Kuk Hyang’s spirit is as strong as her defending

Thu, 09 May, 2024

Kuk Hyang’s spirit is as strong as her defending

Bali: DPR Korea have yet to concede after their first two AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024 Group A matches and at the centre of their unyielding defence stands captain Ri Kuk Hyang. 

The 17-year-old from Pyongyang has played a starring role in her side’s defence, putting in a true skipper’s performance to marshall her fellow defenders and prevent threats coming keeper Pak Ju Gyong’s way.

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Song expects more from DPR Korea

Fri, 10 May, 2024

Song expects more from DPR Korea

Bali: Despite DPR Korea’s second convincing Group A outcome at the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024, head coach Song Sung Gwon was not overly satisfied with the way his side performed in their 6-0 win over the Philippines on Thursday.

The win sealed DPR Korea’s spot in the semi-finals with a match to spare but Song believes his team can play even better, with the victory against the Philippines following their 7-0 defeat of Korea Republic on Matchday One. The East Asian side meet hosts Indonesia in their final group match on Sunday.

Kim: Players’ desire key to big Korea Republic win

Fri, 10 May, 2024

Kim: Players’ desire key to big Korea Republic win

Bali: Head coach Kim Eun-jung heaped praise on her players after Korea Republic secured their first win in Group A of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024 on Thursday to reignite their hopes of reaching the semi-finals.

Eight players got on the scoresheet in a 12-0 win with captain Won Ju-eun starring with a quadruple of goals, a result which gives Korea Republic the advantage heading into their decider against Philippines on Sunday.

Playoffs draw finalised

Thu, 09 May, 2024

Playoffs draw finalised

Kuala Lumpur: The six teams in playoffs for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round learnt their opponents following the official draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

The three winners from the match-ups will join Bhutan, Maldives and Laos, who punched their tickets to the Qualifiers Final Round as the three best-ranked losing teams from the Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 1, alongside 18 teams (all third and fourth-placed teams from across nine groups) from Round 2. 

#ACL Final: Ones to Watch - Yokohama F. Marinos

Fri, 10 May, 2024

#ACL Final: Ones to Watch - Yokohama F. Marinos

Yokohama: With Yokohama F. Marinos progressing to their maiden AFC Champions League™ final against Al Ain FC, a number of players from the J1 League side have showcased their talents to football lovers across Asia and beyond.

Over the years, some legendary figures have etched their names into Marinos folklore – among them Shunsuke Nakamura, Yuji Nakazawa, Yoo Sang-chul and Ramon Diaz – and the current crop of players will look to write their own piece of history by achieving AFC Champions League glory.
 
After seeing off two-time champions Ulsan Hyundai on penalties in the semi-final, Harry Kewell’s men are now just two matches away from lifting the coveted trophy. The-AFC.com has picked out three players who could be key in the grand finale.

#ACL Final: Ones to Watch - Al Ain FC

Fri, 10 May, 2024

#ACL Final: Ones to Watch - Al Ain FC

Yokohama: As Al Ain prepare to take on Yokohama G. Marinos, their fans will be hoping their side can finally vanquish their AFC Champions League™ final demons, having lost their last two appearances in the decider of the 2005 and 2016 editions.

Head coach Hernan Crespo can count on a perfect mix of youth, experience and players at the peak of their careers to bring home the trophy for the second time after 2002-03, even as Al Ain travel to Japan without star striker Kodjo Laba. The-AFC.com profiles key players for the Emirati giants.