Malaysia to host AFC Champions League Groups G and H 

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Malaysia to host AFC Champions League Groups G and H 

Kuala Lumpur: The Football Association of Malaysia has been confirmed as the host Member Association for the 2020 AFC Champions League East Zone Group G and H matches which will take place from October 17 to November 1, 2020.

Malaysia will also host the Round of 16 which will see teams from both groups battle on November 4, 2020, two Quarter-final matches on November 25, 2020 and one Semi-final tie three days later after submitting their interest to host ahead of the designated deadline.

Hotshots: Bafétimbi Gomis (Al Hilal SFC) - 2019 AFC Champions League

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Hotshots: Bafétimbi Gomis (Al Hilal SFC) - 2019 AFC Champions League

Kuala Lumpur: When it came to scoring goals during last season’s AFC Champions League, nobody shone quite as brightly as Al Hilal SFC favourite Bafétimbi Gomis.

Known for his predatory instincts and unique goal celebration, Gomis found the net 11 times for his club as the Saudi giants reigned supreme.

Vote for your best ACL2018 Team: Midfielders

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Vote for your best ACL2018 Team: Midfielders

Kuala Lumpur: As the-AFC.com continues to look back at the stars from recent AFC Champions League campaigns, there is another glittering cast on offer this week as we shine the spotlight on the best midfielders from the 2018 tournament. 

After selecting the 2018 competition's best goalkeeper and the four men to take their place in the backline, this week we move on to the more attacking positions by turning our attention towards the midfield positions and highlighting 10 standout performers.

A tournament that saw Barcelona legend Xavi finally make his AFC Champions League debut had no shortage of creative flair, so review the nominees and don't forget to vote for your favourite at the bottom of the article!

When legends return: Eight favourite sons who came home and conquered

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

When legends return: Eight favourite sons who came home and conquered

Kuala Lumpur: The return of the prodigal son. It is a footballing plot point nearly as old as the game itself, with the reappearance of a long-departed local hero possessing a special ability to stir the passions of even the most jaded of fans.

Asia has had no shortage of these storylines, with a range of pioneering football exports and national team icons going back to where it all started to cap off their careers.

To coincide with FC Seoul’s signing of former Korea Republic captain Ki Sung-yueng, the-AFC.com looks at eight local heroes who returned, and thrived, after years abroad.

5 of the Best: Chips, lobs and scoops

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

5 of the Best: Chips, lobs and scoops

Kuala Lumpur: It's that time of the week when the-AFC.com looks back at some of the finest goals the AFC Cup has witnessed over the years, with the latest '5 of the Best' taking in chips, lobs and scoops. 

With our series so far including acrobatic goals, solo goals, volleys, long-range screamers, free-kicks, last-minute winners, curlers and flicks, tricks and backheels, this week's compilation sees beautifully executed finishes from teams from Pyongyang, Bacolod, Yangon and more so sit back and enjoy!

Gan: It is incredible how much Malaysians love football

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Gan: It is incredible how much Malaysians love football

Kuala Lumpur: Go to any nightspot or restaurant in Malaysia and there is a good chance there will be a football match on. Often it is the English Premier League or a major European match, but make no mistake, when Malaysia play a big home international, there is only one focus for the nation of 32 million.

“It is incredible how much they love football in this country,” said Brendan Gan, Malaysian midfielder and one of the nation’s most popular footballers.

I am not ready for retirement, says Guam's Cunliffe

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

I am not ready for retirement, says Guam's Cunliffe

Hagåtña: At 36, most strikers are slowing down. Don’t count Guam’s most-capped player, record marksman and captain among them.

The Micronesian territory lost 1-0 to Bhutan in the first leg of their fight for a place in the second round of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023, but Jason Cunliffe’s hat-trick and two assists inspired them to a 5-0 victory in the return.