AFC'S CHINESE NEW YEAR GREETINGS

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC would like to wish the Asian football family a very happy and prosperous Chinese New Year!

Chinese New Year is a time for celebrations, happiness and the arrival of spring and with it great abundance. It is a time to reflect on the year that has passed and spend time with family and friends as we welcome the coming year.

It’s also a time to forge closer ties between our communities, Member Associations and other stakeholders as we gear up and move forward to ensure the success of Asian football.

In this very special Year of the Goat, the AFC would like to wish everyone celebrating: “Gong Xi  Fa Chai” and may the New Year bring peace, prosperity, success and good fortune to all.

ROUND-UP: AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE AND AFC CUP PLAY-OFFS

Kuala Lumpur: The Play-offs for the Group Stages of the 2015 AFC Champions League and 2015 AFC Cup concluded on Tuesday.

AFC Champions League Groups

A: Al Nassr, Lekhwiya, Persepolis, Bunyodkor
B: Al Ain, Pakhtakor, Al Shabab, Naft Tehran
C: Foolad Khouzestan, Lokomotiv, Al Hilal, Al Sadd
D: Tractorsazi Tabriz, Al Ahli (UAE), Nasaf Qarshi, Al Ahli (KSA)
E: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Shandong Luneng, Binh Duong, Kashiwa Reysol
F: Gamba Osaka, Seongnam FC, Buriram United, Guangzhou R&F
G: Brisbane Roar, Urawa Red Diamonds, Suwon Samsung, Beijing Guoan
H: Guangzhou Evergrande, Western Sydney Wanderers, Kashima Antlers, FC Seoul  

AFC Cup Groups:

A: Salam Zgharta, Al Nahda, Al Wahda, Al Wehdat
B: Al Shorta, Al Jazeera, Wadi Al Nes, Al Hidd
C: Qadsia SC, Arbil, FC Istiklol, Ahal FC
D: Riffa, Kuwait SC, Nejmeh, Al Jaish
E: Bengaluru FC, Persipura Jayapura, Warriors FC, Maziya S&R
F: Kitchee, Kingfisher East Bengal, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Balestier Khalsa
G: Yadanarbon, South China, Global FC, Pahang FA
H: Persib Bandung, Ayeyawady, Lao FC, New Radiant SC

NO TIME TO REST ON PLAY-OFF LAURELS SAYS SEOUL COACH CHOI

Seoul: Coach Choi Yong-soo insists former finalists FC Seoul must quickly forget about Tuesday’s emphatic 7-0 win over Vietnam’s Hanoi T&T in the AFC Champions League play-offs with a re-match with China’s Guangzhou Evergrande already looming in the group stage next week. 

Striker Jung Jo-gook scored twice while the impressive Yun Il-lok, Everton Santos, Sergio Escudero, Lee Seok-hyun and captain Koh Myong-jin were all on target at Seoul World Cup Stadium as FC Seoul comfortably secured a third consecutive appearance in the group stage having also reached the semi-finals last year. 

But FC Seoul, who do not begin the new K League Classic season until the start of March, must now turn their attentions to next week’s trip to Tianhe Sports Center Stadium next Wednesday for their Group H opener against the side they lost the 2013 final to on away goals having drawn the second leg 1-1 in China. 

“We prepared really hard at the winter camp and it paid off,” said FC Seoul coach Choi, who also saw his side draw the first leg of the 2013 AFC Champions League final 2-2 at home. 

“The important thing is we have to forget about the match today and we need to prepare for the next game. 

“We have an away match against Guangzhou and I know they are really strong team. They have a strong squad, however, in football, we don’t know anything until the final whistle.”

Vietnamese league runners-up Hanoi had beaten Indonesia’s Persib Bandung 4-0 in last week’s second preliminary round, but Phan Thanh Hung’s side found the gulf in class too much having reached the quarter-finals of the AFC Cup last year. 

“FC Seoul is a strong team. I want to say congratulations and also good luck in the group stage,” said Hanoi coach Thanh Hung. 

“The atmosphere in Seoul was really good today and Seoul performed really well. 

“The weather today was really cold and it made it difficult for us to perform well. Also a lack of experience in the ACL was another difficult factor. 

“From the experience today, we hope to play well when we have another chance to play in this tournament.”

AL SADD ARE IN IT TO WIN IT INSISTS AMMOUTA

Abu Dhabi: Al Sadd coach Lhoussaine Ammouta believes former winners Al Sadd can again challenge for the continental title after securing a place in the group stage of the AFC Champions League after winning a second consecutive penalty shootout following Tuesday’s victory over Al Wahda of the United Arab Emirates. 

Goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb saved from Hussain Fadhel in sudden death after 120 minutes had left the side’s deadlock at 4-4 after former AFC Player of the Year Khalfan Ibrahim had scored a hat-trick for Al Sadd, which included the 95th minute equaliser at the end of normal time. 

And having edged out Bahrain’s Al Riffa 11-10 on penalties following a goalless draw in last week’s preliminary round, Al Sadd will now take their place in Group C alongside Iran’s Foolad Khouzestan, Uzbekistan’s Lokomotiv and Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal having won the title in 2011 on penalties having also begun in the play-offs. 

“I’m extremely happy with the exciting win as we gave our best tonight and we had great determination to make a good comeback and win the match in order to qualify to the group stage of the competition,” said Al Sadd coach Ammouta, pictured during last year's ACL campaign..

“We were behind tonight, but we came back stronger and we should have sealed the match before the penalty shootout. 

“We want to have a good performance in the group stage and compete for the title.” 

Al Wahda had taken an eight minute lead through Damian Diaz only for Yusef Ahmed and Ibrahim to turn the tie in favour of Al Sadd just after the hour mark. 

Amer Omar quickly levelled the tie again with 18 minutes remaining before team-mate Mohamed Al Shehhi net what appeared to be the winner in the second minute of stoppage time. 

But after a mass coming together of players shortly after saw Al Wahda’s Diaz and Adil Hermach receive red cards while Al Sadd’s Kasola was also given his marching orders, there was still time for Ibrahim to equalise. 

The striker then reclaimed the lead for Al Sadd eight minutes into the second half of extra-time only for Ismail Matar’s superb free-kick to send the tie to penalties. 

And after Grafite missed for Al Sadd and Omar missed for Al Wahda, Al Sheeb eventually emerged as the hero by denying Kuwaiti defender Fadhel in sudden death. 

“I believe Al Wahda deserved to win tonight following the good performance that they showed today,” said Al Wahda coach Sami Al Jaber. 

“We controlled the proceedings and the players showed great fighting spirits and I thank them for what they gave us tonight. 

“Al Sadd are a big team and they have previously won the AFC Champions League title. We were not lucky in the last minutes of regular time and they managed to score, while we showed a good performance in the two extra halves, but the penalty shootout didn’t go our way.”

WE HAVE PROVEN OUR ACL CREDENTIALS SAYS GUANGZHOU R&F COACH CONTRA

Gosford: Coach Cosmin Contra insists China’s Guangzhou R&F fully deserve their maiden appearance in the group stage of the AFC Champions League after recording an eye-catching 3-1 win over Australia’s Central Coast Mariners in Tuesday’s play-off. 

Jiang Ning opened the scoring after just eight minutes at Central Coast Stadium, and after Guangzhou survived a strong start to the second half from the home side, Lu Lin added a second just before the hour mark. 

Josh Rose’s spectacular own goal from just inside his own half with just under two minutes remaining extended Guangzhou’s lead before Glen Trifiro’s stoppage time free-kick handed the home side a consolation having been outplayed for the majority of the contest. 

“I am very happy for my players because they worked very hard in the last six weeks. I think we deserve to go through to the group stage as in general, we were the better team,” said Romanian coach Contra, who replaced Sven-Goran Eriksson as Guangzhou coach at the end of last year.  

“We scored very fast in the first 10 minutes and I think this changed the game for the opponent also and we had more space for counter-attacks and we had three or four more chances on these counter-attacks, but we didn’t score. 

“And after we survived the first 15 minutes of the second half, after the second goal, we had the victory in our hands. 

“We scored very fast and this opened the game up, then it was more difficult to attack us as we had more space and we have players who can make very good counter-attacks. We were lucky on some occasions as they pushed very hard in the second half.” 

Guangzhou will now travel to Japan next week to face J.League champions and 2008 AFC Champions League winners Gamba Osaka in Group F, which also contains 2010 continental champions Seongnam FC from Korea Republic and Thailand’s Buriram United. 

“I don’t know much about our opponents as I was focused on these two games, but we will sit down and look at the three opponents we will have in the group and I will have more information in the next few days,” added Contra having seen Guangzhou also beat Singapore’s Warriors FC 3-0 in last week’s preliminary round. 

“I think we have a chance as we have proven our self in these two games against very good teams.” 

The defeat ended Central Coast’s chances of securing a fourth consecutive appearance in the group stage of the AFC Champions League having reached the Round of 16 in 2013. 

“We gave ourselves a mountain to climb after conceding that early goal and we didn’t defend the diagonal well and we didn’t defend the goal well. It was a quality finish, but it is probably the story of our season as we give way cheap goals,” said Central Coast coach Phil Moss. 

“We had good possession, we had some good entries into their box tonight, but it is just that cutting edge in front of goal.”

AL AHLI SUBSTITUTIONS PAID DIVIDENDS SAYS GROSS

Jeddah: Coach Christian Gross credited the impact of his second-half substitutes in helping Al Ahli recover from a goal down to gain victory and a place in the AFC Champions League after Tuesday’s 2-1 comeback victory over Kuwaiti club Qadsia SC.

AFC Cup holders Qadsia SC has taken the lead on 33 minutes courtesy of Bader Al Motawaa’s stunning free-kick but they were pegged back by Omar Al Soma’s penalty within the final 10 minutes, and had earlier lost the services of defender Khaled Al Qahtani who was red carded for conceding the spot-kick.

And in extra-time it was Al Ahli midfielder Mustafa Al Bassas’ who reacted quickest to prod home a loose ball in the penalty area with just five minutes of the additional 30 remaining to ensure the Saudi club took their place in Group D alongside Hazfi Cup winners Tractorsazi Tabriz of Iran, the United Arab Emirates champions Al Ahli and Uzbek club Nasaf Qarshi.

“We were hoping to score early but it wasn't an easy match and we lost concentration after we conceded the goal to Qadsia SC. We played against a strong team as Qadsia SC are one of the best teams in Kuwait and they made it hard for us today,” said Al Ahli coach Gross (pictured), who brought on Ahmed Al Aloufi, Abdullah Al Mutairi and Hussain Al Moqhawi in the second period.

“We made several substitutions which were good for us and eventually we made a good comeback before winning the match in the extra time.

“I want to thank our fans who showed in big numbers tonight and they gave us great support.”

Qadsia SC had edged Jordan's Al Wehdat 1-0 last week in the previous round of play-offs but, much like their 2014 campaign when they were eliminated at the final qualifier for the group stages by El Jaish of Qatar, the climax to the continental play-offs proved again a step too far for the Kuwaiti Premier League champions.  

“I would like to congratulate Al Ahli for their win today but at the same time I want to congratulate my players for their great performance as they had a good match until we were one man down,” said Qadsia SC coach Antonio Puche, whose side will enter the AFC Cup and form part of Group C as the look to defend their title.

“I'm proud of my team and I thank the players for what they showed especially against a strong team like Al Ahli. The fans of Al Ahli were great and it was a good match from the two sides.”

NAGATOMO A MAJOR DOUBT FOR JAPAN’S KIRIN CUP CLASH WITH TUNISIA

Tokyo: Japan and Inter Milan defender Yuto Nagatomo is a doubt for the Samurai Blue’s March 27 Kirin Cup clash with Tunisia after being ruled out for six weeks with a hamstring injury.

Nagatomo suffered a slight tear of his right hamstring while on duty for Japan at the recently concluded AFC Asian Cup in Australia, but aggravated the injury during Inter’s 3-0 Serie A win against Palermo last weekend.

The 28-year-old underwent an MRI scan in Italy which determined that he has a second degree hamstring strain, leaving a major question mark over his availability for next month’s meeting with the Tunisians in Oita.

The Kirin Cup encounter with Tunisia will be Japan’s first international outing since they crashed out of the 2015 Asian Cup at the quarter-final stage following a penalty shootout defeat to the UAE – a loss that hastened the departure of then head coach Javier Aguirre. 

Japan will use the March friendly to fine-tune preparations for their joint 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia and AFC Asian Cup 2019 qualifying campaign which is scheduled to begin in June. 

JAMAL HOPING TO MAINTAIN PALESTINIAN FOOTBALL’S POSITIVE MOMENTUM

Wadi Al Nes: After Palestine's historic AFC Asian Cup finals debut in Australia, a competition they qualified for thanks to their first-ever continental title success at the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup, Wadi Al Nes defender Ahmad Jamal is hoping the West Bank Premier League clubs participating in the AFC Cup can continue the ‘feelgood factor’ currently permeating Palestinian football.

With the AFC’s revamping of its club competitions opening the door of top level continental football to a greater number of Member Associations, Wadi Al Nes’ 2013/14 league triumph has guaranteed that they will be the first team from Palestine to take part in the AFC Cup, while Hilal Al Quds could join them in the tournament if they successfully negotiate Tuesday’s play-off against inaugural AFC Cup champions Al Jaish.

And Jamal is determined Wadi Al Nes will play their part in the current Palestinian football renaissance when they embark on their inaugural AFC Cup campaign against Jordan’s Al Jazeera at the Faisal Al Huseni Stadium on February 24.

“Palestinian football has come a long way over the last few years, in both Arab and Asian tournaments. We’re not just taking part in the AFC Cup to make up the numbers; our intention is to qualify for the second round,” the 27-year-old told FIFA.com.

“Wadi Al Nes are making their debut in the competition, and we’re going to give 100 per cent as we try to overcome hurdles and achieve positive results. We’ve got a few surprises up our sleeves for all our supporters, despite the difficult circumstances we find ourselves in at home.”

Domestic rivalries are put on hold in the continental arena for Jamal, who is hoping that West Bank Premier League rivals Hilal Al Quds will join the them in the AFC Cup, with the 2013/14 Palestine Cup winners facing Syrian giants Al Jaish in Bahrain next week.

Hilal Al Quds supplied eight players for the Palestine national team that battled bravely during their three matches at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup and with the national team having won the hearts of many a neutral watching the action Down Under, the Jerusalem-based club joining Jamal’s side in the AFC Cup would represent another triumph for the West Asian nation.

“Hopefully Hilal Al Quds can make it to the group stage, as that would have a great impact on Palestinian football as a whole. As for Wadi Al Nes, let’s hope we can match some of our national team’s recent performances.”

AFC HOLDS COMPETITIONS CALENDAR 2016-2018 WORKSHOP

Kuala Lumpur: A workshop for the AFC Competitions Calendar 2016-2018 took place at AFC House in the Malaysian capital on Friday.

The AFC Competitions Calendar is produced by the AFC Competitions Division and provides a guideline for Member Associations to plan their activities. It is also designed to accommodate the best possible competition dates for all parties concerned.

The calendar is, therefore, of vital importance to players, clubs, participating Member Associations, competition hosting Member Associations and match officials.

“The competitions calendar is always an interesting topic to the Member Associations, domestic leagues, clubs and the AFC,” said AFC Deputy General Secretary Dato’ Windsor John while opening the workshop.

“This workshop provides a chance for all the participants, who are representatives from the concerned Member Associations, to give their feedback, ideas, comments and suggestions regarding our competitions calendar, which we will then collate and present to the relevant committees. There will also be a meeting with the Task Force Members of the Competitions Calendar after the workshop.

“We know the challenges and difficulties the Member Associations face, therefore, we will take into account all elements in all the regions and I’m sure with your co-operation and expertise of the Task Force Members, we will be able to create a calendar that will be good for all.”

MABKHOUT ON THE MARK AS BUNYODKOR BECKON FOR AL JAZIRA

Ras Al Khaimah: AFC Asian Cup 2015 Top Scorer Ali Mabkhout was on target again as Al Jazira geared up for their 2015 AFC Champions League Play-off against Bunyodkor with a 2-0 victory over Emirates in their final domestic fixture ahead of their trip to Tashkent.

Mabkhout, who netted five times in the UAE’s impressive third-place finish at Australia 2015, opened the scoring 18 minutes into Thursday’s UAE league Round 16 clash before seeing his angled shot deflected into the net by Emirates defender Mubarak Saeed as Al Jazira opened up a three-point lead over inaugural ACL champions Al Ain at the top of the table.

Next up for Al Jazira AFC Champions League 2015 Play-off against two-time semi-finalists Bunyodkor, with a place in Group A alongside Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr, Lekhwiya of Qatar, and Tehran giants Persepolis going to the winner of Tuesday’s encounter in Tashkent.

ACL PRELIMINARY RD2: GUANGZHOU R&F 3-0 WARRIORS FC

Guangzhou: Guangzhou R&F will take on Australia’s Central Coast Mariners to determine who advances to the Group Stage of the 2015 AFC Champions League next week after the Chinese Super League side handed Warriors FC from Singapore a 3-0 defeat on Tuesday.

Chinese international Jiang Zhipeng opened the scoring seven minutes into the second half for Cosmin Contra’s side before goals from Jang Hyun-soo and Zhang Shuo in the 60th and 73rd minutes respectively ensured Guangzhou advanced to the next phase of qualifying in Gosford next Tuesday.

“This match is just one of the two games to qualify to the AFC Champions League Group Stage,” said Guangzhou’s Romanian coach, pictured coaching former club Getafe last season.

“And, to be honest, our opponent was not a strong one. A win was within our ability.

“Of course, every journey is always difficult at its beginning, so I would like to congratulate my team on winning and tonight we will have a small party. Tomorrow, we will begin the preparation for the next game.”

Guangzhou managed the win without the services of striker Abderrazak Hamdallah, who scored 22 times during the Chinese Super League last season, and Contra lamented the Moroccan forward’s absence.

“I’m very happy with the result tonight,” said Contra. “Our three goals were beautiful. The only pity was when Abderrazak Hamdallah was absent, it was difficult to find a good replacement.

“It’s undeniable that all of our players are good. Many of them are versatile. However, from this match, we could tell that when Hamdallah is unavailable it is hard to find a substitute from our AFC Champions League roster. I think a big part of our upcoming work will be to focus on looking for this kind of player.”

Warriors were attempting to qualify for the Group Stages of the AFC Champions League for the first time since 2010 – when they were known as Singapore Armed Forces FC – but the defeat came as little surprise to coach Alex Weaver.

“I’m not surprised by the result,” he said. “Considering where both sides are from and their football qualities, I am quite happy with our performance tonight.

“I think the three goals from Guangzhou were quality goals. We expected their football level prior to the game. They were in charge of the game and their defence was good too. They are very experienced and that’s why I’m not shocked by the result at all.”

COACH CALLS FOR HANOI T&T TO SHOW MORE SPIRIT IN SEOUL

Hanoi: Coach Phan Thanh Hung is well aware Vietnam’s Hanoi T&T will have to raise their game even further in next week’s AFC Champions League play-off with former finalists FC Seoul despite easing to a 4-0 victory over  Indonesia’s Persib Bandung in Tuesday’s Preliminary Round. 

Argentinian forward Gonzalo Marronkle and Nigeria-born naturalised Vietnamese striker Samson Olaleye each scored twice for the V.League 1 runners-up at My Dinh Stadium.

And Hanoi, who failed to reach the final round of play-offs last year after losing to Thailand’s Muangthong United, will now travel to Korea Republic next Tuesday to face 2013 finalists FC Seoul at Seoul World Cup Stadium in the South Korean capital for a place in Group H. 

"I'm very happy with this victory. All players showed very high mentality, good motivation, good performance and really played to win,” said Hanoi coach Thanh Hung (pictured during last year’s AFC Cup campaign). 

“I hope that my players will be better in the next game against the South Korean side. It's not a problem to play the day just before New Year’s Day, in fact we passed the same situation last year. 

“I believe that my players are professional, so they will try their best in the next round.” 

Either Hanoi or FC Seoul will face former winners Guangzhou Evergrande from China, who beat FC Seoul on away goals in the 2013 final, defending champions Western Sydney Wanderers from Australia and Japan’s Kashima Antlers in Group H of the AFC Champions League. 

Bandung, meanwhile, will now head Group H of the AFC Cup alongside Myanmar’s Ayeyawady United, Lao FC from Laos and Maldivian club New Radiant having struggled to cope with the home side.

Emral Abus’ side did finish strongly, but after Bandung captain Atep was denied by Hanoi goalkeeper Duong Hong Son with seven minutes remaining with their first real chance of the contest, Malian striker Makan Konate saw his penalty saved two minutes later. 

"It's quite a surprise with the result of the game, but I know that the main reason is the bad physical condition of our players after a long flight,” said Bandung coach Emral Abus. 

“Many players were tired so they didn’t have good concentration during the game. 

“I think Hanoi T&T is a really a good team. They have good players and they played well today. 

“Their crosses were very dangerous for us and really useful in this game. Congratulations to Hanoi T&T.”

INDIA V NEPAL HEADLINES 2018 WORLD CUP, 2019 ASIAN CUP QUALIFIERS DRAW

Kuala Lumpur: Twelve Asian nations discovered their opponents for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2019 AFC Asian Cup Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 1 on Tuesday.

Asia’s 12 lowest ranked sides – India, Sri Lanka, Yemen, Cambodia, Chinese Taipei, Timor Leste (ranked 35th to 40th by FIFA), Nepal, Macau, Pakistan, Mongolia, Brunei and Bhutan (ranked 41st to 46th by FIFA) – were involved in the draw at AFC House, with the India versus Nepal encounter arguably the pick of the six ties decided.

Always a keenly contested affair, the meeting of the two South Asian nations will have an added dimension in the form of returning India head coach Stephen Constantine who was in charge of Nepal from 1999 until 2001.

Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 1 Draw

India v Nepal
Yemen v Pakistan
Timor-Leste v Mongolia
Cambodia v Macau
Chinese Taipei v Brunei DS
Sri Lanka v Bhutan

The dozen hopefuls will now meet on March 12 and 17 as they attempt to progress to the next stage of qualifying, while the games will also see the Asian Football Confederation become the first governing body to begin qualifying for FIFA's global extravaganza in Russia.

The six winners will advance to Round 2 where the 34 highest ranked teams await. The 40 nations will be drawn into eight groups of five teams and compete according to a double round robin format.

The Round 2 qualification matches will be held from June 11, 2015 to March 29, 2016.

The group winners and four best runners-up (total 12 teams) will advance to the 2019 Asian Cup finals and the final round of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.

The next best 24 teams from the preliminary stage of the joint qualifiers will compete in a separate competition for the remaining slots (12 slots or 11 slots + 1 slot for the host) in the 24-team 2019 Asian Cup finals.

ACL PRELIMINARY RD2: CHONBURI 4-1 KITCHEE

Chonburi: Coach Jadet Meelarp hailed a disciplined display from Chonburi as a 4-1 win over Hong Kong champions Kitchee kept the Thai Premier League runners-up in the hunt for a place in the group stage of the AFC Champions League. 

Brazilian Leandro Assumpcao scored a hat-trick while Nurul Sriyankem was also on target for the home side at Chonburi Stadium. 

And despite Wan Chun scoring in the first half for Kitchee, who eventually finished the game with 10 men after captain Lo Kwan Yee picked up a second yellow card on the hour mark, Chonburi will face 2013 semi-finalists Kashiwa Reysol from Japan next Tuesday for a place in Group E of the AFC Champions League. 

“We are very pleased with the team's performance today,” said Chonburi coach Jadet. 

“I went to see Kitchee play last week and they do not look like a typical Hong Kong team. They are good on the ball and we needed to squeeze the ball. 

"Today, we were very disciplined and made the game easy to play. 

“We hope to qualify for the group stages when it comes to this, but we will not rush to play Kashiwa Reysol. 

“We will have to see their players before, but we have a lot of confidence.” 

Leandro Assumpcao and Nurul scored to hand Chonburi a two-goal cushion after 27 minutes only for Wan to reduce the deficit for Kitchee 10 minutes before half-time. 

But after Leandro Assumpcao added a second four minutes later, the Brazilian completed his hat-trick 10 minutes into the second half before Kitchee’s task was made even harder as Lo was dismissed. 

And Jose Molina’s side will now face India’s East Bengal, Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim and Singapore’s Balestier Khalsa in Group F of the AFC Cup having reached the semi-finals last year. 

“I think we started well in the first period,” said Kitchee coach Molina. 

“But after we were reduced to 10 men, it became even more difficult in this game. 

“But now we want to qualify for the next round of the AFC Cup and we want to do better than last year after we reached the semi-finals, so our aim this year is to reach the final.”

AFC CUP PRELIMINARY ROUND (WEST): ALTYN ASYR 0-1 AL SAQR

Ashgabat: Yemen champions Al Saqr will face Bahrain’s Al Hidd for a place in the group stage of the AFC Cup after Tawfik Ali’s second-half strike secured a 1-0 win over Turkmenistan counterparts Altyn Asyr in Tuesday’s Preliminary Round. 

Ali netted seven minutes after the hour mark for the visitors in front of an 18,000 crowd at Ashgabat Stadium despite the home side dominating for long periods. 

And Al Saqr will now travel to the National Stadium in Manama next Tuesday to face Al Hidd, with Iraq’s Al Shorta, Jordan’s Al Jazeera and Palestine’s Taraji Wadi Al Nes awaiting the winner in Group B. 

“We are happy with achieving victory. It was very difficult match for us as we didn’t have good preparations for the game,” said Al Saqr coach Mohammed Al Zuraiqi. 

“The Yemen championship has stopped and we have not had any match experience recently, but my players showed character and played until the end of the match. 

“Altyn Asyr is the best team of Turkmenistan. They created a lot of chances tonight, but our plan gave us the result. We attacked very fast and scored a winning goal. 

“We will continue our campaign in a week and we should be prepared for this important match.” 

Altyn Asyr made a strong start to the contest with midfielder Myrat Annayev and captain Ahmet Atayev central figures for the home side. 

Visitors Al Saqr, though, came close to a breakthrough after 24 minutes as Shaaban Mostafa shot wide from close range following good work from Waleed Al Hubaishi. 

Annayev then wasted a brilliant chance for the home side eight minutes later following a mistake from Al Saqr defender Basem Al Aqel, with Atayev and Suleyman Muhadov also passing up opportunities for Altyn Asyr at the end of the first half. 

And the hosts continued to dominate at the start of the second half, but seven minutes after the hour mark, Al Saqr took the lead as captain Akram Al Wrafi played in Ali from the centre of the field and the striker fired past goalkeeper Mamed Orazmuhamedov. 

Altyn Asyr’s dominance continued after conceding, but with Al Saqr standing firm in defence, the home side were unable to find a response in the closing stages. 

“Unfortunately, we couldn`t give happiness to our fans,” said Altyn Asyr coach Dmitriy Korj. 

“We had a lot of moments, but we couldn`t score. We gave our best, but if you don`t score, you can`t win a match. We missed so many chances. 

“Al Saqr played from defence and they scored after a counterattack. We feel tonight’s result is a big pity.”

ACL PRELIMINARY RD2: EL JAISH 2-1 AL NAHDA

Doha: Goals from El Jaish’s Brazilian duo of Wagner Ribeiro and Romarinho in the final 12 minutes saved the Qatari club from suffering a major upset in the AFC Champions League play-offs as they edged past Al Nahda with a 2-1 scoreline after the Omani club had taken an early lead in Tuesday’s Preliminary Round. 

Ely Cheikh Samba El Voullany had opened the scoring on the fourth minute for the Omani champions at Al Gharafa Stadium and the visitors defence had held out for long spells of El Jaish pressure. 

But Wagner Ribeiro found a way through on the 78th minute before Romarinho completed the come-from-behind victory for the hosts, who reached the Round of 16 in the 2013 tournament, in the first minute of added time. 

El Jaish will travel to Iran next Tuesday to face Naft Tehran for a place in Group B alongside Uzbek champions Pakhtakor, Saudi club Al Shabab and inaugural AFC Champions League winners Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates. 

Al Nahda, who have never participated in the AFC Champions League before but did reach the semi-finals of the 2008 AFC Cup, got off to the perfect start in Doha as they took the lead in the opening minutes. 

Said Al Razaiqi launched a quick attack before sending the ball into the path of El Voullany and the Mauritanian forward powered ahead before firing a ferocious shot from the edge of the area which flew under the hands of the helpless goalkeeper Saoud Mubarak. 

Having been shocked into action after the early setback, El Jaish responded and laid siege to the Al Nahda goal with the visitors spending most of the first period hemmed in their own half. However, it was not until a minute before half-time that their hosts created a gilt-edged opportunity. 

After a corner from the right, Abdulqadir Ilyas attempted a first time flick on goal but the ball was cleared off the goal line by Al Nahda defender Ali Al Busaidi. 

El Jaish continued their dominance into the second period as they sought to restore parity and with 15 minutes remaining Korea Republic international Lee Keun-ho went close with a curled shot from inside the area by but Al Nahda goalkeeper Sulaiman Al Breiki was alert to the danger and saved well. 

However, the home side did not have to wait long for their leveller as substitute Wagner Ribeiro converted a free-kick on 78 minutes from just outside the penalty area that had been won by fellow second-half replacement and compatriot Romarinho. 

Romarinho almost scored himself just a minute later but he saw his first-time volley from close range crash against the crossbar.

But the former Corinthians forward was able to have the final say in the tie as Ilyas sent a cross from the right into the area which Al Nahda defender Mohamed Montassar failed to clear and Romarinho was in the right place and time to fire the ball into the roof of the net.

JFA PART WAYS WITH AGUIRRE

Tokyo: Japan Football Association (JFA) President Kuniya Daini has announced that Javier Aguirre has been dismissed from the position as head coach of Japan’s senior national team.

Daini explained the decision during a media conference at the JFA’s headquarters on Tuesday stating that it was the confirmation by the Spanish courts that Aguirre has been cited as one of 41 defendants in match-fixing case relating to a 2011 La Liga match between Levante and Real Zaragoza, who the Mexican managed at the time.

“We learned last night (Monday) that the case involving Aguirre has been accepted,” the Japan Times quoted Daini as saying.

 “We were praying that this would not be the case, so we are very disappointed. But the most important thing for us to think about is the impact it would have on the national team.

“Our qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup in Russia begin in June, and the investigation involving Aguirre will start now and could then lead to prosecution. We don’t want to risk it having an impact on the qualifiers, and with this in mind, Aguirre’s contract has been terminated.”

Aguirre, who was appointed head coach in August when he took command of the Samurai Blue following a poor performance at the 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign under previous incumbent Alberto Zaccheroni, oversaw a disappointing 2015 AFC Asian Cup campaign which ended when the defending champions were eliminated after a penalty shootout defeat to the UAE in the quarter-finals.

However, Daini stressed that Japan’s underachievement at Australia 2015 had no bearing on the JFA’s decision to part company with Aguirre.

“Aguirre had been doing very well in charge of the team, and if the case had not been accepted then there would have been no problem. That is the reason this is happening now.

“When he came back from Australia I told him that if the case was accepted it would be difficult for him to continue, and he understood that.”

AFC REFEREEING SEMINAR PART 2 BEGINS

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Refereeing Seminar 2015 Part 2 began with an AFC Referee Instructor Course on Tuesday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

FIFA/AFC Instructors Ali Altraifi and Shamsul Maidin led the instructors cast for this course. The list was further enhanced by Ray Olivier from Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) and Ian Blanchard from the England FA. Also present was guest instructor Keren Barratt also from PGMOL.

The four-day course has 31 participants including three aspiring AFC Instructors.

Consultant to the AFC Referees Department, General Farouk Bouzo, who opened the course, said that the training programme is important for the development of refereeing standards.

He said the theoretical and practical sessions are conducted by experienced and knowledgeable instructors and the participants should seize the opportunity to improve themselves and show their abilities.

They must also realise that they have important roles and duties in the development of referees at the Member Association and AFC levels, he added.

Yoshimi Ogawa, Director of the AFC Referees Department, said football cannot improve if referees do not improve also.

In general, the referees at the recently concluded AFC Asian Cup 2015 were able to meet the expected performance objectives and while the referees themselves have worked very hard to improve, it cannot be denied that a good education programme is also very important to improve refereeing standards, Ogawa explained.

Referees must never be satisfied and must always challenge themselves to improve further, Ogawa said, and referee instructors must aim to constantly develop their competency, knowledge and skills in order to achieve the goal of producing top grade referees.

The AFC Refereeing Seminar 2015 will be conducted in three parts. Part 1, which was held last year, focused on Men Referees and Assistant Referees, while Part 2 comprises Referee Instructor and Assessor courses. There will also be briefing sessions for Video Assessors and Referee Recruiters.

Part 3 is scheduled for the end of February and will concentrate on Women Referees and Assistant Referees as well as Futsal Referees.

SHAIKH SALMAN HAILS AUSTRALIA’S AFC ASIAN CUP 2015 TRIUMPH

Sydney: AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has offered his congratulations to the AFC Asian Cup 2015 winners, Australia, following their hard fought victory over Korea Republic in Saturday’s final – which ended 2-1 after extra time.

Shaikh Salman, who handed over the prestigious Asian Cup trophy to Socceroos team captain Mile Jedinak after the final whistle at the Stadium Australia Sydney, said it has been a remarkable 23-day celebration of Asian football and the thrilling encounter between Australia and Korea Republic in the final had rounded off the tournament perfectly.

"Australia has won the competition for the very first time in their history, and to do this in front of the home crowd is truly special. I would like to commend the team for their deserved victory,” he said. “Furthermore, whilst we always welcome coaches from outside Asia, it is nice to see the team coached by one of our own.”

The AFC President also expressed his hopes that the competition as well as Australia’s victory would provide the impetus for the rest of Asia to progress and elevate their standard to an even higher level.

“Australia’s win and their standard of performance throughout the competition is a yardstick that all Asian nations should look to follow, and this also goes for their organisation of the whole event.

“The tournament itself has been tremendous. Filled with quality and excitement, it was a fantastic festival of football that the whole of Asia can be proud of.

"As such, allow me to congratulate Australia for hosting such a memorable AFC Asian Cup. The whole world was presented with a competition that has been remarkable in spirit and in passion, and we have Australia to thank for that,” he said.

The President also praised runners-up Korea Republic for showing great effort during the tournament, reaching the final with the best defence whilst fielding a young squad. He also admired the team for being model professionals on and off the pitch.

The AFC President took the opportunity to praise all teams that participated in the AFC Asian Cup, as the competition this year has provided a thoroughly enjoyable experience for the fans.

He added that the whole continent proved to have amazing enthusiasm for the game, as demonstrated by the impressive attendance figures throughout the tournament, the television viewership, and the online and social media reach.

Shaikh Salman said that he is looking forward to an exciting future for the competition with more teams joining in for the 2019 edition of the AFC Asian Cup, and with qualification starting later this year the excitement is set to begin all over again.

AUSTRALIA WIN THE AFC ASIAN CUP

Sydney: James Troisi scored at the end of the first period of extra-time to give Australia their first-ever senior Asian men’s title with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Korea Republic in the final of the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 at Stadium Australia on Saturday.

Troisi’s goal in the 105th minute earned Australia the title after Massimo Luongo had put the Socceroos in front in the 44th minute only for Bayer Leverkusen winger Son Heung-min to take the game into extra-time with a stoppage-time equaliser.

Played in front of a sell-out crowd of 76,385, the Australians secured their first AFC Asian Cup since joining the Asian Football Confederation in 2006 and four years after losing in the final to a late extra-time winner against Japan.

Korea’s wait for a third AFC Asian Cup goes on, meanwhile, as Uli Stielike’s team were unable to break the 55-year hoodoo in the country’s first appearance in the final since 1988.

Stielike made one change to the line-up that saw off Iraq in the semi-finals, calling up Jang Hyun-soo to partner Ki Sung-yueng in the middle to allow Park Joo-ho to sit in front of Kim Jin-soo on the left, while Ivan Franjic was passed fit for an unchanged Socceroos.

The game opened at a frantic pace and, by the end of the half, the Socceroos had taken the lead against the run of play after Korea had spurned several opportunities to put themselves on the scoreboard.

It was Son Heung-min who caused the greatest threat to the home side’s goal, volleying just wide in the 37th minute after impressive work down the left from Park Joo-ho and Kim Jin-su while, less than a minute later, the Bayer Leverkusen man was denied what looked a certain goal by Luongo’s outstretched foot.

Tim Cahill had earlier forced Kim Jin-hyeon into action in the Korean goal, the Cerezo Osaka keeper diving to his left to push the former Everton man’s effort around the post after holding off the challenge of Kwak Tae-hwi, who had sent his own header just wide mere seconds later at the other end.

But with barely a minute left in the half, Luongo struck to put the Socceroos in front. Trent Sainsbury’s ball into the Swindon Town man’s feet allowed Luongo to turn and beat Ki Sung-yueng before hitting a low, unstoppable right-foot effort beyond Kim Jin-hyeon.

The Koreans were forced to push for the equaliser as the second half wore on, and a disciplined Australian defence kept them at bay until, a minute into stoppage time, Son Heung-min latched on to Ki Sung-yueng’s pass to fire beyond Mat Ryan and send the game into extra-time.

But Troisi put the Australians back in front in the 105th minute when he was first to react after Kim Jin-hyeon pushed Tomi Juric’s centre back into play, and the Belgium-based midfielder fired the ball high into the net to seal the win and see Australia crowned champions of Asia.

Ayew fires Ghana into last eight

Andre Ayew's late diving header secured Ghana a 2-1 win over South Africa and qualification to theCAF Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals as Group C winners.

Mandla Masango gave South Africa the lead in the 17th minute, when he smashed home past Ghana goalkeeper Razak Braimah from outside the box. The Black Stars drew level in the 73rd minute through defender John Boye, whose drilled shot screamed under a diving goalkeeper Nhlanhla Khuzwayo. Ayew then grabbed the winner in the 83rd minute through a diving header off a cross by Abdul Rahman Baba.

That left Ghana as Group C winners on six points with Algeria finishing second, also on six points after they beat Senegal 2-0 in the other game being played simultaneously in Malabo. This was Ghana's first win at the Nations Cup against Bafana Bafana after two defeats and a draw.

After a tentative start by both teams, Ghana threatened the South Africa goal twice in quick succession by the sixth minute. First, a header by Jonathan Mensah off a Mubarak Wakaso free-kick missed the target and moments later, South Africa goalkeeper Khuzwayo failed to hold on to a low drive, Jordan Ayew pounced on the rebound, but it was cleared off the line for a corner by Mathoho.

After South Africa went in front against the run of play, Ghana poured forward in search of an equalising goal. A thunderbolt by Abdul Rahman Baba from outside the South Africa area in the 33rd minute was pushed away by goalkeeper Khuzwayo Six minutes later, South Africa striker Bongani Ndulula forced goalkeeper Braimah to dive low and keep out his goal-bound header at the near post.

In the 48th minute, skipper Gyan's free-kick from a good position narrowly missed the mark as Ghana continued to attack in the hope of getting back into the game. Seven minutes later it was the turn of Wakaso to force the goalkeeper to fumble his low shot drilled from distance for a corner. Celtic ace Wakaso again tried his luck from distance soon after, but again found no joy.

Ghana continued to pile on the pressure before they were rewarded in the 73rd minute through Boye and moments later, substitute Kwesi Appiah would have given the Black Stars the lead but his shot was turned away for a corner by the goalkeeper.

Their persistence eventually earned them the much-needed winner seven minutes from time and safe passage to the knockout rounds.

Algeria advance at Senegal's expense Algeria secured their spot in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations thanks to a 2-0 win against Senegal in their last Group C game in Malabo.

On a dramatic evening, Riyad Mahrez set Algeria on their way with the opening goal inside 11 minutes, and for a long time it looked as if both sides would be heading through to the last eight. Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Nabil Bentaleb then produced a superb finish to double Algeria's lead eight minutes from the end to seal a berth in the knockout stage for Christian Gourcuff's men.

Africa's best side in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings can now look forward to a quarter-final tie in Malabo on Sunday, while Senegal will have to wait at least another two years to end their search for a first Cup of Nations crown.

Algeria created very little in losing 1-0 to Ghana in their last outing, but the Desert Warriors should have been in front inside two minutes on this occasion, with Sofiane Feghouli passing up a glorious chance when left with just the goalkeeper to beat.

However, they did not have to wait long to get the breakthrough. The game was only 11 minutes old when a quickly-taken Madjid Bougherra free-kick on halfway completely caught out the sleeping five-man Senegal defence, allowing Mahrez to control and tuck home under Bouna Coundoul.

It could have been even worse for the Lions of Teranga with the tricky Yacine Brahimi opening up play for Hilal Soudani on the right, but the striker, making his first appearance at the finals, saw his powerful shot beaten away by the goalkeeper.

Senegal became more of a threat themselves as the half wore on with Southampton's Sadio Mane firing over and Papy Djilobodji sending a long-range free-kick narrowly wide. Coach Alain Giresse was then forced into a change as Pape Souare replaced starting left-back Cheikh Mbengue, who suffered a head wound in a clash with Aissa Mandi. Still they had opportunities to restore parity before the interval, though, as Rais Mbolhi failed to hold a speculative Idrissa Gueye strike and then denied Stephane Badji following a quickly-taken free-kick.

The score in the night's other game meant both Algeria and Senegal were heading through at the interval, but Giresse's side were eager to keep their fate in their own hands. The introduction of Newcastle United's Papiss Cisse early in the second half in place of Papa Diop saw Senegal play with three up front and they pinned Algeria back in search of an equaliser.

But it was Gourcuff's side who almost netted again with 15 minutes remaining, Kara Mbodj clearing a Saphir Taider shot off the line after Coundoul fumbled a Mahrez cross. And they did increase their lead with eight minutes left, the accomplished Bentaleb beating Coundoul with a thumping strike from the edge of the box after receiving a pass from Feghouli.

At that point both sides were still heading through, but a second goal for Ghana moments later in Mongomo ensured that Senegal would be heading home.

AFC ASIAN CUP SF: KOREA REPUBLIC 2-0 IRAQ

Sydney: Korea Republic will play in the final of the AFC Asian Cup for the first time since 1988 after Uli Stielike’s side handed 2007 champions Iraq a 2-0 defeat to book their place in the competition’s final at Stadium Australia.

The two-time champions – who have not won the continental title since 1960 – will meet either hosts Australia or 2013 Gulf Cup champions the United Arab Emirates on Saturday after goals from Lee Jeong-hyeop and Kim Young-gwon took the Taeguk Warriors past the Iraqis.

Korea last played in the final of the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar in 1988, when they lost on penalties to Saudi Arabia, and Stielike’s side avenged a semi-final defeat at the hands of Iraq when Younus Mahmood and his team mates went on to win the AFC Asian Cup in 2007.

Stielike made two changes to his starting line-up, bringing in Han Kyo-won for former AFC Player of the Year Lee Keun-ho as veteran right back Cha Du-ri replaced Kim Chang-soo.

Iraqi, meanwhile, called up Osamah Shakir for the suspended Yaser Kasim and Amjed Kalaf took the place of Columbus Crew midfielder Justin Meram.

The Koreans wasted little time taking the initiative, with Han Kyo-won narrowly missing with a diving header from Ki Sung-yueng’s in-swinging free kick from the left while Nam Tae-hee tried his luck from distance, only to send the ball over the bar.

Son Heung-min’s 19th minute surge through the Iraqi midfield ended with the Bayer Leverkusen man seeing his drive from distance tipped over the bar by Jalal Hassan, and soon after Lee Jeong-hyeon claimed his second goal of the tournament.

The 23-year-old Sangju Sangmu forward rose highest to reach Kim Jin-su’s free kick from close to the right touchline before Hassan could punch clear, the header sending the Korean fans amongst the 36,053 crowd into raptures in the 20th minute.

Korea had been dominant in the first half but, with six minutes remaining in the half, Iraq finally had a sight of goal. Ahmed Yaseen sent his long-range attempt well over the bar while, two minutes ahead of the break, Kalaf forced Kim Jin-hyeon to drop to his right to push a low shot away for a corner.

Five minutes after the restart, however, the Koreans all but put the game to bed.

Lee Jeong-hyeop was involved again, this time chesting the ball down on the edge of the area into the path of defender Kim Young-gwon and the Guangzhou Evergrande man’s bouncing shot skidded past Hassan and into the corner of the goal.

Ki Sung-yueng and Son Heung-min both tried their luck unsuccessfully from long range soon after, before the increasingly desperate Iraqis started pumping the ball long towards captain Mahmood.

But the veteran could not find a way past a Korean defence that has yet to concede a goal at the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015, and the Taeguk Warriors sealed their long-awaited place in the final of the continental championship.