Japan continue to set the pace

Thu, 30 Nov, 2023

Japan continue to set the pace

Kuala Lumpur: Japan maintained their position as Asia's top team following the release of the latest FIFA Men's World Ranking on Thursday.

The East Asian side moved up one spot to 17th, thanks to their recent stellar form.

UAE well equipped for title tilt

Thu, 30 Nov, 2023

UAE well equipped for title tilt

Kuala Lumpur: Semi-finalists in the previous two editions of the AFC Asian Cup™ and having come within a whisker of advancing to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Inter-Confederation Playoff, United Arab Emirates will be confident of impressing at Qatar 2023. 

The squad, consisting of a nice blend of experienced and young players, will relish their chances in Group C with Islamic Republic of Iran, Hong Kong, China and Palestine their opponents.

Totchtawan proud of history-makers Bangkok United

Thu, 30 Nov, 2023

Totchtawan proud of history-makers Bangkok United

Pathum Thani: History was made at the Thammasat Stadium on Wednesday after Bangkok United beat Lion City Sailors FC 1-0 in Group F of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24, the win confirming the Thai side's knockout stage spot.

Bangkok United’s only other participation in the AFC Champions League proper ended in the group stage in 2007 and the significance of Wednesday’s victory was not lost on head coach Totchtawan Sripan.

Vinyals: Zhejiang deserved the win

Thu, 30 Nov, 2023

Vinyals: Zhejiang deserved the win

Huzhou: Zhejiang FC came out triumphant in a five-goal thriller with Buriram United in the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 on Wednesday to maintain their push for a place in the knockout stage.

Head coach Jordi Vinyals said his Chinese side deserved the win, pointing to the character of the players in picking up their second victory in Group H.

Janas hails Urawa’s nerves of steel

Thu, 30 Nov, 2023

Janas hails Urawa’s nerves of steel

Saitama: Urawa Red Diamonds assistant head coach Rafal Janas praised his players’ determination after sealing a 2-1 win over China PR’s Wuhan Three Towns in Group J of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 on Wednesday.

With the score tied at 1-1, Urawa were heading for a group stage exit until Jose Kante struck from the edge of the box in the 90th minute to keep the defending champions in the tournament. 

Dropped points frustrate Central Coast’s Jackson

Thu, 30 Nov, 2023

Dropped points frustrate Central Coast’s Jackson

Gosford: Head coach Mark Jackson was left to rue Central Coast Mariners’ missed opportunity after the Australian side were held 1-1 by Malaysia’s Terengganu FC in Group G of the AFC Cup™ 2023/24 on Wednesday.

The A-League side needed a last-gasp goal from Miguel Di Pizio to salvage a point and stay top of the standings.

A win for Jackson’s side would have seen them through to the ASEAN Zonal semi-finals with a game to spare but they found themselves chasing the tie after Engku Nur Shakir’s 53rd minute header.