East Asia Wrap: Southern lift cup; Marinos close in on Vissel

Mon, 22 May, 2023

East Asia Wrap: Southern lift cup; Marinos close in on Vissel

Hong Kong: Brazilian forward Stefan Pereira scored twice in the second half as Cheng Siu Chung’s Southern defeated Lee Man FC 2-0 in the final at Mong Kok Stadium on Saturday to lift the Sapling Cup in Hong Kong – the first-ever major piece of silverware for the Aberdeeners coming in their 21st year of existence. 

Left-back Katsuya Nagato scored his first goal of the season and also provided an assist as reigning J1 League champions Yokohama F. Marinos moved within three points of early-season leaders Vissel Kobe in Japan following a 2-0 win over Gamba Osaka on Saturday. 

Former Espanyol forward Wu Lei scored and assisted in Shanghai Port’s 2-0 win over Meizhou Hakka which moved them to the summit in China PR while matches also took place in Korea Republic, Chinese Taipei and Guam, so join the-AFC.com as we review the week’s action from across East Asia.

Group C: Matsuki earns Japan winning start

Mon, 22 May, 2023

Group C: Matsuki earns Japan winning start

La Plata: A well-taken Kuryu Matsuki strike from the edge of the area proved enough for Japan to earn all three points from their opening FIFA U-20 World Cup Argentina 2023 encounter against Senegal at La Plata Stadium on Sunday.

Japan face Columbia - who defeated Israel 2-1 - next on Wednesday with a place in the knockout stage well within their reach.

Group A: Spirited Uzbekistan edged by Argentina

Sun, 21 May, 2023

Group A: Spirited Uzbekistan edged by Argentina

Santiago del Estero: Uzbekistan were denied an opening victory as hosts Argentina came from behind to defeat the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2023™ winners 2-1 in their opening FIFA U20 World Cup 2023 Group A tie on Saturday. 

Goals from Alejo Veliz and Valentin Carboni helped Argentina take the three points after Makhundjon Makhamadjonov had given Uzbekistan a 23rd minute lead. 

West Asia Wrap: Kuwait SC, Al Nahda clinch titles

Mon, 22 May, 2023

West Asia Wrap: Kuwait SC, Al Nahda clinch titles

Doha: Kuwait SC emerged champions of Kuwait on Saturday, clinching the title for a record 18th time.

Al Nahda emerged top in Oman as they ended a nine-year wait for the title.
 
The Saudi Pro League is set to go down to the wire, Air Force Club have taken over the lead in Iraq while Al Foutoua and Al Ittihad are involved in a neck-and-neck race in Syria so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the domestic action across West Asia. 

Khalidiya create Bahrain Premier League history

Sat, 20 May, 2023

Khalidiya create Bahrain Premier League history

Isa Town: Khalidiya created history by winning the Bahraini Premier League title for the first time after a 1-1 draw with Bahrain Club on Friday.

The title comes just three years after the formation of the club and caps a remarkable season for Khalidiya. 

Persepolis clinch 15th Iran Pro League title

Fri, 19 May, 2023

Persepolis clinch 15th Iran Pro League title

Doha: Persepolis FC are champions of the Islamic Republic of Iran again after registering a 4-0 win over Nassaji Mazandaran on Thursday.

In a title race that went to the wire, Persepolis clinched their 15th Iran Pro League by finishing a point ahead of Sepahan with the Tehran-based side ending their campaign on 66 points.

Vote For Your Best #ACL2022 Team: Defenders

Fri, 19 May, 2023

Vote For Your Best #ACL2022 Team: Defenders

Kuala Lumpur: With yet another gripping AFC Champions League™ season now behind us, the-AFC.com continues its quest to find out who you, the fans, pick as the Best XI from this year's continental competition. 

Earlier in the week, we brought to you the nominees for the best goalkeeper from the 2022 edition of Asia’s premier club tournament, which was won by Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds after they defeated Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal SFC, and now we present the candidates who could make up the back four of the Best XI. 
 
Here are the 12 players who are in contention for a place in the backline. Review the candidates and don't forget to select your favourite defenders for the AFC Champions League 2022 all-star XI in the polls below.