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 on Friday.

Four groups in the East and West respectively will house the 32 teams competing for the ultimate prize of being the inaugural winners of this brand new competition.