Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: With the transfer window now open in many countries, clubs across Asia will be looking to strengthen ahead of the second half of the year, none more so than those still in the hunt for AFC Champions League and AFC Cup glory.
Eight clubs remain in contention for the AFC Champions League, while a further seven are looking to lift the AFC Cup. With the continent's two biggest club competitions to resume in August, the-AFC.com takes a look at some summer signings who have helped deliver success so soon after joining.
https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/8_summer_signings_that_made_their_mark.html
8 Summer Signings That Made Their mark
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Zurich: Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal have appointed Jorge Jesus as their head coach.
The 63-year-old Portuguese brings a wealth of experience to the Riyadh-based club, having previously coached 12 clubs in 28 years.
His coaching stints include Sporting CP and Braga in the Primeira Liga but most notably with Benfica, as he led the team to three league titles and runners-up twice in the 2014 and 2015 UEFA Europa League during his six-year tenure.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Doha: Xavi Hernandez could play on until the age of 40 after it was announced he has signed a two-year extension to his contract with Qatari club Al Sadd.
The legendary former Barcelona and Spain midfielder will stay with the Doha-based club until the end of the 2020 season, according to a statement released by Al Sadd on social media.
"I am happy to keep on being a part of the Al Sadd family for two more years," said Xavi.
"I am delighted to be at the club and with its fans.
"Everyone here is one big family and I am satisfied and thrilled to continue."
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Persepolis FC head coach Branko Ivankovic is confident of his side’s chances despite drawing high flying Al Duhail in the 2018 AFC Champions League quarter-finals.
“Al Duhail are the Qatar champions and have shown their strengths in the previous stages, however, I believe in my players,” said the Croatian coach.
Al Duhail have had a spectacular impact on the 2018 season, boasting a perfect record of eight wins - six in the group stage and two in the Round of 16 - and will look to carry that into the quarter-finals.
However, Ivankovic is counting on his team to repeat their 2017 edition success, when Islamic Republic of Iran’s Persepolis beat Al Duhail - then named Lekhwiya SC - 1-0 in the Round of 16.
“We have good memories of Al Duhail from the previous season. We want to repeat our success against them.
“We have a lot of respect for Al Duhail but I believe in my team.”
Persepolis team manager Amirali Hosseini spoke to the-AFC.com after the draw ceremony of Wednesday, and shared Ivankovic’s confidence on the Tehran-based club’s chances.
“There are no regrets about it (the draw), or wishing I was with this or that team because this is the stage that no team has come to accidentally,” said Hosseini.
“All teams are strong, and Persepolis are one of those strong teams. And we’re expecting a really exciting match.”
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: As coaches announce their national team squads ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the eight AFC Champions League quarter-finalists are sending 14 players to the global event in Russia.
With the final eight of the 2018 AFC Champions League decided and the draw conducted, eyes of Asian football fans turn to Russia for the FIFA World Cup, where five Asian nations will be present. Fans of AFC Champions League quarter-finalists will have one eye on their respective clubs' players looking to make a name for themselves in Russia.
A total of 14 players will be representing seven of the eight finalists, testament to the growing profile of the top club competition in Asia. Qatar's Al Duhail are the only side of the eight with no representatives amongst the 736 players competing for international glory next month.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Asia’s premier club football competition marked a decade of remarkable progress on Wednesday during the much-anticipated AFC Champions League 2018 Knockout Stage draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur.
The AFC Champions League was launched in 2002 as a successor to the Asian Club Championship, but 2009 marked a historic shift to enhance the stature of the competition and its transformation into one of the world’s best club continental tournaments.
AFC General Secretary Dato’ Windsor John, said: “In 2009, the AFC marked a new era of professionalism in Asian club football. It paved the way for a bigger, better and richer AFC Champions League competition.
“A decade later, we have a club competition few in the world can match. From record attendances to greater fan engagement, the AFC Champions League continues to capture imaginations in Asia and beyond. Above all, it provides the ultimate stage for the stars of the Asian game to shine.
“I would like to thank the clubs, the AFC Member Associations, the fans and our commercial and media partners who have played a pivotal role to ensure the success of the AFC Champions League, not just for this season but for the decades of continental club football.”
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: After a spectacular group stage and Round of 16, the cast for the 2018 AFC Champions League is down to the final eight teams.
Ahead of Wednesday’s draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur (4pm local time), join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the final eight challengers.
From the West Zone, we have Qatar’s Al Sadd and Al Duhail and Islamic Republic of Iran’s Esteghlal FC and Persepolis.
Japan’s Kashima Antlers, Tianjin Quanjian of China PR and Korea Republic clubs Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Suwon Samsung Bluewings are the four teams who will be in the East Zone pots.