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QUARTERLY THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE ASIAN FOOTBALL CONFEDERATION ISSUE 3

JAVAD Shaikh Salman New AFC President NEKOUNAM tells of his plans to ’s captain bring unity to fantastic steers Team Melli to 2014

Quarter-finals ISSUE Preview PLUS The Sultanate striving for greater July3 2013 professionalism

ALI AL HABSI BURIRAM UNITED WOMEN’S ASIAN CUP Middle East’s goalkeeping Thai FA Cup winners set their advance to first finals icon on Wigan Athletic’s sights on making their alongside Vietnam, and FA Cup triumph and inspiring mark at the highest level Myanmar to join , , the next generation of Asian club football and Korea Republic hypervenom 2 july .pdf 1 2/7/13 4:46 PM

CONTENTS QUARTERLY Issue No. 3 July-September 2013

Official quarterly publication of the Asian Football Confederation

Published on behalf of the Asian Football Confederation by Asian Sports Media in conjunction with World Sport Group

Asian Football Confederation AFC House, Jalan 1/155B, Bukit Jalil 5700

Tel: +603 8994 3388 18 Fax: + 603 8994 2689 Interview: Shaikh Salman www.the-afc.com Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa President: Shaikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa MEET THE NEW BOSS Vice Presidents: Zhang Jilong

C HRH Prince Abdullah Ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah M Yousuf Yaqoob Yousuf Al Serkal Moya Dodd Y Ganesh Thapa 24 – 42 – AFC CHAMPIONS CM With qualification for the FIFA World Cup LEAGUE PREVIEW FIFA Vice President: finals sealed, Javad Nekounam is setting HRH Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein MY The field contesting the ’s his sights on even more success leading club competition is down to FIFA Executive Committee CY just eight. Who will crown themselves Members: Asia’s number one for 2013? CMY 30 – IN FOCUS: OMAN Dato’ Worawi Makudi An impressive performance in qualifying Shaikh Salman Bin Ebrahim

K for the FIFA World Cup and the creation of 48 – AFC CUP PREVIEW AFC Executive Committee a new professional league prove football in The AFC Cup reaches the quarter-final Members: Oman is on an upward curve stages, with all to play for amongst the Dr Hafez Al Medlej, Richard Lai, Zaw eight teams from across the continent Zaw, Mahfuza Akhter Kiron, Praful 36 – ALI AL HABSI Patel, Kohzo Tashima, Ganbold FA Cup-winning goalkeeper Ali Al 52 – CLUB FOCUS: Buyannemekh, Ali Azim, Sayyid Habsi continues to be an inspiration for BURIRAM UNITED Khalid Hamed Al Busaidi, Makhdoom footballers across the continent Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat, Winston Buriram United targetted a place Lee, Dr Tran Quoc Tuan, Susan within the continent’s club elite - their Shalabi Molano, Han Un-gyong run to the latter stages of the 2013 AFC Champions League sees General Secretary: that ambition fulfilled Dato’ Alex Soosay

Managing Editor: Michael Church

Regular Sections Editor: Andrew Mullen 14 – In the News 69 – AFC President’s Cup Designer: David Chung

58 – AFC Asian Cup Update 71 – AFC Women’s Asian Cup Photos: World Sport Group, Agence SHOT, 62 – FIFA World Cup 73 – AFC U-14 Championship Adnan Hajj Ali, Thananuwat Srirasant 64 – AFC Champions League 74 – Inside AFC Any views expressed in AFC Quarterly do not necessarily 66 – AFC Cup 78 – Great Grounds of Asia reflect those of the Asian Football Confederation. The reproduction of photos and articles – even partially – is prohibited unless permission has been sought from the editors and a reference is made to the source. AFC PRESIDENT’S/GENERAL SECRETARY’S MESSAGE

Shaikh Salman bin Dato’ Alex Soosay Ebrahim Al Khalifa AFC President AFC General Secretary

Dear friends,

It has been a busy time for Asian football on and off the field.

The AFC Congress once again proved the confederation’s democratic traditions with an overwhelming participation of the Member Associations. The Congress also made it clear to the whole world that Asian football is keen to move forward towards a new era of transparency, integrity and holistic development.

On the field, Asian fans saw the completion of the qualifying competition for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. After a thrilling set of final round matches, Japan, Iran, Korea Republic and Australia have booked their spots in next year’s festival of football and we would like to congratulate them while hoping that either or Jordan will earn one more berth for Asia after the intercontinental play-offs.

The focus now shifts to getting all the stakeholders together and working ceaselessly to improve Asian football.

Our Member Associations have actively embraced the AFC Grassroots Year 2013 and as we continue to organise and support educational courses, the qualifiers for the AFC Asian Cup 2015 and the knockout stages of the AFC Champions League and AFC Cup beckon us.

We would like wish all the teams the very best for the upcoming matches and hope that the AFC Champions League will once again provide the much-needed impetus to our club competitions.

Shaikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa Dato’ Alex Soosay AFC President AFC General Secretary

AFC QUARTERLY 5 Gallery

Samurai Success

Keisuke Honda celebrates after netting a stoppage-time penalty to secure Japan automatic qualification for 2014 FIFA World Cup following a dramatic 1-1 draw with Australia at Stadium.

AFC QUARTERLY 7 Gallery

Next Stop Brazil For Socceroos

Australia qualified for a third straight FIFA World Cup after Grampus striker Josh Kennedy came off the bench to score the only goal to earn the Socceroos a 1-0 win over at .

AFC QUARTERLY 9 Gallery

Iran Seal Return To World Cup

Portuguese coach celebrates following Iran’s qualification for a fourth FIFA World Cup after ’s second-half strike secured a 1-0 victory over Korea Republic at Ulsan Munsu Stadium.

AFC QUARTERLY 11 Gallery

Qualification Relief

Korea Republic celebrate after taking the lead against Uzbekistan during the final round of qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The 1-0 win eventually proved decisive as Korea edged out the Central Asians on goal difference to qualify automatically for Brazil.

AFC QUARTERLY 13 IN THE NEWS

Shaikh Salman Quartet Secure Wins Presidential Vote Ticket to Brazil

SHAIKH SALMAN BIN EBRAHIM AL KHALIFA ELECTED 10TH JAPAN, AUSTRALIA, IRAN AND KOREA REPUBLIC SECURED AUTOMATIC FULL-TIME PRESIDENT OF THE ASIAN FOOTBALL CONFEDERATION AT QUALIFICATION FOR NEXT YEAR’S FIFA WORLD CUP, WITH JORDAN AND MAY’S EXTRAORDINARY CONGRESS IN KUALA LUMPUR. UZBEKISTAN SET TO FACE OFF IN THE PLAY-OFFS FOR BRAZIL 2014.

ahrain Football Association in one path, to look ahead to our goals, to Australia’s Moya Dodd, meanwhile, President Shaikh Salman achieve our targets, to get as many things was elected unopposed to the position of ontinental champions Australia, though, soon followed suit as from Korea defender Kim Young-gwon on Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa was done as possible especially by the year AFC Female Vice President at the AFC Japan, Australia, Iran ’s side went onto beat Jordan the hour mark at Munsu Stadium to find the elected the Asian Football 2015. Congress and was also co-opted onto the and Korea Republic will 4-0 before Josh Kennedy came off the bench net for a third consecutive game as Iran Confederation’s new “There are many great things that can FIFA Executive Committee during the FIFA represent Asia at the 2014 to score the only goal with seven minutes advanced to the FIFA World Cup for a fourth President after receiving be done in two years’ time. We should Congress in Mauritius at the end of May. FIFA World Cup after remaining as the Socceroos edged out Iraq time as Group A winners. 33 out of 46 votes during expect some changes and we’d like to “I am delighted to be re-elected as AFC securing qualification for 1-0 at Stadium Australia. Korea were forced to endure a nervous the AFC Extraordinary see a smooth transition to our goals Vice President and very grateful to our next year’s finals in Brazil Failure to win on the final Matchday could few minutes with their defeat opening the CongressB in Kuala Lumpur on May 2. and understanding between all Member Member Associations for their confidence following a thrilling climax have opened the door for either Oman or door for Uzbekistan before their automatic Shaikh Salman becomes the AFC’s 10th Associations.” in me,” said Dodd during the AFC toC the final round of qualifiers in June. Jordan, but Kennedy’s header secured qualification for an eighth consecutive FIFA full-time president and takes over from Shaikh Salman was also elected to the Congress. Japan became the first side to qualify for Australia a third straight FIFA World Cup World Cup was confirmed on goal difference Zhang Jilong, who has held the post on FIFA Executive Committee, claiming 28 DPR Korea’s Han Un-gyong and Susan the 2014 finals after hosts Brazil as Keisuke appearance. as the Central Asians could only manage a an Acting basis since mid-2011. Shaikh votes from 46 to claim the position. Shalabi Molani from Palestine also joined Honda’s stoppage-time penalty secured Alberto And despite a 1-0 win over Oman, Jordan 5-1 comeback win over . Salman’s term as president will run until “I’m really humbled by the votes and the AFC Executive Committee as Female Zaccheroni’s side a dramatic last-gasp 1-1 were forced to settle for third place and a Despite the eye-catching win in , 2015. confidence shown in me and I would like to Members for the East and West Zones draw with Australia at Saitama Stadium at the place in the play-offs. Uzbekistan must re-group for their meeting “It’s our duty together not only to look at thank you for your support,” Shaikh Salman respectively, claiming their positions start of June. In Group A, Iran qualified alongside Korea with Jordan in September’s play-offs, with what our challenges are and how to solve told delegates. unopposed. The point meant Japan could not finish any after Reza Ghoochannejhad’s second half the winner then going on to face South them but more importantly to look ahead to “We work as a team. We work for one * Read the first in-depth interview conducted lower than second in Group B to secure a fifth strike secured a 1-0 win for Carlos Queiroz’s American opposition in an intercontinental our future goals,” said the new President. goal. I hope the AFC family will be united with the AFC’s new President, Shaikh Salman Bin straight FIFA World Cup appearance and a side in Ulsan at the end of the final round. showdown in November for a ticket to “We need to be united, to bring everyone and we’ll do our best for Asian football.” Ebrahim Al Khalifa, on page 18. place in December’s draw. Ghoochannejhad capitalised on an error Brazil.

AFC QUARTERLY 15 IN THE NEWS

Al Ahli Renew Korean New Radiant Next Up Rivalry In ACL Quarter-Finals For Defending Champions THE DRAW FOR THE QUARTER-FINALS OF THE 2013 AFC CHAMPIONS WITH SC LOOKING TO BECOME THE FIRST SIDE TO WIN THE LEAGUE, WITH THE TIES SET TO TAKE PLACE IN AUGUST AND AFC CUP THREE TIMES, THE DEFENDING CHAMPIONS WILL FACE NEW SEPTEMBER, SEES ALL FOUR PAIRINGS PIT EAST AGAINST WEST. RADIANT FROM THE IN SEPTEMBER’S QUARTER-FINALS.

ormer finalists Al Ahli from United in the semi-finals. appearance thanks to eight goals from efending champions Al Qadsia will face ’s Al Shorta in AFC Cup for the third time although they first will face K-League On the other side of the draw, Emperor’s tournament-leading scorer . Kuwait SC will face New September’s quarter-finals. must beat a Kitchee side who were propelled champions FC in the Cup winners will look to Last year, became the first Radiant from the Maldives “It is a good draw for us and I think to the last eight with the help of the leading quarter-finals of the AFC keep alive hopes of a first Japanese winner side to reach the in the quarter-finals of the everyone in Kuwait will be happy,” said scorer Jordi Tarres. Champions League following of the AFC Champions League in five years quarter-finals since 2006 before suffering a AFC Cup following June’s Kuwait SC Team Manager Waleed Mandeel. Tarres found the net in every match in this June’s knockout stage draw in against Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab, while hard-fought 5-4 aggregate defeat by two- knockout stage draw in “A semi-final will always be hard, this is an year’s AFC Cup and will be looking to add to Kuala Lumpur. Chinese champions Guangzhou Evergrande time champions Al Ittihad. Kuala Lumpur. easier game but they are still a good team. his 11 goals as Kitchee seek to surpass the FAl Ahli, who lost last year’s final 3-0 to Ulsan will take on Qatar’s Lekhwiya having also “As is the case with any draw, it’s not Kuwait SC claimed their “We want to win and become champions 2009 semi-final appearance by fellow Hong Hyundai from Korea Republic, ensured a qualified for the quarter-finals for a second really about which opponent we play but secondD AFC Cup title in four years after beating for a third time. We are number one in the Kong side South China. return to the last eight by winning Group C with consecutive season. it’s more about how strong we are,” said Iraq’s Arbil 4-0 in last year’s final having also AFC Cup at the moment, but we want to win The first legs of the quarter-finals will be an unbeaten record before downing Qatar’s El “We are happy to be in the quarter-finals Guangzhou Evergrande president Liu triumphed in 2009 and could face either ’s again.” held on September 17 with the return fixtures Jaish 3-1 on aggregate in the Round of 16. and we are ready to play and hopefully we Yongzhuo. East Bengal or ’s Semen Padang in Since its launch in 2004, the AFC Cup has taking place one week later. And following the appointment of former will qualify for the semi-finals,” said Al Ahli “This year our target has always been to the semi-finals. been dominated by teams from West Asia, And following an additional draw at AFC Porto coach Vitor Pereira after progressing Team Manager Mohammed Al Harthi. at least reach the semi-final and, if we can, Fellow two-time champions Al Faisaly from with only Uzbekistan’s Nasaf claiming the title House, either Al Qadsia, Al Shorta, Kitchee to the last eight under Aleksandar Ilic, Al Guangzhou, meanwhile, will take on get to the final and maybe win the title and Jordan must first overcome ’s in 2011 after beating Kuwait SC. or Al Faisaly will host the one-off final in Ahli could face either newly crowned Iran Group B winners Lekhwiya having earned become champions. So we’ll do our best Kitchee to remain on course to add to their And like Kuwait SC, Al Faisaly are also November, with the winner earning a place in champions Esteghlal or Thailand’s Buriram a second consecutive quarter-finals and hopefully we can be successful.” 2005 and 2006 triumphs, while Kuwait’s looking to become the first club to win the the 2014 AFC Champions League play-offs.

AFC QUARTERLY 17 INTERVIEW: SHAIKH SALMAN BIN EBRAHIM AL KHALIFA

MEET THE NEW BOSS

BAHRAIN’S SHAIKH SALMAN BIN EBRAHIM AL KHALIFA IS THE NEW PRESIDENT OF THE ASIAN FOOTBALL CONFEDERATION AFTER AN ELECTION CAMPAIGN THAT CULMINATED IN A COMPREHENSIVE WIN OVER THAILAND’S WORAWI MAKUDI AND YOUSSEF AL SERKAL OF THE UNITED ARAB DURING THE AFC CONGRESS IN KUALA LUMPUR ON MAY 2. THE NEW PRESIDENT – THE 10TH MAN TO HOLD THE POST FULL-TIME SINCE THE AFC’S FOUNDING IN 1954 – TALKED TO AFC QUARTERLY AFTER HIS ELECTION WIN, ABOUT HIS CAMPAIGN AND HIS PLANS FOR HIS TENURE AT THE TOP.

AFC QUARTERLY 19 INTERVIEW: SHAIKH SALMAN BIN EBRAHIM AL KHALIFA

Far Right With FIFA President at the 2013 AFC Congress.

Below Attending the opening ceremony of the Cambodia National Training Centre in June.

Q: Mr President, But I think, from the understanding that I had, have in the Executive Committee and I’m got elected as a vice president from 1998 conference in and I spoke for the that is something else because you know, at congratulations on your I think we felt very comfortable. But on the sure that I’ll get the support from them to get until 2002, and then as president from then first time, although I tried to keep away from the end of the day, you’re going to vote for other hand we had to be cautious whether most of the job that the federation needs to to now, and of course I had the privilege the media as much as I can and focus on someone that you know, not where he comes victory. What did you we are going to reach that number or not, be done. of serving in AFC and FIFA on different my campaign only. But I had just one press from or what is his background or whatever think when you heard because in an election anything can happen. committees, the disciplinary committee conference and I told them that what you see but on someone who you feel that can get the result? But I’m very proud and humbled with the Q: What would you say for six years between 2003 and 2009 and in the media doesn’t reflect the reality that we the job done. We have to be realistic on support I got and I believe this is the time is the most pressing now as a FIFA member of the World Cup are in, and I think the result just tells it all. what can be done in the next two years and probably if I get the chance to have another I was optimistic to get the support that a lot where most of the federations are convinced issue that needs to be Brazil 2014. So, I think I’ve gained a lot of Member Associations had promised but about my programme and what needs to be of experience in those six years that I’ve Q: There was a sense term, it all depends on me, until 2015 I think that it just shows the unity in Asia, done in the AFC. addressed? spent in FIFA especially, because you get during the election of that they want a new leader, a strong leader, the chance to go to tournaments and to Q: You are taking Q: You have a two-year I think to open dialogue first of all, and to participate and stay for a long period – three some deep divisions and we can only be strong if we are united. that have existed within over as President at a This is the most important time in our history term at the helm of have a common understanding on what can weeks – to see how the organisation is set difficult time for AFC. be done in topics like finance, transparency, up, and meet people and this is I think the Asia for some time. in the AFC, and hopefully after the last two the AFC. What do you What motivated you to years I think we’ve learned a lot. We have hope to achieve in that to be fair, how we can encourage the most important thing, you meet and talk Winning 33 votes out of to think about the future and how can we grassroots development projects that a lot of to people and see how football is alike in want to take on the timeframe? Do you see third world countries need. There are basic different parts of the world. So I think this is 46 would suggest that deliver to what most of our members expect those divisions are not role? us to do, so I think with unity and the strength this as a two-year long things that can make a big difference in any the experience that I’ve always cherished in country, and out of the 47 countries in Asia, my whole career in football. quite as deep as had that we have, hopefully Asia will be strong job interview for the Well, when you come in at a tough time, again in 2015. next election in 2015? I think a lot of them need the basic tools of been suggested in the developing this game, and I think we want to Q: A lot of people were whatever you are going to do, you are going be there to support them in that. media beforehand. to make things better. So I think for the Q: Were you surprised Well, I think we have to be realistic regarding expecting the election next two years, the most important thing to win by such a large what we can achieve during this coming Q: How did you get to be close. What do I think most of the people would like to see is to get the house in order, whether from margin and to complete two years, but I think if we can have a good you think won the the change, they’re fed up with all this, let’s the administration point of view, from the team, that can get most of the job done, then involved in football? say, struggle that’s been going on behind executive board members – and I think they your victory in the first I think we can accomplish a lot. But, on the election for you? closed doors and people fighting for the are very helpful and supportive and I think round? other hand, there are a few things that might Well, it came as a coincidence. I mean I authority. I think it’s natural that people have they’ve suffered as well, because I think take longer, but I think we want to create played the game and I’ve been following I think that there was a lot of talk in the media ambition to reach to the top position in the they’ve been through uncertainty for the past No, my expectations were around that figure some changes that people feel, and if we can football since I was young, but I was about how close this race is, but in reality it’s AFC, but I think, you know the cards are two years. But now, I think, that the strong more or less, but whether you get there in do that within the two years that’ll be terrific. appointed as the head of the national only we who know who has the best chances always on the table. We all know what each signal that the congress has sent them is the first round, there is always some doubt. But I think it all depends on the team that I team between 1996 and 1997, and then of winning and I said that at my press person can contribute and as a personality something that everybody knows. If you have INTERVIEW: SHAIKH SALMAN BIN EBRAHIM AL KHALIFA

AFC PRESIDENTS

Term Name Nationality

1954-54 Lo Man Kam Hong Kong 1954-56 Kwok Chan Hong Kong 1956-57 William Sui Tak Louey Hong Kong 1957-58 Chan Nam Cheong Hong Kong Shaikh Salman 1958-76 Malaysia Bin Ebrahim 1976-78 Kambiz Atabay Iran Al Khalifa 1978-1994 Malaysia 1994-2002 Tunku Ahmad Shah Malaysia Nationality: 2002-2011 Qatar Bahrain 2013- Shaikh Salman Al Khalifa Bahrain DOB: 02/11/1965 Current Positions:

Left With AFC President, Asian Football General Secretary Confederation Dato’ Alex Soosay at the 2013 AFC FIFA Executive Committee Congress. member Member, FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 Organising Committee Member, Bureau 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Member, FIFA Finance Committee Member, FIFA Strategic Committee Previous Positions: President, Bahrain Football Association Chairman, AFC Disciplinary Committee Deputy Chairman, FIFA Disciplinary Committee

a president who most of the congress put Australia is a great host, they’ve hosted the Q: What message do their trust in, he has to be listened to and has Olympic Games in 2000 and it was one of you want to send out to guide them into the next few years. There the most successful Olympics in history, as you prepare to are a lot of issues and cases on the table we and if we look at China in 2008 it is always begin your term as need to look at and address, but at the same difficult sometimes to match the success time as well they need to be solved, rather of a country hosting such events. But as President? than just looked at and left with indecisive for the Asian Cup, I’m not worried about matters. it. You know with Australia I think we are Well, I think the message is clear. We have in good hands, and the Australians have to stay united for the good of the game; Q: Your term as been doing a terrific job up until now and we have to be one voice. Asia has such a President runs until we will give them the full support to make huge potential in the game, and I think the 2015, another important this a successful event for us all. But I think only way is up. There are a lot of teams that year for the AFC as it 2015 is not just about the tournament, it’s have progressed very well and we should also an election year, both for AFC and for just follow their lead and see how can we also marks Australia’s FIFA, so we need to get our acts together be better, competing not just in Asia but hosting of the AFC and speak with one voice and hopefully we in the rest of the world. So when they say Asian Cup. What are can make it clear to support whoever will be that the future is Asia I believe it is so. We your thoughts so far on beneficial for our interests in Asia and the have to stick to that slogan again, because other confederations. We have to consult a lot of people lost faith. We have to put the preparations for the with everybody in the football family to unite their faith back into us, and lead the way tournament? again and always choose the right path. hopefully to better football in Asia.

AFC QUARTERLY 23 DRIVING FORCE

JAVAD NEKOUNAM HAS BEEN AT THE CENTRE OF THE SUCCESS OF BOTH ESTEGHLAL AND IRAN OVER THE LAST 12 MONTHS, STEERING HIS COUNTRY TO A FOURTH FIFA WORLD CUP APPEARANCE AND ESTEGHLAL TO THE LAST EIGHT OF THE AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE. HE TALKS TO AFC QUARTERLY ABOUT THE UPS AND DOWNS OF THE LAST YEAR AND HOW HIS TIME AT SPANISH CLUB OSASUNA SHAPED HIS CAREER.

Interview: Hamed Momeni Photos: World Sport Group

ranian football has rarely lacked for behind the side that ended Iran’s talented ; over the years FIFA World Cup exile in 1998 with his and throughout the generations, commanding presence in the centre, successive incarnations of Team his perfectly timed runs and unerring Melli have been driven on by some passing forming the platform upon of Asian football’s most commanding which the likes of , Khodadad players. Azizi and were able For the side that first appeared at to perform. theI FIFA World Cup in in 1978, Javad Nekounam, the man it was Mohammad Sadeghi who was whose talismanic influence was so at the heart of the midfield, performing instrumental in Iran’s successful bid in the engine room as and for a fourth appearance at the FIFA Roshan further enhanced their World Cup, sits comfortably amongst reputations. such exalted company. It was the Twenty years later, it was Karim 32-year-old’s drive and determination Bagheri who was the driving force that, as much as anything or anyone

AFC QUARTERLY 24 INTERVIEW: JAVAD NEKOUNAM

else, secured Iran another trip to the biggest all players and members of the staff for their event,” he says. “It makes no difference if you at the FIFA World Cup, Iran have not Left Playing for Right Captaining Iran had to plan my life based on my professional Esteghlal in the 2013 AFC in the qualifiers for the show on earth. hard work, dedication and commitment and are one of the giants in the world or one of the managed to progress beyond the group Champions League. 2014 FIFA World Cup. career. Of course I felt homesick at the Six goals – including two in the final phase, I’d like to tell them I’ll hold everyone’s hand underdogs. stages of the competition, picking up just one beginning, but I got used to it as the time against Korea Republic and – saw firmly and wish them all the best.” “Every team endeavours to be one of only win – a famous 2-1 victory over the United went by.” the emerge as Iran’s leading 32 teams taking part in the World Cup. We States in France in 1998 – so far. “Our young boys deserve Nekounam highlights “discipline, scorer over the course of the entire qualifying “It’s certainly every blame ourselves for not booking a berth in In the eyes of some commentators, the to be one of the 32 teams organisation, commitment, living campaign, but Nekounam’s influence player’s dream and in 2010. We have now made up current Iran squad does not measure up with in the World Cup.” professionally, living a good life” among the extended much further than the number of ambition to play in the for that and are very determined to continue their more illustrious or fabled predecessors “many other good things” he gained from his times he found the back of the net. World Cup.” our progress. but Nekounam believes comparisons with “There were ups and downs during my time in Spain, which came to an end at the With the experience gained by spending “It’s certainly every player’s dream and bygone days are irrelevant. stint with Osasuna, but the good thing about conclusion of the 2011-12 season in . six seasons in Spain’s Primera Liga with Brazil will not be Nekounam’s first trip to ambition to play in the World Cup. It will be my “You can never compare a player with playing for a European club is that everything That prompted an unexpected return Osasuna and a trip to the FIFA World Cup the FIFA World Cup and he will join a select second appearance in the showpiece, if I’m another team-mate or a former one,” he says. is quite well organised and wisely planned,” to Iran, signing for ’s Esteghlal in a finals with Iran back in 2006, Nekounam was band of Iranian players to appear at the finals still part of the team next year. “You can’t even make comparisons between he says. US$1.5 million deal that saw him become coach Carlos Queiroz’s on-field general, the on two occasions should fitness and form “Playing in the World Cup is one of the two different generations. Each player and “The players solely belong to the club and the fulcrum of the club’s starting line-up as man who channeled the former Real Madrid guarantee him a place in Queiroz’s squad sweetest memories in a ’s life. team belongs to its own era and I’m of the it brings about their progression. That’s why they sought to embark on a successful run in coach’s desires and requests throughout the next year. I’m absolutely thrilled to have the chance to opinion that the current team has kicked off a it’s not so easy to be part of a European the AFC Champions League and reclaim the rest of the team. Only Daei and Mahdavikia have play in the World Cup for the second time in new golden age in Iranian football. squad, you have to abide by certain Iran Pro League title from Sepahan. And now, after a long, arduous journey, the represented the nation at two finals – in my life and I’m keeping my fingers crossed “Our young boys deserve to be one of the principles and stay focused on your goals. Twelve months later, it’s mission Iranians are celebrating their return to the top France in 1998 and in eight years that I can play up to expectations for my team. 32 teams in the World Cup. An outstanding “The six years I was there were part of my accomplished for Nekounam and Esteghlal; table of world football. later – and Nekounam, along with several “There’s no doubt I learned so many reward for the young members of our team golden years in my professional career, but in the -coached side claimed “It’s been a tough road and we underwent current team mates, including Andranik lessons from Germany 2006. Perhaps would be if they were to get the chance to join particular I’d say my first, third and fifth years the league title for the first time in four years so many difficulties,” says Nekounam. “Our Teymourian and , will join some of the young players won’t find out a top-flight European outfit following the World at the club were my outstanding years, when while also progressing to the quarter-finals great teamwork led to such a valuable that select band with inclusion in the squad the value of playing in the World Cup arena, Cup.” I was honored to be voted the best player of of the AFC Champions League. success for us. for 2014. but I’ll definitely convey my experience and If they were to do so, they would be the season. Esteghlal advanced to the last eight of “We experienced ups and downs, pleasant As a result, Nekounam will go to South knowledge to my younger team-mates. following in Nekounam’s footsteps. “I learned so many things in Spain and, the continental championship the hard way, and bitter moments, but we never lost any of America as one of the most experienced “I’ll explain to them that we are now among Appearing at the World Cup in Germany in to tell you the truth, it’s not easy to apply seeing off Saudi giants Al Hilal, Emirati our confidence and remained very hopeful players in the team and his knowledge of the top teams in the world and this puts an 2006 opened up the possibility of moving to them to my day-to-day life in Iran because champions and from Qatar for the future. We knew we deserved to win a what lies ahead will prove invaluable if Iran extra burden on our shoulders to defend Europe for the former Pas midfielder, who had the lifestyles are very different in the two in a challenging group. spot in the World Cup. Everyone in the team are to have any chance of making an impact our credibility. Iranian football should be previously enjoyed short stints in the United countries. Despite the difficulty of the task, the put in their best effort and tried hard to gain on the competition internationally acclaimed and we must prove Arab Emirates with Al Wahda and Al Sharjah, “Generally speaking, my personal life didn’t Iranians emerged at the top of the standings qualification to Brazil. “It’s very important for each and every that it’s respectable and praiseworthy.” and it is an experience from which Nekounam differ much from the life I’m living now but I before seeing off Al Shabab Al Arabi from “As the captain of the team, I’d like to thank team to qualify to the world’s greatest football In the country’s three previous appearances continues to benefit. had to adjust myself to my sporting career. I the UAE in the Round of 16 to set up a

AFC QUARTERLY 27 INTERVIEW: JAVAD NEKOUNAM

Left & Above Bottom Right title for the third time in their history.” Celebrating Nekounam scored qualification for the only goal as Iran However, despite having helped Esteghlal the 2014 FIFA beat Korea Republic return to prominence at both domestic and World Cup after in October last year. continental level, there is no guarantee beating Korea Republic in June. Nekounam will be part of the club’s squad when the AFC Champions League resumes in August “We have played against as he weighs up offers before deciding where and overcome Al next to continue his stellar career. Hilal and Al Ain in the But whether he continues to represent the blue half of Tehran or whether he moves on, his group stage, so we are performances in 2013 will no doubt have marked definitely capable of him out as a candidate to be crowned the AFC Javad Nekounam beating other strong Player of the Year. teams.” Until now, Nekounam’s performances for both Nationality: Iran Iran and the various clubs he has played for quarter-final clash with Thai side Buriram United. have been overlooked and it is one honour he “There’s no doubt we were drawn in the Group would love to add to his collection. DOB: 07/10/1980 of Death in the first round,” says Nekounam of “It might be little bit too late for me,” he says. the club’s AFC Champions League campaign. “But I do regret I was never voted Asian Player Position: Midfielder “Ability wise, every team in our group could of the Year during my six-year stint in Pamplona. have qualified for the next round, but we proved With all respect to players of my time, I’m of the our dominance and power and we deservedly opinion that I could have become Asian Player of Current club: booked our place among the last 16. the Year at least twice during those six years. Esteghlal (Iran) “We have played against and overcome Al “But unfortunately with the rules of AFC I was Hilal and Al Ain in the group stage, so we are obviously not on the shortlists, so I’m glad the Previous clubs: definitely capable of beating other strong teams. new amendments have been enacted so that Osasuna (Spain) “We are yet to confront any giant clubs Europe-based Asian players can also compete to (UAE) from the east, but we’ve got no fear of facing win the title. “ Al Sharjah any rivals en route to winning the trophy. This For all his achievements in Spain, it could well Al Wahda (UAE) competition is an arena where key players play be that Nekounam’s success with both Esteghlal Pas (Iran) pivotal roles in determining the results and I’m and Iran throughout 2013 sees him finally realise very hopeful Esteghlal can seize the continental that long-held ambition.

AFC QUARTERLY 29 IN FOCUS: OMAN

A BOLD NEW WORLD

OMAN NARROWLY MISSED OUT ON QUALIFYING FOR THE FIFA WORLD CUP FINALS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THEIR HISTORY, HIGHLIGHTING THE HUGE ADVANCES MADE OVER THE LAST DECADE IN A COUNTRY PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS ONE OF THE REGION’S WEAKER TEAMS. AND WITH A PROFESSIONAL LEAGUE DUE TO BE LAUNCHED LATER THIS YEAR, FOOTBALL IN THE SULTANATE IS ON THE CUSP OF AN EVEN GREATER CHANGE.

By: Andrew Mullen Photos: World Sport Group/Courtesy of the Oman Football Federation

or a nation with no Oman. professional league, less September brings with it the 14-team than a handful of players Oman Professional League, ushering in on the books of foreign a new era for football in the Gulf state, clubs and with only one boosting hopes of further development and previous appearance in the improvement in the national game. final phase of qualifying “As can be seen from the performances for the FIFA World Cup, in the World Cup qualification, Oman has a Oman’sF performance in reaching and powerful football culture. However, we are then holding their own in the crucial at a disadvantage against the majority of stages of qualifying for Brazil 2014 was our opposition who have fully professional the definition of overachievement. leagues,” says Oman Football Association Not that the Omanis have never Chairman Sayyid Khalid Hamed Hamoud punched above their weight before – they Al Busaidi. reached the finals of the AFC Asian Cup “Whilst talent and hard work is important, in 2004 and 2007 and won the Gulf Cup in the development of football players also 2009 – but there is the very real possibility relies on a professional approach with full- that their latest move into the upper time players, professional support staff and echelon of Asian football could become coaching, good facilities. more than part of a fleeting cycle. “There are undoubted benefits to our Almost four decades of amateur football country if we professionalise the league came to an end earlier this year when Al with the creation of a huge range of jobs on Suwaiq claimed the amateur Elite League top of the obvious football and community with a play-off win over Fanja that brought benefits.” down the curtain on the old set-up and For now Al Suwaiq and Fanja, who heralded the arrival of professionalism in reached the Round of 16 this year, are set

AFC QUARTERLY 31 IN FOCUS: OMAN

Below Oman national team coach Paul Le Guen.

Above Amad Al Hosni helped Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli reach the 2012 AFC Champions League final.

Left Al Suwaiq won the league and cup double in 2013.

Below Fanja reached the last 16 of the AFC Cup this season.

to showcase the strength of Oman football in totally different as most of them play in the Above Goalkeeper the 2014 AFC Cup, although participation in league in Oman. Ali Al Habsi is Oman’s most famous the AFC Champions League is a stated aim “I feel happy here. I am so convinced that footballing export. after an Oman Football Association delegation this is a mid-term job at least. It would be a visited AFC House at the end of last year to waste to leave now because we are on the Left Prior to the meeting with discuss entry criteria and club licensing. right track and I don’t want to leave when Australia in you are on the verge of succeeding. When in March. 1978 you feel well somewhere you don’t think of Oman Football Association is founded leaving and this is the case. I feel well and my job is respected. I had some proposals “We have to get a professional league in but I am not interested at the moment. We Oman because some players are used to have improved.” playing at a high intensity, but some of them Moves towards a professional set-up at are not because the league here is not at the all levels have seen a series of initiatives same level,” says current Oman national team introduced that are new to football in Oman. The seeds of this growth of football in years later and again proved themselves advance to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Red Warriors were beaten by when coach Paul Le Guen, who led to Oman were sown as far back as 1995 as on the continental stage after drawing with South Africa, Oman was celebrating as just 90 minutes away from . the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. 12 September 2013 Oman reached the semi-finals on their maiden Australia, who needed a stoppage-time strike a penalty from captain Mohamed Rabia Several of those players, including striker “We sometimes only get the players a few appearance at the FIFA U-17 World Cup from , and eventual champions Iraq. secured a 6-5 penalty shootout victory over Hussain Al Hadhri and defender Mohammed The new Oman Professional League will days before a game and it is long term work. begin later this year before advancing to the quarter-finals two Saudi Arabia in the final of the 2009 Gulf Al Balushi, have made the step up to the The players have to train with intensity and years later. 2004 Cup having lost in the finals in both 2004 senior team during the qualifiers for Brazil with consistency all season long and that is Tickets were sold for the final round of and 2007. 2014. That commitment and success at youth Oman qualified for the AFC Asian Cup for not the case. But step-by-step we are closing qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup – the level paid dividends in 2004 as Oman qualified the first time Oman then agonisingly missed out on Al Hadhri was the standout performer the gap with the other teams. first time that has happened for national for the AFC Asian Cup for the first time under securing a historic place in the football during the qualifiers for London 2012 with “Many players from the national team team matches in – while replica Czech coach Milan Macala and narrowly A bid for a third consecutive AFC Asian tournament for the 2012 Olympic Games nine goals, while the striker also scored play in Oman so I have to be here because shirts were produced and made available for missed out on a place in the quarter-finals Cup appearance in Qatar fell agonisingly as, after edging out Uzbekistan and against Thailand in the third round of FIFA my players play here. When I was coach of fans. The latter move, in particular, has been following a 1-0 defeat by eventual champions short as Oman only managed a goalless draw Syria in a three-way play-off following a World Cup qualifiers. Cameroon it was totally different because so successful that counterfeit merchandise Japan. with Kuwait on the final day of qualifying. commendable second place finish in the To continue this recent success, former most players play in Europe, but here it is is now being produced. Oman returned to the AFC Asian Cup three But just two years later, despite failing to group stage behind Korea Republic, the AFC Technical Director Jim Selby was

AFC QUARTERLY 33 IN FOCUS: OMAN Q&A OFA Chairman Sayyid Khalid Hamed Hamoud Al Busaidi

What plans are in place to improve youth development?

We are constantly improving and investing in our future. Oman’s future will be delivered Above Oman won the Gulf Right by its youth and the country has a very Cup in 2009. Mohammed Al Balushi (left) young population. In recent times, we have Below established five grassroots centres around Hussain Al Hadhri the nation and academies for youth in similar locations. Our U-14 national team was formed last year and we have just appointed Jim Selby as our new Technical Director. He has a huge role to push the OFA forward in all areas.

What are your hopes for future?

We are planning for improvement right across the association and we are sure that these recently appointed by the OFA to oversee the term player development programmes, have amateur to professional, while also seeking improvements will lead to great benefits for development of football in Oman at all levels to an international focus on developing players his advice on which coaching methods will be the country. Football is hugely important to international standards. and coaches and not a local focus because most successful. the population of Oman and we see it as Selby, who previously held a similar position you have got to play against the world, so “One of the biggest challenges is to look our responsibility to deliver a return on that with the Oceania Football Confederation standards have to be at an international level at the global picture, and not just the local passion. We would like to be playing regularly while also continually working with FIFA for not a domestic level. or regional picture. If you are going to play at a high level of football both for the national the last 15 years, will look to develop the against the rest of the world, you have to teams and for the club sides. We want to see game at every level, including working on 2009 know what the rest of the world is doing and clubs delivering growth themselves as they grassroots programmes, girls and women’s why they are doing it,” says Selby. build their own knowledge and skills and we Oman win the Gulf Cup on home soul after beating want to see improvements in the way that we football, and beach soccer as well as the Saudi Arabia on penalties “You look at countries which have implementation and improvement of education been successful and why they have been organise the huge amount of football that is and training of coaches and referees, sports “We need to add the international element to successful, it is not by chance. You have to played in this country. science and sports medicine. the style of football which meets the culture and look at the standards now and see if they “There is no shortcut to achieving success that is really important because you have to meet local standards, and then do they meet What is the biggest challenge facing at any of those levels, so what you can do is integrate the football into the culture. Eventually regional standards and then international football in Oman? implement programmes which are based on we will come up with an Oman football game standards. international best practices and make sure plan to develop the game in Oman through the “You can’t reduce the time needed to Our number one challenge right now is the that the local people are exposed to those on buy-in and cooperation from everybody so that produce good quality coaches, players need for a professional league. We are not a regular basis that leads to a better outcome we go in one direction.” and referees, but what you can do is to generating enough revenues ourselves to in the future,” says Selby, who started a With the OPL beginning later this year, Selby ensure what training you put people in is of fund what is needed so we need to receive three-year contract in May. “There are never will have a chance to build on the groundwork the highest world class standards, not just government support to make that happen. guarantees in football at the top level, but if already underway to introduce and develop the domestic or regional.” Our plans will see the league become self- there are solid programs in place that gives areas needed when changing from an amateur Next up for Oman is the resumption of the sufficient over time. Club wise, we have a you a better chance rather than taking just the to professional set-up. qualifiers for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup with a stadium challenge in that our stadiums are not chance that you will be successful. Workshops involving FIFA, UEFA and trip to in August after Le Guen’s suited for the ideal club scenario. We need to “Capacity building for local people and the AFC will be arranged to assist clubs in side began the campaign with a 1-0 home invest in clubs to have their own purpose built legacy is a really important approach so you improving administration, coaching, medical, win over Syria in February. stadia that are at the heart of their community don’t just come in and then leave and leave a player relations, fan bases and other key areas. And after an encouraging showing in delivering value to the local population. vacuum without building anything. Selby has also already acquired the services qualifying for Brazil 2014, a return to the “My goal will be to train people to world of Oman’s most famous footballing export, Ali continental stage in Australia would be the standards and make sure that our player Al Habsi, to speak to local players about his next step for football in Oman and its new development programmes, which are long own experiences of making the step up from landscape.

AFC QUARTERLY 35 Interview: Ali Al Habsi

FROM FIREFIGHTER TO TRAILBLAZER

ALI AL HABSI ONCE HARBOURED MODEST DREAMS OF BEING ABLE TO WATCH TOP CLASS FOOTBALL ON TV. NOW, HAVING STEERED THE SULTANATE OF OMAN TO THE UPPER ECHELON OF ASIAN FOOTBALL AND HELPED WIGAN ATHLETIC WIN THE FA CUP, THE GOALKEEPER IS PROVING TO BE AN INSPIRATION THROUGHOUT THE WIDER GULF REGION.

By: Andrew Mullen • Photos: World Sport Group/Courtesy of the Oman Football Federation

AFC QUARTERLY 37 Interview: Ali Al Habsi

s captain of a national team “When you are player he has the respect following his Left & Below Celebeating Oman’s battling to qualify for their playing in the third career in England.” Gulf Cup success in first-ever FIFA World Cup division in Oman and Burridge quickly identified an 2009. finals appearance, the agony unearthed talent in the teenager and for sidelined goalkeeper Ali Al not professional, fast-tracked Al Habsi up through Habsi was immense. Forced your dream is just the national team ranks to the first to sit in the stands due to a to watch football on team and eventually, through his shoulder injury, the country’s TV.” connections, on to trials in England. mostA famous footballing son was left to watch Work permit issues delayed Al helplessly as Oman narrowly missed out on Habsi’s move to England, although qualification for Brazil 2014. Born in a village on the outskirts of Europe still beckoned with Norwegian Of course, he had already played his part in Muscat, Al Habsi began his career with First Division side Lyn Oslo moving Oman firmly into contention to qualify modest hometown club Al Midhaibi “When you have a target and hope from Group B with two games remaining but, before making the step up with Al Nasr for yourself to achieve something in after undergoing shoulder surgery to alleviate and winning the Sultan Qaboos Cup. the future you can do it. I had the skill, a problem which had disrupted his season in It was during this period of his I just had to work hard and take the England with Wigan Athletic, Al Habsi missed career that Al Habsi was spotted by right things from the managers and the home win over Iraq and away defeat in well-travelled former goalkeeper John people at the clubs and that’s what I Jordan which ultimately ended hopes of at Burridge, who was working as a coach did. I did not rush, I had a vision,” says least a play-off berth for Paul Le Guen’s side. with the Oman national team. Al Habsi. But while the mild-mannered custodian “John Burridge made a big difference “Others players now want to achieve did not feature at the start of June, Al Habsi’s in my life. There might be hundreds of Al everything straight away and they time was occupied fulfilling numerous other Ali Habsi’s in Oman, but they didn’t have can’t do that. When you are playing in requirements having returned to Oman to a that one person who can help them and Middle East and you want to play in rapturous welcome at Muscat International take them to another country and show the top league, it is impossible. From Airport having been part of the Wigan squad the rest of the world we have these my experience of the last 11 years, you which defied all the odds to win the FA Cup players,” says Al Habsi. have to go step-by-step and obtain the with a 1-0 win over Manchester City at the “John Burridge saw the talent I had experience.” start of May. when I was 17 and told me it was the Al Habsi quickly adapted to his new “Ali is a national hero – and it is his drive right time to go abroad. He is a legend surroundings in Norway and after three and determination to succeed that we want in England, he played more than 700 successful years he signed for Bolton to see in every Omani,” says Oman Football games, and when he says he has a Wanderers in January 2006. Association Chairman Sayyid Khalid Hamed Hamoud Al Busaidi. “Ali has shown what is possible when you combine talent with hard work and a professional and dedicated approach. He is a fine footballer but most of all he is a proud Omani and the country loves him for that.” Al Habsi was an unused substitute for the showpiece final despite having featured in the

“Ali is a national hero – and it is his drive and determination to succeed that we want to see in every Omani.” Oman Football Association Chairman Sayyid Khalid Hamed Hamoud Al Busaidi.

semi-final at Wembley a month earlier as hard with my injury.” Wigan recorded a 2-0 win over Millwall. Al Habsi’s celebrated homecoming not But any thoughts of disappointment only marked a significant moment for Omani after missing out on the final were soon football, but also was a reminder of just forgotten as the sight of a beaming Al how far the 31-year-old had come having Habsi with the famous trophy in one hand worked as a part-time fireman at Muscat and his national flag clutched in the other International Airport as a teenager on the confirmed the historic achievement for the fringes of a third division team in the amateur former fireman. domestic scene as well as the Oman U-17 “I am so happy with the FA Cup win. side. I am so proud because I was part of the “When you are playing in the third division team,” says Al Habsi. “In football it is not in Oman and not professional, your dream is about one player, the group of players is just to watch football on TV,” says Al Habsi. part of the trophy. I played the semi-final, “When I was playing in the third division I but I had not played for the last 10 games was dreaming of playing in the first division in the league or the cup and it was really with a big club in Oman.”

AFC QUARTERLY 39 Interview: Ali Al Habsi

the respect the people have for me, “I have talked with especially with the kids,” Al Habsi says. parents and they “You can’t change it in one year; you need years for people to learn road were not pushing safety. It is improving and wherever for football because I go the people say thank you for the there was no work we are doing, but there is still money in football more work to do.” Al Habsi’s absence against Iraq and they had to and Jordan allowed Faiyz Al Rusheidi have another job the opportunity to deputise, and the but now everything Al Suwaiq goalkeeper performed has changed with admirably to highlight the abundance Ali Al Habsi of talent in Oman despite the lack of a the success of the professional league. national team.” Nationality: “We can’t say we have a Oman Oman team ranks for the resumption professional league, although we are DOB: nearly there, but many players now of the qualifiers for the 2015 AFC their job is to play football because Asian Cup in August after Paul Le 30/12/1981 they can earn good money compared Guen’s side began their campaign Position: to 10 or 15 years ago. The next with a 1-0 home win over Syria in Goalkeeper generation, who are now 15 to16 years February. Left Captaining old, they are more into football than “We are very confident and we have Oman against Current club: they were before because they have a fantastic manager and he has made Australia in the final Wigan Athletic (England) round of qualifiers for an idol to look up to,” says Al Habsi. a big difference in Oman,” adds Al the 2014 FIFA World “I have talked with parents and they Habsi. Cup. Previous clubs: were not pushing for football because “We have a mix of young players Al Midhaibi (Oman) Below Al Habsi there was no money in football and and experienced players and he gives was forced to sit out Al Nasr (Oman) they had to have another job but chances to any players in the league the final two games Lyn Oslo (Norway) now everything has changed with the to play in the national team. We have of the qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA Bolton Wanderers (England) success of the national team.” young players who are just 19 or 20 World Cup following Al Habsi is expected to return to the and they have done very well.” shoulder surgery.

“The three years in Norway was the right “The three years in Al Habsi’s stock continued to rise at decision because if I went to England for Norway was the right Wigan with increased transfer speculation, those three years I don’t think I would have although he was forced to endure an injury- made it. There were many reasons like work decision because if I hit 2012/13 season and was used sparingly permit and experience that I had,” he says. went to England for during the run-in as the “Maybe I would go to the second division, those three years I Latics were eventually relegated despite but I think the Norwegian league is better than don’t think I would have their FA Cup success. these lower leagues with many good teams. The surgery was timed in-order to It was a really good three years and I was made it.” allow Al Habsi to be fit for the start of the named best goalkeeper in the league, we got upcoming season for Wigan, although that to the cup final and we finished third in the Al Habsi eventually joined Wigan, initially had a knock on effect on his availably for league, it was a good three years and after on a season long loan for in 2010, and after Oman at the end of the FIFA World Cup that I was ready.” a successful season where he was named qualifiers. Al Habsi would only make 18 appearances the club’s Player of the Year, the move But his time on the sidelines, though, for Bolton due to the presence of first-choice became permanent in July 2011. allowed Al Habsi to turn his attentions to goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen and alternated The move to Wigan brought with it new other avenues while back home in Oman, with Ian Walker for the role as deputy, challenges as Al Habsi had to adapt to which includes his work as co-founder of a although those would include outings in the the contrasting style of the long ball game non-profit road safety organisation, Safety UEFA Cup during the 2007/08 season having utilised by then Bolton manager Sam First. earlier appeared in the qualifying rounds for Allardyce compared with the more cultivated Lyn Oslo. passing style preferred at Wigan under “With Big Sam you “I knew it would be hard for me. Jussi was Roberto Martinez. just had to kick and one of the best in the league at that time “With Big Sam you just had to kick and and even this year he went back six years the job was done, but with Roberto you have the job was done, but and made a big difference with West Ham,” to play with the back four and improve your with Roberto you have says Al Habi. “I learned a lot from him and skill,” says Al Habsi. to play with the back sometimes it is good to stay on the bench.” “And I have improved a lot and I really four and improve your With his club career on the rise, Al Habsi’s enjoy it because now in England and the rest international prospects were also flourishing of the world the goalkeeper is not just there skill.” with appearances at the AFC Asian Cup in to save the ball, 50% of your game you have 2004 and 2007 before helping Oman win the to be very good with your feet and how you “In Oman the number of accidents is high Gulf Cup for the first time in 2009. control the ball and control the game.” and people die in accidents. I try to use

AFC QUARTERLY 41 PREVIEW: AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

EAST v WEST

WITH THE DRAW FOR THE QUARTER-FINALS OF THE 2013 AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PITTING THE BEST FROM THE EAST AGAINST THE POWERHOUSES FROM THE WEST, WHO WILL EMERGE VICTORIOUS LATER THIS YEAR? WE COMPARE THE FOUR TIES AHEAD OF THE RESUMPTION OF THE COMPETITION IN AUGUST.

ll eight teams who the footsteps of inaugural finalists BEC have progressed to Tero Sasana. the quarter-finals have China’s Guangzhou Evergrande have won their domestic emerged as a new continental force in title, but none have recent years, while Japan’s Kashiwa won the revamped AFC Reysol have the recent triumphs of Champions League Urawa Reds and Gamba as title. That, though, is inspiration. guaranteedA to change later this year. Iran’s Esteghlal are the most recent Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli reached the of the eight to have claimed their final last year only to lose to Ulsan domestic title having also won the Hyundai as the title retuned to Korean Asian Club Championship title on two hands for a third time in four years occasions, while both Qatar’s Lekhwiya following the surprise success of Qatar’s and Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab saw their Al Sadd in 2011. domestic reigns recently ended. Al Ahli’s opponents FC Seoul are So, while all eight have the looking to convert a third quarter-final credentials to add their name to the list appearance in five years to continue of AFC Champions League winners, that run, while surprise package Buriram who will emerge unscathed from the United from Thailand are out to follow in quarter-finals?

AFC QUARTERLY 42 Esteghlal (IRN) Buriram Kashiwa Al Shabab (KSA) VS United (THA) Reysol (JPN) VS First Leg - 21/08/13 • 20:00 Second Leg - 18/09/13 • 18:00 First Leg - 21/08/13 • 19:00 Second Leg - 18/09/13 • 20:15

steghlal progressed to the quarter- hailand’s Buriram United continued aving fallen short of reaching the l Shabab progressed to the last eight finals of the AFC Champions League to follow in the footsteps of inaugural knockout phase in their debut for the first time since 2010 having forE the first time since the tournament was finalistsT BEC Tero Sasana after reaching Happearance in the AFC Champions emergedA as winners of Group A ahead of inaugurated in 2002 as the Tehran Blues the quarter-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 League, Emperor’s Cup holders Kashiwa Qatar’s El Jaish. seek to return to their former position at the aggregate win over Bunyodkor. Reysol applied the lessons learned 12 The Michel Preud-homme-coached club summit of Asian club football. Buriram had become the first Thai side months earlier to advance to the knockout from emerged from a tough group Winners of the Asian Club Championship in a decade to reach the knockout stage stage this season. having slipped up only once – against El in 1970 and 1991, Esteghlal also reached of the AFC Champions League after Nelsinho Baptista’s team impressed in Jaish on Matchday Five – before seeing off the final of the former continental club edging out China’s Sainty on the group stages, topping Group H with an Al Gharafa with a 5-1 aggregate success in championship in 1999, when they lost on goal difference to progress from Group E unbeaten record. the Round of 16. home soil in the final to Japan’s Jubilo behind K-League champions FC Seoul The form of striker Masato Kudo was Argentinian striker Sebastian Tagliabue Iwata. having edged out Australia’s such that the striker earned himself a scored three times over the course of the Having claimed the Iran Pro League title Top Roar on penalties in the play-offs. Top Japan call-up, while on-loan striker Cleo Top two legs but the former Ettifaq forward Top this season, Esteghlal have rediscovered While seen by many as a surprise, Anawin Jujeen – signed for the season from Guangzhou Leandro Domingues left the club in the close season to join Al Kwak Tae-hwi (left) their domestic form while at Asian level Above Buriram had shown on their debut Above Evergrande – has also been amongst the Above Wahda in the . Above they have become a force to be reckoned appearance a year earlier they had what it Ekkachai Samre goals. Masato Kudo He was not the only high profile Fernando Menegazzo with thanks to a side that features an array takes, having beaten Japanese champions Kudo scored twice over the two legs departure, however, with Nasser Al of Iranian and foreign talent. Kashiwa Reysol and Chinese champions of the 5-2 aggregate win over former Shamrani signing for cross-Riyadh rivals Captained by Farhad Majidi and with Guangzhou Evergrande before missing champions in the Al Hilal. Javad Nekounam featuring, the 2013 out on a place in the knockout stage Round of 16 as Reysol became the first But Al Shabab offset the duo’s departure Iranian champions boast an experienced following a string of narrow defeats. Japanese club to advance to the last eight by completing one of the biggest transfer and talented squad which saw off two Twins Suree and Surat Sukha as since in 2011. coups in recent years in the Middle East of the giants of Asian club football in the well as captain Suchao Nutnum provide Leandro Domingues, the J.League’s as they signed Saudi Arabia international group stages. experience in a side filled with promising Most Valuable Player in 2011 when Reysol Naif Hazazi, who scored eight times in the Esteghlal finished at the summit of Thai youngsters including Theeraton won the domestic title for the first time, 2012 AFC Champions League as Al Ittihad Group D ahead of Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal Bunmathan and Anawin Jujeen, with has regained the form that was lacking reached the semi-finals. and inaugural AFC Champions League Spanish defender Barba and throughout much of 2012 while Jorge Defender Kwak Tae-hwi had also joined winners Al Ain before seeing off Al Shabab , Japanese forward Kai Hirano also key Buriram Stadium, Wagner completes a potent Brazilian trio Hitachi Kashiwa Stadium, Al Shabab after winning the 2012 AFC King Fahd Stadium, Al Arabi, also of the UAE, the Round of 16. Tehran (100,000) components. Buriram (24,000) for Kashiwa. Kashiwa (15,900) Champions League with Ulsan Hyundai. Riyadh (67,000)

COACH COACH COACH COACH Amir Ghalenoei Scott Cooper Nelsinho Michel five-time Iran Pro League-winner as nglishman Scott Cooper replaced Baptista Preud-homme a coach, Amir Ghalenoei returned to Atthaphol Puspakom following the he well-travelled Nelsinho Baptista is in ormer Belgium World Cup goalkeeper AEsteghlal at the start of the just-completed groupE stage of the 2013 AFC Champions his fourth full season at Kashiwa Reysol Michel Preud-homme took over as head Iran Pro League season having guided League success and oversaw the win over havingT steered the club to the unprecedented coachF of Al Shabab in June 2011 and in his Sepahan to back-to-back domestic titles in Bunyodkor in the last 16. feat of winning Japan’s second and first first season at the helm of the Riyadh-based 2010 and 2011. Ghalenoei previously won Former Leicester City technical director division titles in successive seasons. He club guided them to the Saudi league title. the title with Esteghlal in 2006 and 2009 Cooper had been working under the former followed that up by guiding the club to the The former Gent and FC Twente coach won before also masterminding last season’s Thailand international striker since the start Emperor’s Cup in 2012. the Belgian title with Standard Liege in 2008. success. of the season. Guangzhou Lekhwiya (QAT) Al Ahli (KSA) FC Seoul (KOR) Evergrande (CHN) VS VS First Leg - 21/08/13 • 20:00 Second Leg - 18/09/13 • 18:15 First Leg - 21/08/13 • 21:00 Second Leg - 18/09/13 • 19:30

uangzhou Evergrande secured a ike quarter-final opponents Guangzhou, fter failing to make much of C Seoul secured a third AFC second consecutive appearance in Lekhwiya have made a startling rise an impression in their first four Champions League quarter-final Gthe quarter-finals of the AFC Champions throughL the ranks. Originally founded in appearancesA in the AFC Champions appearanceF in five years after recording League after winning Group F ahead of 1938 as Al Shorta (Police Club), Lekhwiya League, Al Ahli reached the final last year a 3-1 comeback win over China’s former winners Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors did not vie for honours until three years and lost 3-0 to Korea Republic’s Ulsan Guoan in the last 16. and Urawa Reds before easing past ago when they were renamed and Hyundai. It was the closest Al Ahli had FC Seoul, who relocated from the Australia’s Central Coast Mariners in the provided with heavy financial backing. come to lifting a continental title since satellite city of Anyang to the Seoul World last 16. And despite having only secured losing to Korean side Daewoo Royals in the Cup Stadium in 2004, had marched to a The success continues Guangzhou’s promotion from the second tier in 2010, 1986 Asian Club Championship final. second K-League title in three years last meteoric rise which has also delivered Lekhwiya won back-to-back Qatar Stars Al Ahli, though, were able to continue year after winning the domestic crown in back-to-back Chinese Super League titles. League titles. Like Guangzhou, Lekhwiya that continental form this season, and after impressive fashion with a 17 point cushion Guangzhou have achieved this success are also making their second appearance impressively topping Group C ahead of over runners-up Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. with FIFA World Cup winning coach Top in the AFC Champions League, although Top Al Gharafa with an unbeaten record, the Top But despite losing just once on their Top blending a significant this year represents their first quarter-final Nam Tee-hee (left) Saudi side downed Qatar’s El Jaish in the Bruno Cesar return to the quarter-finals, Choi Yong- Dejan Damjanovic (right) number of China’s leading players – Above berth having exited in the group stage in Above Round of 16 after posting a 3-1 win on Above soo’s side have struggled to rediscover Above including and Zheng Zhi with Muriqui 2012. Issiar Dia aggregate. Taiseer Al Jassam their domestic form this season and are in Yun Il-lok South American trio Muriqui, Dario Conca Lekhwiya were unable to defend their Progress in the AFC Champions real danger of missing out on featuring in and Lucas Barrios. domestic title this season, although under League, though, was not enough to keep the end of season championship round. Despite the arrival of Barrios last former Belgium international defender Eric Aleksandar Ilic in his job following a fifth Choi, though, will again look to Yun Il-lok summer, Brazilian frontman Muriqui Gerets they were able to emerge at the place finish in the Saudi League and the to provide the spark in the knockout stage again shone for Guangzhou en route to top of the tight Group B before edging out Serbian was replaced by Vitor Pereira. Ilic after the 21-year-old contributed four goals the quarter-finals with the 2011 Chinese Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal in the Round of 16 himself had only replaced Karel Jarolim en route to the last eight, which included Football of the Year netting eight goals. despite a nervous 2-2 draw in the second one match into the current AFC Champions a goal and an assist in the second leg Lippi has made notable improvements leg in . League campaign. against Beijing. since his arrival in May last year and Qatar international striker Sebastian Al Ahli have signed Brazilian midfielder Montenegro international striker Dejan Guangzhou will hope the Italian can Soria provides Lekhwiya’s main Mossoro from Portuguese side Sporting Damjanovic, who scored 31 goals in the continue that progress having overseen goalscoring threat, complemented by Braga following the off-season departures K-League last season, also remains at last year’s quarter-final defeat by two-time Tianhe Sport Center, Tunisian forward and Lekhwiya Club Stadium, of Colombian defender Jairo Palomino and King Abdulaziz Sport City, threat for FC Seoul despite only finding the , champions Al Ittihad. Guangzhou (60,000) Senegalese midfielder Issiar Dia. Doha (10,000) Oman international Amad Al Hosni. Sharayea (24,000) net twice so far in the competition. Seoul (66,080)

COACH COACH COACH COACH Marcello Lippi Eric Gerets Vitor Pereira Choi Yong-soo arcello Lippi guided Guangzhou into ric Gerets joined Lekhwiya in October itor Pereira replaced Aleksandar Ilic in hoi Yong-soo won the K-League title in the quarter-finals for the second 2012 following two years with . June having led Porto to back-to-back his first full season in charge last year consecutiveM season having succeeded Lee AfterE a successful playing career with PortugueseV league titles. An assistant to Cand was named 2012 Coach of the Year. Jang-soo in May last year. Lippi won the Standard Liege, AC Milan and PSV Andre Villas-Boas at Porto during the 2010 Choi, who played for Korea Republic Italian League title on five occasions during Eindhoven which also included an campaign, Pereira took over when his at both the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World two spells with Juventus while also winning appearance in the semi-finals of the 1986 compatriot left for Chelsea the following Cups, had retired with FC Seoul in 2006 the UEFA Champions League in 1996 before FIFA World Cup with Belgium, as a coach season and in his two years at the helm, having begun his playing career at Anyang guiding Italy to success at 2006 FIFA World Gerets has won domestic titles in Belgium, Porto also won the Portuguese Super Cup in Cheetahs before spells at three Japanese Cup in Germany. the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia. each season. clubs. PREVIEW: AFC CUP

DUO AIM FOR AFC CUP HISTORY

DEFENDING CHAMPIONS KUWAIT SC AND JORDAN’S AL FAISALY ARE OUT TO CLAIM THE AFC CUP TITLE FOR A HISTORIC THIRD TIME. WILL HISTORY REPEAT ITSELF OR WILL A NEW CHAMPION BE CROWNED LATER THIS YEAR? WE COMPARE THE FOUR QUARTER-FINAL MATCH-UPS AHEAD OF SEPTEMBER’S TIES.

ince its launch in 2004, appearing in the last eight for a second the AFC Cup has been consecutive season. dominated by teams India’s East Bengal are returning from West Asia, with to the quarter-finals for the first time only Uzbekistan’s since the inaugural competition in 2004 Nasaf claiming the title having progressed to the last eight in 2011 after beating with an unbeaten record along with Kuwait SC. impressive Indonesian outfit Semen SKuwait SC were able to recover last Padang. year and claim a second title in four Kitchee must overcome the loss years after beating Iraq’s Arbil 4-0 of their coach although the Hong [pictured] having also triumphed in 2009. Kong side are boosted by having the They are on course to defend that tournament’s top scorer in their ranks, title this year, although fellow two-time while New Radiant from the Maldives champions Al Faisaly from Jordan are also showed their attacking prowess en also in the running for a third AFC Cup route to the last eight. crown. All eight have earned their place in Kuwait’s Al Qadsia also reached the the last eight; they must now prove their final in 2010, while Syria’s Al Shorta are worth over two legs in September.

AFC QUARTERLY 49 New Al Qadsia (KUW) VS Al Shorta (SYR) VS Kuwait SC (KUW) Radiant (MDV) First Leg- 17/09/13 • 19:40 Second Leg - 24/09/13 • 19:00 First Leg - 17/09/13 • 16:00 Second Leg - 24/09/13 • 19:30

ormer finalists Al Qadsia returned to the quarter-finals after back- yria’s Al Shorta sealed a second consecutive appearance in the omestic champions New Radiant secured Maldivian efending champions Kuwait SC are seeking a third consecutive to-back heartbreaking penalty shootout defeats in the last 16 with quarter-finals of the AFC Cup having finished a close second to representation in the quarter-finals of the AFC Cup for the first appearance in the AFC Cup final to become the first side to win aF convincing 4-0 win over Oman’s Fanja. lastS eight opponents Al Qadsia in Group D before edging out 2012 Dtime since 2005 with an impressive goal scoring record. Dthe title on three occasions. Al Qadsia reached the 2010 final only to lose on penalties to finalists Arbil in the last 16. Returning to the group stage of the AFC Cup for the fifth time and Having lost the 2011 final to Uzbekistan’s Nasaf, Kuwait SC beat Syria’s Al Ittihad. Al Shorta had enjoyed an impressive AFC first since 2008, the 2005 semi-finalists were Iraq’s Arbil 4-0 in the final last year having They then suffered the same fate twice Cup debut last year before being edged out the top scorers during the group stage of also triumphed over Syria’s Al Karamah in against Kuwait SC in the last 16 in both by Thailand’s Chonburi in the last eight after the AFC Cup with 20 goals before needing 2009 to join Jordan’s Al Faisaly as two-time 2011 and 2012. the second leg was settled after extra-time. extra-time to eventually edge out Malaysia’s winners of the competition. But after topping Group D ahead of This year, Al Shorta needed a 3-1 win Selangor in the last 16. Kuwait SC had posted four wins to top quarter-final opponents Al Shorta, Bader over debutants FC Ravshan on the final The proficiency in front of goal had Group A ahead of Bahrain’s Al Riffa thanks Al Mutwa scored twice and set up two Matchday in to edge out Jordan’s proved crucial as New Radiant edged to six goals from Tunisian striker Issam other goals as Al Qadsia thrashed Oman Al Ramtha. out Myanmar’s Yangon United on goal Jemaa and four from Rogerinho. champions Fanja 4-0 this season. During the group stage, Al Shorta claimed a 1-0 win in Kuwait difference to top Group F with each side posting five wins. Kuwait SC, though, needed a penalty shootout for a second Al Mutwa’s brace took his tally for the tournament to nine having thanks to Maher Al Said’s stoppage time penalty before losing the Ali Ashfaq (below) top scored with eight goals during the group consecutive season to seal a place in the last eight after drawing 1-1 only failed to score in one game during the group stage – the 1-0 return fixture 2-0 to leave their quarter-final firmly in the balance. stage, with five of those coming in a 7-0 away win over Persibo. with Iraq’s Duhok after extra-time. defeat by Al Shorta at the start of the campaign. Al Shorta also lost to Al Ramtha, although they won all three of Umair Mohamed also contributed six goals during the group stage, Kuwait SC had taken the lead through Chadi Hammami’s first half Mesaed Nada and their away fixtures in before Ahmed Niyaz and penalty, but after Saleh Omar Al Suma both Jordan, Tajikistan and Ali Fasir scored in the Sadir netted at the start benefited from Al Mutwa Kuwait. first half of extra-time to of the second half, the assists against Fanja to Prior to Al Said see off the challenge of home side eventually double their tallies for netting what proved Selangor. prevailed 4-1 on the campaign. to be the extra-time New Radiant had penalties. And Al Mutwa also winner against Arbil in lost 5-2 on aggregate Last year, Brazilian scored twice as Al the Round of 16 as Al to eventual champions Rogerinho scored seven Qadsia won the Kuwait Shorta won 4-3, only Al Faisaly in the 2005 goals as Kuwait SC won Emir’s Cup for a record Mohammed Al Wakid semi-finals before the title before being equaling 15th time after had posted double appearing in the group named the inaugural posting a 3-0 victory figures in the group stage for the next three AFC Foreign Player of over Al Jahara. stage. seasons. the Year.

Semen Kitchee (HKG) VS Al Faisaly (JOR) East Bengal (IND) VS Padang (IDN) First Leg - 17/09/13 • 20:00 Second Leg - 24/09/13 • 19:00 First Leg - 17/09/13 • 16:30 Second Leg - 24/09/13 • 15:00

ong Kong’s Kitchee must re-group following the loss of popular ordan’s Al Faisaly are bidding to become the first side to win the ike quarter-final opponents Semen Padang, India’s East Bengal emen Padang ensured Indonesian representation the quarter- Hcoach Josep Gombau as they look to follow in the footsteps of JAFC Cup for a third time having previously triumphed in both 2005 progressed to the last eight with an unbeaten record. finals of the AFC Cup for a third consecutive season by posting domestic rivals South China, who reached the semi-finals in 2009. and 2006. LThe I-League side, who reached the quarter-finals of the inaugural anS impressive unbeaten record en route to the last eight. Spanish coach Gombau guided Kitchee to back-to-back The 32-time Jordanian League champions ensured a return to the AFC Cup in 2004, posted four wins and two draws to top Group H After and Arema Indonesia lost in the quarter- league titles in 2011 and 2012 as well as quarter-finals for the first time since losing ahead of Malaysia’s Selangor and Vietnam’s finals over the last two years, Semen successive FA Cup wins in 2012 and 2013, the 2007 final 2-1 on aggregate to fellow Sai Gon Xuan Thanh after Dempo SC had cruised through to the Round of 16 at the but joined Australia’s Adelaide United at the Jordanian side Shabab Al Ordon by winning also advanced to the last 16 in 2011. top of Group E ahead of Kitchee with five end of the season. a tight Group C ahead of Iraq’s Duhok and But unlike Dempo, who lost to Iraq’s wins and a draw – which came in India Compatriot Alex Gomez, a former youth Oman’s Dhofar Club before recording a 3-1 Duhok, East Bengal sealed a return to the against Churchill Brothers. team mentor at the Barcelona academy, will victory over Bahrain’s Al Riffa in the Round quarter-finals with a 5-1 win over Yangon And in front of a typically colourful crowd look to pick up where Gombau left off. of 16. United thanks to a hat-trick from Nigerian at Agus Salim Stadium in Padang, Vendry And Gomez’s job will be made easier with Al Faisaly, though, will have a new coach striker Chidi Edeh (below). Moro (right) netted the winner in stoppage Spanish striker Jordi Tarres (below) set to remain with Kitchee having at the helm for the quarter-final meeting with Hong Kong’s Kitchee Edeh along with compatriot Penn Orji (above), Andrew Barisic and time as Semen edged out Vietnam’s SHB Da Nang 2-1 to seal a scored 11 goals in the AFC Cup this season. with Ali Kumeikh replacing previous incumbent Feras Al Khalaileh. all scored three goals during the group stage. place in the last eight. Tarres scored in every game as Kitchee finished a comfortable Kumeikh has previously worked with Saudi Arabian sides Al East Bengal’s performance this season was in stark contrast to Powerful Liberian striker Edward Junior Wilson (below) had second in Group E behind impressive Indonesia side Semen Padang Shoalah and Sadoos and had a brief spell as caretaker coach of Al their three previous AFC Cup appearances having collected just three opened the scoring against Da Nang with his ninth of the campaign with the Spaniard Nassr having made his points in nine games having scored eight contributing 10 of his name as a player with over the last three goals in five games sides 18 goals. the club. campaigns. during as Semen eased And Tarres was Abdallah Al Attar, Placed on the West through the group again on target with a Khalil Baniateyah and side of the draw in both stage. superb strike as Kitchee Ashraf Nu’man, who 2010 and 2012, East Veteran midfielder reached the quarter- scored twice against Al Bengal failed to pick up Elie Aiboy is also a key finals of the AFC Riffa, top scored for Al a point in any of their component for Semen, Cup for the first time Faisaly en route to the six games, while in their while Muhammad Nur with a 2-0 away win last eight with the trio 2011 appearance, they Iskandar chipped in over Malaysian treble contributing three goals were able to draw three with three goals during winners Kelantan in the each for the Jordanian games against teams the group stage for the Round of 16. side. from the East. Indonesian side. CLUB PROFILE: BURIRAM UNITED

ROLLING THUNDER

BURIRAM UNITED HAVE BECOME THE FIRST THAI SIDE TO REACH THE LATTER STAGES OF THE AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SINCE BEC TERO SASANA’S RUN TO THE FINAL IN THE TOURNAMENT’S INAUGURAL YEAR IN 2003. AS THEIR LAST EIGHT MEETING WITH ESTEGHLAL LOOMS, THE CLUB IS AIMING FOR A SUSTAINED STAY AT THE SUMMIT OF ASIAN FOOTBALL.

By: John Crean • Photos: World Sport Group / Thananuwat Srirasant

AFC QUARTERLY 53 CLUB PROFILE: BURIRAM UNITED

ust days after Buriram United storm in 2011. where they came within a disallowed goal of Far Left Above Against invested wisely in the squad both at home reached the last eight of the Founded: They ran away with the title by 16 points, taking -coached Al Ain to extra- Club president Guangzhou Evergrande and abroad, the opposite has been the case Newin Chidchob. in the 2012 AFC AFC Champions League for the 1970 winning 26 of their 34 games and losing just time. with “Thunder Castle” rediscovering their roar. (as Provincial Electricity Authority) Champions League. first time in their brief history, once. The side also won the Thai FA Cup, Typically, Newin was bullish about Top Left Bottom Left Buriram have won through to meet Iranian club president Newin Chidchob Ground: beating 2010 league champions Muangthong Buriram’s chances of success under Attaphol. 2011 League Cup Attaphol Puspakom powerhouse Esteghlal in the quarter-finals strolled into the dressing room Buriram Stadium, Buriram (24,000) United 1-0 after extra-time, and the Thai “The aim is to qualify from our group this winners. of the AFC Champions League and a 6-2 before a match wearing a freshly Address: League Cup, downing Thai Port 2-0 in the season,” said Newin, whose hands-on role home win over United on June minted shirt with a logo that Buriram United Co., Ltd., final. with the club frequently includes talking to the and Cameroon junior international Franck 24 took them four points clear of defending encapsulated what he and the team are all 2159/8 Phaholyothin Road, Lad Yao, The metamorphosis from PEA was media. “After that I want (the club) to be top Ohandza buzzed up front for Buriram, champions Muangthong in the Thai Premier J Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900 about. complete in 2012 when the AFC sanctioned 10 in Asia within three years.” with the latter top scoring in the 2011 Thai League with a game in hand. The legend read “Asia’s Top 10 2013” and Website: www.buriramunited.com a name change to “Buriram United” ahead Buriram made the best possible start, Premier League with 19 goals. According to Wanchai Rujawongsanti, the its realisation fulfilled a seemingly outrageous of the team’s debut in the AFC Champions edging Kashiwa 3-2 at home in their purpose- The dream of qualifying for the knockout sports editor of the Bangkok Post and a long- boast politician turned football powerbroker Honours League. built, 24,000 all-seater capacity stadium - stages was shattered, however, by back- time observer of , Newin’s (as Buriram PEA/Buriram United): Newin made shortly after buying the club and Thai Premier League 2011; FA Cup Buriram were very much the new kids another bold statement of Newin’s ambition to-back losses to Jeonbuk before both political and business clout has given Buriram re-locating it lock, stock and barrel to his home 2011, 2012; League Cup 2011, 2012 on the block in a tough group that included - before upsetting big-spending Guangzhou Kashiwa and Guangzhou gained revenge a huge advantage in the transfer market. turf in north-eastern Thailand. the champions of Japan, Korea Republic 2-1 in China. for earlier defeats. “They have brought in some quality players The club shirt and new logo struck an and China – Kashiwa Reysol, Jeonbuk It was no surprise to followers of Thai Domestically, Buriram - with Ohandza from overseas and the Thai players seem to immediate chord with the players and now Hyundai Motors and Guangzhou Evergrande football that teenaged striker Frank sidelined by injury - trailed in fourth to be real grafters,” he said. departed Thai-American midfielder Anthony Buriram PEA came into existence respectively. Acheampong, one half of the “two Franks” Muangthong in their title defence although “First of all, they have spending power. Ampaipitakwong tweeted a picture of himself ahead of the 2010 season after Newin, The inexperienced side’s secret weapon strike force who were central to Buriram’s they did retain both the FA and League Newin can easily ask for money from his with his arm around a beaming Newin along a former Government minister, took over was coach Attaphol Puspakom, who travelled domestic dominance in 2011, lived up to his Cups, gaining another crack at the AFC business or political allies. with the message, “President representing the Ayutthaya-based Provincial Electricity the glory trail all the way to the final of Asia’s nickname of “Ghana’s Messi” with a man of Champions League through the play-off “Newin, a devout football fan, now has Buriram top 10 club in Asia!! Game day Su Su Authority club and moved them to his elite club competition with BEC Tero Sasana the match performance against Guangzhou. route as a result. more time to look after his team after he has (fight).” political heartland, Isaan. in 2003. Acheampong - recruited by Buriram when There was a body of opinion that stayed away from politics. Newin’s “been there, done that, got the The team finished a noteworthy second The former Thai international guided the he was just 16 and so much part of the Buriram would struggle both at home and “Buriram have some of Thailand’s best T-shirt” brag was just a few short years in the in their first campaign in the Thai Premier “Fire Dragons” to the two-legged showdown “family” that he called Newin ‘dad’ and his regionally in 2013 with the “two Franks” players including Suchao Nutnum, Theeraton making. League before taking the domestic game by of the inaugural AFC Champions League wife and cheerleader-in-chief Karuna ‘mum’ - departed for European clubs but having Bunmathan, twins Suree and Surat Sukha

AFC QUARTERLY 55 CLUB PROFILE: BURIRAM UNITED

and Anawin Jujeen. Left Celebrating Top Anawin Vegalta . by sections of the media who are sceptical of Top Left Top Right Above “[Newin Chidchob]’s a qualification for the Jujeen (left) opened Scott Cooper Osmar Barba Surat Sukha “They failed to defend the Thai Premier last 16 of the 2013 the scoring against As well as the two points they picked the ambitious club. visionary. People can League title last season partly because of the AFC Champions Bunyodkor. up from the Japanese side, Buriram also “Thai sports media are divided mainly into Bottom Left Bottom Right 3+1 rule which was introduced in Thailand in League. drew twice with eventual group winners FC two groups - one which supports Muangthong Carmelo Gonzalez Theeraton Bunmathan say what they want 2012. Seoul, lost 2-0 to Jiangsu Sainty in China United and one which does not like about him, but he loves “They have learned a lesson and come Champions League, has chipped in with 11 and beat them by the same score at home. Muangthong United,” added Wanchai. Newin’s decision to axe Attaphol just hours the football club. He back strongly this season by signing several goals in the league campaign and his scoring With six goals scored, several of them “For obvious reasons, the first group does after a battling 2-2 away draw with FC Seoul understands that we good Thai players. exploits will likely see him win a place in the on the counterattack, and just six conceded not like Buriram and sees Buriram’s success saw them clinch a last 16 spot was greeted “Surprisingly, most of their new foreign squad for the quarter-final with Esteghlal. thanks to some fine defending, Buriram as a small matter. One reporter even wrote with shock, even amongst Buriram fans, are trying to develop players have played well including Javier Imposing centre-back Barba, signed from edged out Jiangsu on goal difference to in his column that he was not ‘excited’ by but that move was quickly forgotten as his the whole club.” Patino, Carmelo Gonzalez and Osmar Racing Santander in Spain, has been a rock seal a place in the last 16. Buriram reaching the AFC Champions League replacement, youth academy coach Scott (Barba). You may say that they are just lucky in defence as well as a threat at set pieces While Newin hailed Buriram’s progress quarter-finals because Thai Farmers Bank Cooper, guided them to a last eight place with Buriram United coach to get good foreign players but you may also evidenced by his vital goals against Japan’s in the AFC Champions League as being for (who won the old Asian Club Championship an assured 2-1 aggregate victory win over last Scott Cooper have to give them credit for signing the right in the two 1-1 draws at the “Thai fans and our supporters”, the side are twice) and BEC Tero (who reached the final year’s semi-finalists Bunyodkor of Uzbekistan. players.” group stage. not universally popular in the country, says of the inaugural AFC Champions League in Englishman Cooper, who worked with Indeed, the club’s professional set-up Wing back Theerathon has had an Newin is a fan of the pressing game Wanchai. 2003) had done better. several Buriram players when at Leicester encompassing blue-chip sponsors, good exceptional season, his left-footed deliveries employed by UEFA Champions League “Most, or at least a large number of, Thai “On the other hand, the second group often City’s Youth Academy, has slipped easily into fan base, modern stadium, fantastic from free kicks and corners a constant runners-up and there fans had a lukewarm reaction to Buriram’s plays success by any teams, Muangthong the coaching job and has nothing but praise training facilities, youth academy and menace to defences, former was more than a hint of the German side’s success in the AFC Champions League,” included, big. for boss Newin. growing backroom staff including medical Victory standout Surat has given the side approach in Buriram’s AFC Champions he said “Apart from those who support Muangthong, “He’s a visionary. People can say what they and sports science personnel, reflect a added bite in midfield and Spanish dynamo League performances this season. “While Newin said the success was for Thai sports journalists in general are not want about him, but he loves the football club. small town outfit with big city ambition. Gonzalez was the leading scorer in the Thai After squeezing through the play-off with a fans of his club in particular and for Thai wary of Buriram despite Newin’s political He understands that we are trying to develop There are even plans for a 60-room Premier League with 15 goals at the end of 3-0 penalty shootout victory over Australia’s fans in general, many Thai fans still see background. They see Buriram’s rise as a the whole club,” he said in an interview with club-themed hotel, to be called Amari June. Brisbane Roar following a goalless draw, Buriram United as a ‘local’ team only for good sign for Thai football as they broke thaileaguefootball.com, during which he Buriram United, with, no doubt, a trophy Philippine international Patino, who was Buriram finished runners-up in Group E .” Muangthong’s dominance and helped make described Buriram’s much-vaunted youth room fit to house the AFC Champions not registered for the group games in the AFC comprising FC Seoul, Jiangsu Sainty and Some of that antipathy has been fuelled Thai football more interesting.” academy as the “future of the club”. League silverware.

AFC QUARTERLY 56 AFC QUARTERLY 57 AFC Asian Cup UPDATE

ith Australia, With their berth in Brazil confirmed, AFC While the majority of the crowd at Japan and Korea Asian Cup Australia 2015 Chief Executive Stadium Australia raised the roof as Republic sealing Officer Michael Brown (below) is confident Kennedy’s 83rd minute header found the qualification for there will be a significant positive knock-on back of the net, the goal came as a blow to the 2014 FIFA effect on the country’s first-ever hosting the Iraqi section hoping for a successful end World Cup, the trio of the continental championship, which to a disappointing qualification campaign for are guaranteed a kicks off a little less than six months after the 2007 AFC Asian Cup champions. busy international the festivities in South America have been But while they left Sydney Olympic Park FOOTBALL FOR ALL calendarW over the next 18 months having completed. disconsolate, their presence highlighted the also already secured a place at the 2015 “All Australians are delighted with multicultural nature of Australia’s society, AFC Asian Cup. the success of the Socceroos and their which guarantees whichever teams qualify, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MICHAEL BROWN LOOKS AT WHAT AUSTRALIA’S The Australians, who will host the qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup,” they will be certain of support come January QUALIFICATION FOR THE 2014 FIFA WORLD CUP MEANS FOR AFC ASIAN CUP AUSTRALIA continental showpiece between January said Brown. “The LOC (Local Organising 2015. 9-31, gave a taste of what is to come in 2015 Committee) will use the excitement and “At one recent event I was fortunate 2015, WHILE ALSO DISCUSSING PLANS TO ENSURE PARTICIPATION FROM AUSTRALIA’S as crowds of 40,000 and 80,000 witnessed interest around the World Cup to promote enough to spend some time with a former wins over Jordan and Iraq respectively as the Asian Cup and particularly to promote Iraqi national team captain and coach, MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY IN THE CONTINENTAL SHOWPIECE. Holger Osieck’s side advanced to Brazil the other Asian World Cup qualifying teams Saadi Toma who now lives in Sydney,” said from Group B alongside Japan. to Australian audiences. Brown. “He confirmed what was evident “Having a at Stadium platform like Australia, the World that the Iraqi Cup just six community in months before Australia are the Asian Cup passionate means football football will be front supporters and centre in and are Australia in already 2014 which is counting a huge boost down to for us. January “Football 2015. in Australia is “The LOC on an upward trajectory. We’ve seen the has been identifying people like Saadi – huge excitement and big crowds at the last Australians from across the Asian continent two World Cup qualifying games and the with a love for football and a standing in massive growth in the A-League this season their community – to act as Asian Cup and so we are confident that the 2015 AFC Community Ambassadors. We have begun Asian Cup comes at a great time for football building a network of Ambassadors in each in Australia. host city from local communities of the “As well as putting on a world class event countries that will be participating in the in January 2015 the LOC is determined Asian Cup in 2015 and already a number to leave a lasting legacy for the game in are our promoting the tournament. Australia.” “Australians have a reputation as friendly

AFC QUARTERLY 59 AFC Asian Cup UPDATE

Group A P W D L F A +/- Pts Jordan 1 1 0 0 4 0 4 3 Oman 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 3 Syria 1 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0 Singapore 1 0 0 1 0 4 -4 0

06/02/13 Oman 1 (Abdulaziz Al Maqbali 39) Syria 0 Jordan 4 (Abdallah Deeb 18, Khalil Ateyah 52, AhmadHayel 55, 74) Singapore 0

Group B P W D L F A +/- Pts Iran 2 1 1 0 6 1 5 4 Kuwait 2 1 1 0 4 2 2 4 Lebanon 2 1 0 1 5 7 -2 3 Thailand 2 0 0 2 3 8 -5 0

06/02/13 Iran 5 (Reza Ghoochannejhad 26, 62, Javad Nekonam 45+1, 61, 80) Lebanon 0 Thailand 1 () Kuwait 3 ( 25 OG, Hussain Fadhel 59, Hamad Aman 65) 22/03/13 Lebanon 5 (Hassan Chaito 6, 22, 31, 72, Abbas Ali Atwi 90+1) Thailand 2 (Thitiphan Puangjan 49, 85) 26/03/13 Kuwait 1 (Fahad Awad 76) Iran 1 (Masoud Shojaei 45) and welcoming hosts and we have a great 2012 AFC Challenge Cup, while the champion Group C and diverse multicultural heritage and we of the 2014 edition of the same competition P W D L F A +/- Pts want that to come across to people who will also feature at the finals. Saudi Arabia 2 2 0 0 4 2 2 6 China 2 1 0 1 2 2 0 3 come to Australia and those who watch the Iran will also represent Asia in South Iraq 2 1 0 1 1 1 0 3 tournament on television.” America next year, although Carlos Quiroz’s Indonesia 2 0 0 2 1 3 -2 0 Community Ambassadors are part of the side must progress through the qualifiers to Asian Cup 2015 Communities programme, earn a return to the AFC Asian Cup for the 06/02/13 which has been developed to make the three-time champions. Iraq 1 (Younus Mahmood 66) Indonesia 0 event accessible to all Australians and These 11 remaining places will be taken Saudi Arabia 2 (Fhad Al Muwallad 23, Naif Hazazi 77) China 1 ( Xuri 29) to ensure the tournament is not only a up by teams who successful negotiate the 22/03/13 celebration of football but also a celebration preliminary rounds, with the qualifiers set to China 1 ( 90+3) Iraq 0 of multiculturalism in Australia. resume briefly with two games in August as 23/03/13 In 2013, the programme aims to engage Singapore entertain Oman and Jordan travel Indonesia 1 (Boaz Solossa 5) Saudi Arabia 2 (Yousef Al multicultural communities in football and the to Syria in Group A. Salem 14, 55) AFC Asian Cup through the Ambassadors as Jordan, who will face Uzbekistan in the well as through community events and the 2014 FIFA World Cup play-offs in September, Group D media. and Oman currently top the table after one P W D L F A +/- Pts The LOC will participate in a range of round of matches having beaten Singapore Bahrain 2 2 0 0 3 0 3 6 Qatar 2 1 0 1 2 1 1 3 multicultural community events and festivals and Syria respectively in February. Malaysia 2 1 0 1 2 3 -1 3 throughout the year, while also partnering Adnan Hamad, though, will not be in charge 2 0 0 2 1 4 -3 0 with multicultural media organisations and of Jordan for the meeting with Syria after his also travelling throughout the five host cities contract ended following the 1-0 win over 06/02/13 to take part in community futsal tournaments, Oman at the end of the final round of qualifiers Yemen 0 Bahrain 2 (Faouzi Aaish 49, Saad Al Amer 85) festivals, business functions and football days. for the 2014 FIFA World Cup with former Qatar 2 ( 55, 90+3) Malaysia 0 22/03/13 In addition, the ‘500 Days To Go’ point Egypt international taking Malaysia 2 (Azammuddin Akil 27, Khyril Muhymeen 88) will also be reached on August 27, with over. Yemen 1 (Aiman Al Hagri 12) events promoting the tournament planned “Preparations for AFC Asian Cup Australia Bahrain 1 (Faouzi Aaish 20) Qatar 0 throughout Australia. 2015 are ramping up. 2013 is a very important 0 Palestine 0 “There are more than two million year for us. We are focussed on continuing Australians with Asian heritage and we want to raise awareness and engage with the Group E to encourage our multicultural communities community, particularly in the host cities,” P W D L F A +/- Pts to be involved in the event and to give the added Brown. UAE 2 2 0 0 4 2 2 6 Hong Kong 2 1 1 0 1 0 1 4 Asian Cup a great atmosphere,” said Brown. “Excitingly, on the pitch, the qualifying Uzbekistan 2 0 1 1 1 2 -1 1 “Australia’s cultural diversity is one of our matches also mean the look of the tournament Vietnam 2 0 0 2 1 3 -2 0 greatest strengths and is at the heart of who will start to take shape and we’ll know which we are. countries will join the Socceroos, Japan and 06/02/13 “I am genuinely excited about the potential North and . Uzbekistan 0 Hong Kong 0 of the Asian Cup to bring together Australians “The question I’m most often asked is when Vietnam 1 (Huynh Quoc Anh 59) United Arab Emirates 2 ( 6, Habib Al Fardan 67) of all backgrounds and in the past few will we know which teams will qualify and how 22/03/13 months we have continued our work to make are all of the countries going. We will know Hong Kong 1 (Chan Wai Ho 87) Vietnam 0 that a reality.” all participating teams in March 2014 and the United Arab Emirates 2 (Ahmed Khalil 58, 61) DPR Korea have also secured their place final draw will be held in Sydney in April or Uzbekistan 1 (Shohruh Gadoev 16) at the AFC Asian Cup 2015 having won the May 2014.”

AFC QUARTERLY 61 REVIEW: FIFA WORLD CUP – FINAL ROUND QUALIFIERS Next Stop Brazil For Fabulous Four ran qualified for next year’s FIFA World “We qualified to the World Cup but it wasn’t a a ticket to Brazil. Cup alongside Korea Republic from clean finish. I have nothing much to say about “It is very unfortunate for us as we wanted Group A after Reza Ghoochannejhad’s this defeat and I’m the one to blame,” said to qualify for World Cup and celebrate with second half strike secured a 1-0 over the Korea coach Choi Kang-hee. our fans. It is a shame that we could not Taeguk Warriors at the end of the final “The players gave their best but we didn’t achieve our aim,” said Uzbekistan coach round of qualifiers for Brazil 2014, with play as we wanted to. I hope that our team can Kasimov. Asian champions Japan and Australia learn a lot from the qualifiers and that we can “We couldn`t score in the first half as the also securing automatic qualification from have better performances in the future.” Qatar goalkeeper played very well. We made GroupI B. With Uzbekistan needing to win to keep their changes in the second half and that’s why Ghoochannejhad capitalised on an error hopes of automatic progress to Brazil 2014 we scored five goals, but Iran beat Korea. from Korea defender Kim Young-gwon on the alive, Abdulqadir Ilyas’s 37th minute strike “We will continue to battle in the next hour mark at Munsu Stadium as Iran advanced had put already-eliminated Qatar ahead at round, although we need a little time to to the FIFA World Cup for a fourth time overall Bunyodkor Stadium. recover. We must start to plan for the future and first time since 2006. But despite a brace from Bakhodir Nasimov and we have a friendly with Turkey on Korea were forced to endure a nervous and further goals from Oleg Zoteev, Odil August 14 which will be useful preparation. few minutes with their defeat opening the Life goes on and we will give our best to door for Uzbekistan before their automatic qualify for Brazil.” qualification for an eighth consecutive Jordan were also forced to settle for FIFA World Cup was confirmed on goal a third place finish in Group B despite difference as the Central Asians could only recording a 1-0 win over Oman on the manage a 5-1 comeback win over Qatar. final Matchday after Australia earlier joined “We played with a great team effort and Japan in sealing automatic qualification for we achieved an important win. We were Brazil after edging out Iraq by the same technically the better side and we managed scoreline. to win the match,” said Iran coach Carlos striker Josh Kennedy Queiroz. came off the bench to score the only goal “We knew that the match would be of the game with seven minutes remaining very difficult for us and that is why we at Stadium Australia as Australia qualified were realistic. We took advantage of a for a third straight FIFA World Cup. mistake from our opponents and scored an “I would like to express my heartfelt important goal which was enough to win.” congratulations and thanks to the boys Needing only a draw to guarantee for doing so well in the final stages of qualification, Korea were denied an equaliser Akhmedov and Ulugbek Bakaev handing the game, they made a great effort,” said with 13 minutes remaining as Iran goalkeeper Uzbekistan a fourth win of the final round, Australia coach Holger Osieck. Rahman Ahmadi produced a superb double Mirdjalal Kasimov’s side agonisingly missed out Australia’s win set-up a head-to-head save from point blank range from Kim Young- on securing a historic maiden appearance at showdown for third place between Jordan gwon and Jang Hyun-soo before Lee Keun-ho the FIFA World Cup on goal difference. and Oman at a windy King Abdullah headed wide from Kim Chi-woo’s cross in And after being forced to settle for third International Stadium. stoppage time. place after finishing level on points with Korea, And despite Oman only needing a point, But with Uzbekistan’s efforts narrowly falling Uzbekistan must now re-group for September’s Ahmad Hayel’s header midway through short, Korea were finally able to celebrate play-off against Jordan with the winner then the second half secured a 1-0 for the home earning their place in December’s draw for going on to face South American opposition in side to set-up a meeting with Uzbekistan in next year’s finals. an intercontinental showdown in November for September’s play-off.

Group A Group B 03/06/12 14/11/12 03/06/12 14/11/12 Uzbekistan 0 Iran1 (Mohammad Reza Iran 0 Uzbekistan 1 (Ulugbek Bakaev 71) Jordan 1 (Ahmad Hayel 43) Iraq 1 ( 14) Iraq 1 (Ahmed Hammadi 86) Jordan 0 Khalatbari 90+3) Qatar 1 (Sebastian Soria 75) Lebanon 0 Japan 3 ( 11, 51, Shinji Oman 1 (Ahmed Mubarak 77) Japan 2 (Hiroshi Lebanon 0 Qatar 1 Oman 0 (Sebastian Soria 64) 26/03/12 Okazaki 54) Kiyotake 20, Shinji Ozazaki 90) 08/06/12 08/06/12 Korea Republic 2 (Lee Keun-ho 60, Son Heung-min 26/03/12 P W D L GF GA GD Pts P W D L GF GA GD Pts Oman 0 Australia 0 Qatar 1 (Yusef Ahmed 22) Korea Republic 4 (Lee 90+6) Qatar 1 (Khalfan Ibrahim 60) Australia 2 (Tim Cahill 52, 85) Oman Japan 6 (Ryoichi Maeda 18, Keisuke Honda 22, 31, 53, Keun-ho 26, 80, Kwak Tae-hwi 55, Kim Shin-wook 64) Uzbekistan 1 (Server Djeparov 64) Lebanon 0 2 (Abdulaziz Al Maqbali 6, OG 49) 35, Yuzo Kurihara 89) Jordan 0 Lebanon 1 (Ali Al Saadi 34) Uzbekistan 1 (Jasur 04/06/12 Jordan 2 (Khalil Ateyah 45+1, Ahmad Ibrahim 60) 12/06/12 Iran 8 5 1 2 8 2 6 16 Hasanov 12) Lebanon 1 (Hassan Maatouk) Korea Republic 1 Japan 8 5 2 1 16 5 11 17 Japan 1 (Shinji Kagawa 69) Australia 1 Japan 1 (Kim Chi-woo 90+6) ( 70) (Yuzo 12/06/12 04/06/12 Qatar 0 Iran 1 (Reza Ghoochannejjhad 66) Kurihara 65) Korea Republic 8 4 2 2 13 7 6 14 Korea Republic 3 (Kim Bo-kyung 30, 47, Koo Ja- Australia 8 3 4 1 12 7 5 13 Iraq 1 (Younus Mahmood 37) Oman 1 (Mohammed Japan 1 (Keisuke Honda 90) Australia 1 (Tommy cheol 90) Lebanon 0 11/06/12 Al Balushi 8) Oar 81) Iran 4 Oman 1 Iraq 0 Iran 0 Qatar 0 (Mohammad Reza Khalatbari 39, Javad 11/09/12 (Ismail Al Ajmi 45+4) Uzbekistan 8 4 2 2 11 6 5 14 Jordan 8 3 1 4 7 16 -9 10 Nekonam 45+1, 86, Reza Ghoochannejjhad 46) Japan 1 Iraq 0 11/09/12 Lebanon 0 (Ryoichi Maeda 25) 11/06/12 Jordan 2 Lebanon 1 ( 27) Iran 0 Korea Republic 1 (Hasan Abdel Fattah 50, Amer Deeb 73) Iraq 0 Japan 1 ( 89) Qatar 8 2 1 5 5 13 -8 7 (Akmal Shorakhmedov 43 OG) Oman 8 2 3 3 7 10 -3 9 Australia 1 Uzbekistan 2 (Ki Sung-yueng 13 OG, Sanjar Uzbekistan 0 (Archie Thompson 86) Australia 4 ( 15, Tim Cahill 61, Robbie Tursunov 59) Korea Republic 2 (Artyom Filiposyan 16/10/12 Kruse 76, 84) Jordan 0 18/06/12 Lebanon 8 1 2 5 3 12 -9 5 44 OG, Lee Dong-gook 57) Iraq 8 1 2 5 4 8 -4 5 Oman 2 (Ahmed Mubarak 62, Juma Al Maashari 87) Uzbekistan 5 (Bakhodir Nasimov 61, 74, Oleg Zoteev Jordan 1 (Thaer Bawab 90) 18/06/12

16/10/12 72, Odil Akhmedov 87, Ulugbek Bakaev 90+1) Iraq 1 (Ala’a Abdulzehra 72) Australia 2 (Tim Cahill Jordan 1 (Ahmad Hayel 58) Oman 0 Qatar 1 Qatar 0 Uzbekistan 1 (Sanjar Tursunov 13) (Abdulqadir Ilyas 37) 80, Archie Thompson 84) Australia 1 (Josh Kennedy 83) Iraq 0 Iran 1 (Javad Nekonam 75) Korea Republic 0 Korea Republic 0 Iran 1 (Reza Ghoochannejjhad 60)

AFC QUARTERLY 63 REVIEW: AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Group Stage Group A Group B Group C Group D P W D L F A +/- Pts P W D L F A +/- Pts P W D L F A +/- Pts P W D L F A +/- Pts Al Shabab (KSA) 6 4 1 1 7 5 2 13 Lekhwiya (QAT) 6 3 2 1 10 7 3 11 Al Ahli (KSA) 6 4 2 0 16 8 8 14 Esteghlal (IRN) 6 4 1 1 11 5 6 13 El Jaish (QAT) 6 3 2 1 14 9 5 11 Al Shabab (UAE) 6 3 0 3 8 9 -1 9 Al Gharafa (QAT) 6 3 1 2 13 11 2 10 Al Hilal (KSA) 6 4 0 2 10 6 4 12 Impressive Kashiwa Keep Al Jazira (UAE) 6 1 2 3 7 10 -3 5 Al Ettifaq (KSA) 6 2 1 3 6 5 -1 7 Sepahan (IRN) 6 3 0 3 12 13 -1 9 Al Ain (UAE) 6 2 0 4 6 9 -3 6 Tractorsazi (IRN) 6 1 1 4 8 12 -4 4 Pakhtakor (UZB) 6 2 1 3 6 9 -3 7 Al Nasr (UAE) 6 0 1 5 7 16 -9 1 Al Rayyan (QAT) 6 1 1 4 7 14 -7 4

26/02/13 26/02/13 27/02/13 27/02/13 Japanese Hopes Alive Al Shabab 2 (Anderson OG 33, Omar Al Ghamdi 39) Pakhtakor 1 (Temurkhuja Abdukholiqov 73) Al Ettifaq 0 Sepahan 3 (Xhevahir Sukaj 22, 81, Omid Ebrahami 87) Al Ain 3 ( 27, 46, El Jaish 0 Lekhwiya 2 (Sebastian Soria 20, Youssef Msakni 33) Al Al Nasr 0 90+2) Al Hilal 1 (Abdulla Al Dossary 9) Tractorsazi 3 (Mehdi Seyed-Salehi 36, Javad Shabab Al Arabi 1 (Edgar 10) Al Ahli 2 (Mustafa Al Bassas, Victor Simoes 90+4) Al Rayyan 3 (Rodrigo Tabata 37, Hami Omranzadeh Kazeyman 60, Masoud Ebrahimzadeh 80) Al Jazira 1 12/03/13 Al Gharafa 0 OG 58, Nilmar 87) Esteghlal 3 (Jlloyd Samuel 27, Arash 13/03/13 ashiwa Reysol kept alive (Ali Mabkhout 79) Al Shabab Al Arabi 0 Pakhtakor 1 (Jamshid Borhani 45+1, Javad Nekounam 86) 12/03/13 hopes of a first Japanese Isakanderov 85) Al Gharafa 3 (Djibril Cisse 16, 58, Majdi Siddiq 90+2) 13/03/13 El Jaish 3 (Wagner Ribeiro 35, 88, Adriano 67) El Ettifaq 0 Lekhwiya 0 Sepahan 1 (Mohammad Ali Ahmadi 13) Esteghlal 2 (Jlloyd Samuel 64, Farhad Majidi 73) Al Ain 0 winner of the AFC Tractorsazi Tabriz 3 (Flavio Paixao 24, Mehdi Al Nasr 1 ( 13) Al Ahli 2 (Amad Al 03/04/13 Al Hilal 3 (Yasser Al Qahtani 57, 74, Mohammed Seyed-Salehi 51, Geilson 90+2) Hosni 17, 36) Champions League in five Lekhwiya 3 (Issiar Dia 21, Sebastian Soria 84, 90+1) Al Shalhoub 88) Al Rayyan 1 (Hamid Ismaeil 86) Al Jazira 1 (Khamis Esmaeel 55) Al Shabab 1 02/04/13 Pakhtakor 1 (Gulom Urunov 40) 03/04/13 years after sealing a maiden (Hassan Fallatah 44) Al Nasr 2 (Habib Al Fardan 56, Bruno Correa 58) Al Shabab Al Arabi 1 (Nasser Masood 81) Al Ettifaq 0 Al Ain 2 (Jires Kembo-Ekoko 34, Alex Brosque 70) Al appearance in the quarter- 02/04/13 Al Gharafa 4 (Djirbil Cisse 24, Hamed Shami 31, Nene Rayyan 1 (Nilmar 32) El Jaish 3 (Wagner Riberio 7, 58, Mahir Yusuf 17) 09/04/13 45+1, 84) finals as a 3-2 second leg Al Hilal 1 (Salem Al Dawsari 68) Esteghlal 2 (Pejman Al Jazira 1 (Subait Khater 45+2) Pakhtakor 2 (Gulom Urunov 26, Dame Traore 56 OG) Sepahan 2 (Zhevahir Sukaj 3, Farshid Talebi 86) Al Ahli 4 Montazeri 80, Arash Borhani 86) comeback win over former Al Shabab 1 (Nassir Al Shamrani 30) Lekhwiya 2 (Sebastian Soria 1, Youssef Msakni 67) (Victor Simoes 23, 65, Bruno Cesar 39, Amad Al Hosni 46) champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors saw Tractorsazi Tabriz 0 Al Ettifaq 4 (Saleh Bashir 16, 71, Yahya Al Shehri 42, Yousef 10/04/13 09/04/13 K 10/04/13 Al Salem 80) Al Shabab Al Arabi 1 (Edgar 51) Al Gharafa 3 (Lawrence Quaye 8, Nene 55, Al Rayyan 2 (Nilmar 59, Jaralla Al Marri 86) Ai Ain 1 the Emperor’s Cup winners complete a 5-2 Al Jazira 1 (Sultan Barghash 25) El Jaish 1 (Adriano 33) 24/04/13 Fahd Al Shammari 79) Al Nasr 1 (Takayuki Morimoto 16) (Yousef Ahmed 78) aggregate victory in the Round of 16. Tractorsazi Tabriz 0 Al Shabab Al Arabi 3 (Essa Obaid 46, Ciel 76, Edgar 90+2) Al Ahli 4 (Mustafa Al Bassas 44, 62, Bruno Cesar 68, Bader Esteghlal 0 Al Hilal 1 (Nawaf Al Abid 35) Hirofumi Watanabe, Jorge Wagner Al Shabab 1 (Sebastian Tagliabue 84) Lekhwiya 1 (Youssef Msakni 36) Al Khames 90+1) Sepahan 1 (Radomir Dalovic 82) 24/04/13 24/04/13 23/04/13 and Masato Kudo scored as Japan’s sole Al Ettifaq 2 (Yahia Al Shehri 24, Jamaan Al Jamaan 41) Esteghlal 3 (Farhad Majidi 45, Hashem Beikzadeh 73, El Jaish 3 (Wagner Ribeiro 3, 82, 90+3) Al Shabab 0 Pakhtakor 0 Al Gharafa 2 (Alex 24, Djibril Cisse 54) Al Ahli 2 (Amad Al Arash Borhani 90+1) Al Rayyan 0 remaining representative extended their Al Jazira 2 ( 7, Subait Khater 90+2) 01/05/13 Hosni 31, Jairo Palomino 68) Al Hilal 2 (Salem Al Dawsari 4, Wesley 24) Al Ain 0 Tractorsazi Tabriz 0 Al Nasr 1 (Hassan Mohammed 71) Sepahan 2 (Radomir unbeaten record in the competition to eight Lekhwiya 2 (Luiz Martin 12, 65) 30/04/13 01/05/13 Dalovic 29, Mohammed Gholami 79) Al Ettifaq 0 Al Ain 0 Esteghlal 1 (Javad Nekonam 80) games after Tatsuya Masushima’s own goal Al Shabab 2 (Nassir Al Shamrani 47, Bader Mansoor 80) 30/04/13 Pakhtakor 1 (Kakhi Makharadze 19) Al Rayyan 0 Al Hilal 2 (Mohamed Al Aaeldin OG 78, Al Jazira 1 (Ibrahim Diaky 30) Sepahan 3 (Amid Jahanalian 11, had briefly given 2006 champions Jeonbuk Al Shabab Al Arabi 2 (Esam Dhani 1, Kakhi Makharadze Saad Al Harthi 83) (Geilson 3, 66) (Side Al 48, Mohammad Reza Khalatbari 55) (Majdi Tractorsazi Tabriz 2 El Jaish 4 OG 64) Al Gharafa 1 hope of overturning the two-goal deficit from Doukali 48, Ilyas Abdulqadir 52, 71, Ko Seul-ki 83) Siddiq 44) the first leg. Al Ahli 2 (Waleed Bakshwn 8, Taisir Al Jassim 77) Al Nasr And with Kevin Oris’ consolation coming 2 (Leo Lima 23, Rashid Malallah 55) too late for 2011 finalists Jeonbuk, Group H Group E Group F Group G Group H winners Kashiwa remained on course to follow P W D L F A +/- Pts P W D L F A +/- Pts P W D L F A +/- Pts P W D L F A +/- Pts in the footsteps of Urawa Reds and Gamba FC Seoul (KOR) 6 3 2 1 11 5 6 11 Guangzhou (CHN) 6 3 2 1 14 5 9 11 Bunyodkor (UZB) 6 2 4 0 6 3 3 10 Kashiwa (JPN) 6 4 2 0 14 4 10 14 Osaka, who claimed back-to-back successes Buriram (THA) 6 1 4 1 6 6 0 7 Jeonbuk (KOR) 6 2 4 0 10 6 4 10 Beijing (CHN) 6 2 3 1 4 2 2 9 Central Coast (AUS) 6 2 1 3 5 9 -4 7 for J.League sides in 2007 and 2008, following Jiangsu (CHN) 6 2 1 3 5 10 -5 7 Urawa (JPN) 6 3 1 2 11 11 0 10 (KOR) 6 1 4 1 5 6 -1 7 Guizhou (CHN) 6 1 3 2 6 7 -1 6 first leg goals from Kudo and Masushima. Sendai (JPN) 6 1 3 2 5 6 -1 6 Muangthong (THA) 6 0 1 5 4 17 -13 1 (JPN) 6 0 3 3 2 6 -4 3 Suwon (KOR) 6 0 4 2 4 9 -5 4 “The win was a product of our players’ 26/02/13 26/02//13 27/02/13 27/02/13 hard work. I want to congratulate them,” said Vegalta Sendai 1 (Ryang Yong-gi 53) Buriram United 1 Guangzhou 3 (Lucas Barrios 16, Muriqui 65, 0 Bunyodkor 2 Central Coast Mariners 0 Suwon Bluewings 0 Kashiwa coach Nelsinho Baptista following Brazilian forward Muriqui, the Chinese Super the knockout stage of the AFC Champions (Osmar Barba 76) OG 90+1) Urawa 0 (Oleksandr Pyshur 45, Fozil Musaev 86) Guizhou Renhe 0 Kashiwa Reysol 1 (Cleo 45+1) the second leg victory. League side were favourites to at least match League, Ekkachai Samre’s header with 14 FC Seoul 5 (Dejan Damjanovic 8, 81, Yun Il-lok 56, 69, Muangthong 2 (Mario Durovski 45+1, Jung Hyuk OG 89) 0 Beijing Guoan 0 13/03/13 87) Jiangsu Sainty 1 ( 80) Jeonbuk 2 (Lee Dong-gook 6, Kevin Oris 78) 13/03/13 Kashiwa Reysol 3 (Leandro Domingues 21, 88, Kenta “The game was tough as I had expected, minutes remaining of the first leg ultimately 12/03/13 last year’s run to the last eight. 12/03/13 Beijing Guoan 2 (Lang Zheng 21, Piao Cheng 79) Kano 67) and our players were not responding well in And Muriqui scored his eighth goal in eight proved the difference between the two Buriram United 0 FC Seoul 0 Jeonbuk 1 (Kim Jung-woo 28) Guangzhou 1 (Muriqui 64) Sanfrecce Hiroshima 1 (Hironori Ishikawa 75) Central Coast Mariners 1 (Patrick Zwaanswijk 8) terms of speed and spirit at the beginning Jiangsu Sainty 0 Vegalta Sendai 0 Urawa 4 (Yosuke Kashiwagi 8, Kunimitsu Sekiguchi 65, Bunyodkor 2 (Oleksandr Pyshur 15, Kamoliddin Murzoev Suwon Bluewings 0 Guizhou Renhe 0 games while Dario Conca converted from sides. Genki Haraguchi 69, Thritthi Nonsrichai OG 78) 03/04/13 02/04/13 90+4) Pohang Steelers 2 (Lee Myung-joo 60, of the first half. But they showed their the penalty spot in first half injury time to put Elsewhere, 2012 finalists Al Ahli of Saudi Muangthong 1 (Siaka Dagno 90) Central Coast Mariners 2 (Pedj Bojic 50, FC Seoul 2 (Sergio Escudero 6, Kim Jin-kyu 22) Vegalta Lee Gwang-hun 67) 03/04/13 80) Guizhou Renhe 1 (Mat Ryan 71 OG) determination from late in the first half, which Guangzhou in an unassailable position before Arabia booked their place in the quarter- Sendai 1 (Wilson 87) 02/04/13 Urawa 1 (Genki Haraguchi 6) Jeonbuk 3 (Lee Seung-gi 52, Suwon Bluewings 2 (Choi Jae-soo 52, Stevica Ristic 73) Jiangsu Sainty 2 (Lu Bofei 42, 43) Buriram Sanfrecce Hiroshima 0 Pohang Steelers 1 (Bae helped us find our rhythm and take control of Gao Lin netted in the second half to seal the finals for the second season in a row as first Lee Dong-gook 64, Eninho 70) 2-6 Kashiwa Reysol 6 (Junya Tanaka 16, 67, Ryoichi United 0 Chun-suk 18) the game.” win. half goals from Bruno Cesar and Mustafa Guangzhou 4 (Dario Conca 51, 90+2, Muriqui 58, Gao Lin Kurisawa 51,75, Masato Kudo 55, 90+3) 10/04/13 Bunyodkor 0 Beijing Guoan 0 K-League champions FC Seoul, Thailand’s With K-League sides having won three of Al Bassas sealed a 2-0 second leg win over 84) Muangthong 0 09/04/13 Vegalta Sendai 1 ( 16) FC Seoul 0 09/03/13 10/04/13 Kashiwa Reysol 0 Suwon Bluewings 0 Buriram United, Chinese Super League the last four editions, Yun Il-lok scored once Qatari newcomers El Jaish. Buriram United 2 (Suchao Nutnum 39, Charyl Chappuis Jeonbuk 2 (Eninho 51, Seo Sang-min 90+2) Urawa 2 Pohang Steelers 1 (Hwang Jin-sung 67) Sanfrecce Guizhou Renhe 2 (Zlatan Muslimovic 83, 85) champions Guangzhou Evergrande, Saudi and provided an assist as Group E winners Cesar fired last year’s runners-up into 60) Jiangsu Sainty 0 ( 3, Tsukasa Umesaki 7) Hiroshima 1 (Naoki Ishihara 62) Central Coast Mariners 1 (Mitchell Duke 42) (Sarawut Masuk 53) Beijing Guoan 0 Bunyodkor 1 (Fozil Musaev 32) 23/04/13 duo Al Shabab and Al Ahli, Qatar’s Lekhwiya FC Seoul secured a third AFC Champions the lead after 24 minutes at King Abdulaziz 24/04/13 Muangthong 1 Guangzhou 4 Buriram United 1 (Osmar Barba 53) Vegalta Sendai 1 (Muruqui 40, 43, Zheng Zhi 56, 86) 23/04/13 Kashiwa Reysol 1 (Tatsuya Masushima 51) Guizhou and recently-crowned Iranian champions League quarter-final appearance in five years Sport Centre and Al Bassas added a second (Takayuki Nakahara 90+3) 24/04/13 Beijing Guoan 2 (Joffre Guerron 47, 87) Renhe 1 (Li Kai 85) Esteghlal also after recording a with a fine individual effort eight minutes Jiangsu Sainty 0 FC Seoul 2 (Koh Myung-jin 32, Yun Jeonbuk 2 (Lee Dong-gook 56, Park Hee-do 58) Urawa Pohang Steelers 0 Suwon Bluewings 0 Central Coast Mariners 1 Il-lok 72) Muangthong 0 Bunyodkor 0 Sanfrecce Hiroshima 0 (Michael McGlinchey 80) sealed their places 3-1 comeback win before half-time to give the Group C winners 30/04/13 01/05/13 Urawa 3 (Shinzo Koroki 52, 63, Marcio Richardes 30/04/13 67) Guangzhou 2 (Lucas Barrios 37, Muriqui 87) Central Coast Mariners 0 Kashiwa Reysol 3 (Masato the quarter-finals. over China’s Beijing a 3-1 aggregate victory following a 1-1 draw FC Seoul 2 (Jung Seung-yong 55, Kim Hyun-sung 74) Sanfrecce Hiroshima 0 Beijing Guoan 0 01/05/13 Kudo 59, Cleo 79, Leandro Domingues 85) Group F winners Buriram United 2 (Ekkachai Samre 56, Theerathon Pohang Steelers 1 (Park Sung-ho 90+3) Bunyodkor 1 Guoan in the second in the first leg. ( 45, Zhang Chenglin 86) Bunmathan 75) Guangzhou 0 Jeonbuk 0 (Oleksandr Pyshur 79) Guizhou Renhe 2 Guangzhou leg to advance by the And Al Ahli were joined by fellow Saudi Muangthong 0 Urawa 1 (Daisuke Nasu 48) Suwon Bluewings 2 (Lee Jong-min 35, Vegalta Sendai 1 (Naoki Sugai 24) Jiangsu Sainty 2 Kwon Chang-hoon 55) confirmed their same scoreline on League side Al Shabab after Argentinian ( 38, Hamdi Salihi 62) place in the last aggregate. striker Sebastian Tagliabue scored twice as eight for a second Thailand’s Buriram a 3-0 second leg win secured a convincing Round of 16 consecutive season 5-1 aggregate victory for the Group A Bunyodkor v Buriram United Al Shabab v Al Gharafa Guangzhou Evergrande v Central Coast Mariners Esteghlal v Al Shabab Al Arabi continued to follow 14/05/13 14/05/13 15/05/13 15/05/13 as a 3-0 second leg in the footsteps of winners over Qatar’s Al Gharafa. Buriram United 2 (Anawin Jujeen 17, Ekkachai Samre 76) Al Gharafa 1 (Mark Bresciano 42) Al Shabab 2 (Sebastian Central Coast Mariners 1 (Mitchell Duke 7) Guangzhou Al Shabab Al Arabi 2 (Luiz Henrique 45+2, Edgar 65) (Igor Taran 45+1) Tagliabue 56, Nassir Al Shamrani 83) Evergrande 2 (Lucas Barrios 28, Muriqui 76) Esteghlal 4 (Jloyd Samuel 55, Javad Nekonam 72, Farhad win over Australia’s inaugural finalists BEC Group B winners Lekhwiya, though, did Bunyodkor 1 21/05/13 22/05/13 21/05/13 Majidi 80, Khorso Heidari 89) Central Coast Tero Sasana after secure Qatari representation in the last eight Al Shabab 3 (Sebastian Tagliabue 35, 48, Muhannad Assiri Guangzhou Evergrande 3 (Muriqui 7, Dario Conca 22/05/13 Bunyodkor 0 Buriram United 0 90+2) Al Gharafa 0 45+1, Gao Lin 68) Central Coast Mariners 0 Esteghlal 0 Al Shabab Al Arabi 0 Mariners at Tianhe reaching the quarter- after holding off a second half fight back Buriram United win 2-1 on aggregate Al Shabab win 5-1 on aggregate Guangzhou Evergrande win 5-1 on aggregate Esteghlal win 4-2 on aggregate Stadium completed finals for the first time from Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal to advance to a 5-1 aggregate FC Seoul v Beijing Guoan Al Ahli v El Jaish Kashiwa Reysol v Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors Lekhwiya v Al Hilal by completing a 2-1 the quarter-finals for the first time 3-2 on 14/05/13 14/05/13 15/05/13 15/05/13 success for Marcello Lippi’s side. aggregate following a 2-2 second leg draw. Jeonbuk 0 Kashiwa 2 (Masato Kudo 3, Tatsuya aggregate win over two-time semi-finalists Beijing Guoan 0 FC Seoul 0 El Jaish 1 (Anderson Martins 76) Al Ahli 1 (Motaz Al Masushima 74) Al Hilal 0 Lekhwiya 1 (Youssef Msakni 81) With Guangzhou in possession of a 2-1 Bunyodkor with a hard-fought second leg Esteghlal, meanwhile, completed a 4-2 21/05/13 Mosa 45+2) 22/05/13 22/05/13 FC Seoul 3 (Adilson 60, Yun Il-lok 70, Koh Myong-jin 21/05/13 Kashiwa 3 (Hirofumi Watanabe 41, Jorge Wagner 51, Lekhwiya 2 (Issiar Dia 14, Mohamed Musa 52) Al Hilal 2 advantage from the first leg in Australia after goalless draw in Tashkent. aggregate victory over Al Shabab Al Arabi Masato Kudo 69) Jeonbuk 2 (Tatsuya Masushima 21 OG, (Salman Al Faraj 64, Mohammed Al Shalhoub 78) 90+4) Beijing Guoan 1 (Frederic Kanoute 9) Al Ahli 2 (Bruno Cesar 24, Mustafa Al Bassas 37) El Jaish 0 Kevin Oris 86) Mitchell Duke’s early strike had been canceled After Group E runners-up Buriram had of the United Arab Emirates with a goalless FC Seoul win 3-1 on aggregate Al Ahli win 3-1 on aggregate Kashiwa Reysol win 5-2 on aggregate Lekhwiya win 3-2 on aggregate out by Paraguayan striker Lucas Barrios and become the first Thai team in a decade to reach draw in the second leg at Azadi Stadium.

AFC QUARTERLY 65 Group Stage REVIEW: AFC CUP Group A Group B Group C Group D P W D L F A +/- Pts P W D L F A +/- Pts P W D L F A +/- Pts P W D L F A +/- Pts Kuwait SC (KUW) 6 4 0 2 15 6 9 12 Arbil (IRQ) 6 6 0 0 17 0 17 18 Al Faisaly (JOR) 6 4 1 1 9 5 4 13 Al Qadsia (KUW) 6 4 1 1 13 4 9 13 Al Riffa (BHR) 6 3 1 2 9 6 3 10 Fanja (OMA) 6 3 1 2 9 6 3 10 Duhok (IRQ) 6 4 0 2 14 6 8 12 Al Shorta (SYR) 6 4 0 2 8 5 3 12 Safa SC (LIB) 6 3 1 2 7 8 -1 10 Al Ansar (LIB) 6 2 1 3 7 9 -2 7 Dhofar Club (OMA) 6 3 1 2 8 12 -4 10 Al Ramtha (JOR) 6 3 1 2 10 7 3 10 Former Champions Regar-Tadaz (TJK) 6 0 2 4 5 16 -11 2 Ahli Taiz SC (YEM) 6 0 0 6 2 20 -18 0 Al Shab (YEM) 6 0 0 6 3 11 -8 0 FC Ravshan (TJK) 6 0 0 6 2 17 -15 0

05/03/13 05/03/13 06/03/13 06/03/13 Safa SC 1 (Ahmad Alomier 1) Ragar-Tadaz 1 (Kamil Arbil 4 (Luay Saleh 43, 90+1, Ivan Bukenya 68, Amjed Radhi Al Shab IBB Club 0 Duhok 0 FC Ravshan 0 Al Ramtha 1 (Mus’ab Allahham 68) March On Saidov 60) 76) Ahli Taiz SC 0 Al Faisaly 2 (Tamer Hag Mohammad 58, Abdallah Al Al Qadsia 0 Al Shorta 1 (Maher Al Said 90+5) Al Riffa 0 Kuwait SC 2 (Rogerinho 6, Abdullah Al Fanja 4 (Ely Cisse 6, Mohamed Mubarak 54, Mohamed Al Attar 87) Dhofar Club 3 (Khalifa Al-Naufli 4, Joel Lamah 13/03/13 Buraiki 89) Maashari 60, Gustavo 68) Al Ansar 0 23, 44) Al Shorta 2 (Ali Ghalioum 53, Qussai Habib 58) FC 12/03/13 12/03/13 13/03/13 Ravshan 0 uwait Sports Club booked Regar-Tadaz 0 Al Riffa 3 (Ahmad Al Douni 15, 45, 68) Ahli Taiz SC 0 Fanja 2 (Ely Cisse 28, Mohamed Al Duhok 0 Al Faisaly 1 (Tamer Hag Mohammad 90+2) Al Ramtha 0 Al Qadsia 3 (Mesad Nada 2, Saleh Al Sheikh their place in the quarter- Kuwait SC 3 (Abdullah Al Buraiki 13, 52, Rogerinho 69) Maashari 36) Dhofar Club 1 (Joel Lamah 90+3) Al Shab IBB Club 0 29, Bader Al Mutwa 78) Safa SC 1 (Amer Khan 15) Al Ansar 0 Arbil 2 (Luay Saleh 27, Amjed Radhi 59) 03/04/13 02/04/13 finals of the AFC Cup 02/04/13 03/04/13 Al Shorta 0 Al Ramtha 1 (Jean Amangoua 79) Al Faisaly 2 (Khalil Baniatetah 30, 85) Al Shab IBB Club alongside fellow former Regar-Tadaz 1 (Firuz Rakhmatov 90+4) Kuwait SC 3 Ahli Taiz SC 0 Al Ansar 2 (Ali Nasser Ali 64 OG, Ahmed Al Qadsia 3 (Bader Al Mutwa 26, 86, Odil Irgashev 68 OG) 1 (James Owoboskini 70) (Issam Jemaa 17, 58, Rogerinho 65) El Khodor 80) FC Ravshan 0 winners Al Faisaly as the Dhofar Club 1 (Faraj Noobi 57) Duhok 3 (Burhan Sahy- Safa SC 1 (Mansour Nour 45+4) Al Riffa 0 Arbil 1 (Nabeel Zghair 47) Fanja 0 09/04/13 ouni 7, Osama Mahammed 20, Ali Fadhil 34) defending champions 10/04/13 09/04/13 FC Ravshan 1 (Solomon Takyi 2) Al Qadsia 3 (Fahad Al survived a penalty shootout Al Riffa 2 (Ahmad Al Douni 30, Mahmoud Al Mawas 72) Al Ansar 5 (Ahmed El Khodor 6, Mahmoud Kojok 22, 10/04/13 Ebrahim 20, Bader Al Mutwa 44, 58) (Ala’a Abdulzehra 1, 18, 48, 90+2, Burhan Sahy- against Iraqi side Duhok Safa SC 0 Mootaz Al Jounaidi 28, Sebastiao 38, Wisdom Agblexo 77) Duhok 6 Al Ramtha 1 (Mohammad Kassas 41) Al Shorta 2 (Mo- Kuwait SC 5 (Issam Jemaa 57, 70, Rogerinho 75, Hadi Ahli Taiz SC 1 (Ahmed Gehad 45+1) ouni 50, Ali Dyab 87) Dhofar 1 (Ahmed Al Noobi 42) hammed Al Wakid 28, Ahmad Al Saleh 56) following a 1-1 draw in May’s Round of 16 tie. Khamees 80, Chadi Hammami 82) Regar-Tadaz 0 Fanja 0 Arbil 4 (Halkor Mulla Mohammad Taher 45+1, Al Shab IBB Club 0 Al Faisaly 2 (Mohammad Al 23/04/13 K 24/04/13 Aleksandar Kosoric 54, Amjed Radhi 88, 90+3) Maharmeh 11, Ashraf Nu’man 89) Al Shorta 0 Al Qadsia 2 (Bader Al Mutwa 52, Omar Al Group A winners Kuwait SC had taken (Firuz Rakhmatov 31, Akhtam Khamraku- 24/04/13 Suma 86) the lead at Kuwait SC Stadium when Chadi Regar-Tadaz 2 23/04/13 lov 82) Safa SC 3 (Samuel Ngwu Uchenna 43, Ahmad Al Ahli Taiz SC 0 Arbil 4 (Mahdi Kareem 4, Miran Kareem Duhok 2 (Ala’a Abdulzehra 7, Mohanad Karrar 14) Al Al Ramtha 5 (Jean Amangoua 5, Mus’ab Al Lahham 30, Hammami converted a first half penalty only Omier 53, Mohamad Haidar 90+2) Darwees 60, Nabeel Sabah Zghair 79, Ivan Bukenya 84) Shab IBB Club 1 (James Owoboskini 18) Mohammad Al Daoud 44, Mohammad Kassas 53) FC for Saleh Sadir’s strike early in the second half Kuwait SC 2 (Issam Jemaa 13, 34) Al Riffa 3 (Mladen Al Ansar 0 Fanja 0 Dhofar Club 1 (Juma Darwish 24) Al Faisaly 1 (Abdallah Ravshan 0 Jovancic 23, Dawood Saad 51, Ahmad Al Douni 73) 01/05/13 Al Attar 58) 30/04/13 to level the contest. 01/05/13 Arbil 2 (Amjed Radhi 59, 86) Al Ansar 0 30/04/13 FC Ravshan 1 (Davronjon Tukhtasunov 41) Al Shorta Safa SC 1 (Mohamad Haidar 53) Kuwait SC 0 Fanja 3 (Mohamed Mubarak 52, 53, Sidy Keita 72) Ahli Taiz 3 (Mohammed Al Wakid 14, Ahmad Kallasi 28, Ammar The teams remained deadlocked through Al Faisaly 1 (Abdallah Al Attar 29) Duhok 0 Al Riffa 1 (Ahmad Al Douni 84) Regar-Tadaz 1 (Sardor- SC 1 (Aref Al Merghmi 21) Zakour 58) Al Shab IBB Club 0 Dhofar Club 1 (Nasser A Shamli 32) extra-time before Duhok’s Syrian duo of Ali bek Eminov 71) Al Qadsia 2 (Bader Al Mutwa 29, Nawaf Al Mutari 34) Al Dyab and Burhan Sahyouni both failed to Ramtha 2 (Jean Amangoua 61, Mohammad Kassas 82) convert as Kuwait SC recorded a 4-1 win in the shootout. Group E Group F Group G Group H “We faced big pressure before the match P W D L F A +/- Pts P W D L F A +/- Pts P W D L F A +/- Pts P W D L F A +/- Pts S.Padang (IDN) 6 5 1 0 15 6 9 16 N.Radiant (MDV) 6 5 0 1 20 4 16 15 Kelantan (MAS) 6 4 1 1 14 9 5 13 East Bengal (IND) 6 4 2 0 13 6 7 14 as we wanted to perform well and win the Kitchee (HKG) 6 4 0 2 18 7 11 12 Yangon (MYA) 6 5 0 1 18 5 13 15 SHB Da Nang (VIE) 6 4 0 2 11 12 -1 12 Selangor (MAS) 6 2 2 2 12 11 1 8 match in order to please our fans after our Churchill (IND) 6 1 1 4 6 13 -7 4 Sun Hei (HKG) 6 1 1 4 12 12 0 4 Maziya (MDV) 6 2 1 3 13 12 1 7 Sai Gon (VIE) 6 2 2 2 9 12 -3 8 disappointing exit from the Kuwait Emir Cup. Warriors FC (SIN) 6 1 0 5 4 17 -13 3 Persibo (IDN) 6 0 1 5 5 34 -29 1 Ayeyawady (MYA) 6 1 0 5 9 14 -5 3 Tampines (SIN) 6 0 2 4 12 17 -5 2 We played a good match and we achieved our target,” said Kuwait SC coach 26/02/13 26/02/13 27/02/13 27/02/13 (Goia Sabin Cosmin 43, Sebastian Merlo following the win. Kitchee 3 (Chu Siu Kei 28, Jordi Tarres 31, 66) Churchill Yangon United 3 (Adam Kone 56, 63 90+2) Persibo 0 SHB Da Nang 2 East Bengal 1 (Lalrindika Ralte 43) Selangor 0 53) (Nay Lin Tun 63) Brothers 0 New Radiant SC 1 (Umair Mohamed 67) Sunray Cave Ayeyawady 1 Tampines 2 (Khairul Amri 89, Aleksandar Duric 90+2) Sai “We wasted many easy chances to score (Badhri Radzi 77) (Hassan Semen Padang 3 (Edward Wilson 19, Vendry Mofu 32, JC Sun Hei 0 Kelantan 1 Maziya 1 Gon 3 (Christian Amougou 22, 62, Pham Thua Chi 84) Adhuham 62) and the forwards didn’t score from the Muhammad Nur Iskandar 86) Warriors FC 1 (Tatsuro 12/03/13 13/03/13 13/03/13 Inui 41) Persibo 0 New Radiant SC 7 (Umair Mohamed 11, Sai Gon 0 East Bengal 0 chances that we created. I want to thank the (Dominik Bersnjak 79) (Badhri 12/03/13 Ashfaq Ali 34, 50, 58, 70, 80, Ali Umar 66) Ayeyawady 1 Kelantan 3 Selangor 3 (Francis Doe 8, 54, Mohd Amri Yahyah 46) Radzi 2, Dimitrios Petratos 53, 80) players for the great season they played and Churchill Brothers 2 ( 27, Bikramjit Singh 57) Sunray Cave JC Sun Hei 1 (Yeung Chi Lun 20) Yangon Tampines 3 (Alexsandar Duric 20, Mohammad Imran (Abdulla Asadhulla 33, Ahmed Nashid 81) hopefully we can continue our successful title Semen Padang 2 (Hendra Adi Bayauw 36, Muhammad United 3 (Adam Kone 2, Cezar 53, Aung Moe 90+7) Maziya 2 SHB Sahib 49, Kunihiro Yamashita 71) Rizal 44) 03/04/13 Da Nang 3 (Danny Mrwanda 54, Sebastian Merlo 66, 03/04/13 defence in the competition.” 2012 finalists Arbil. Maldivian side to reach the quarter-finals in Nguyen Minh Phuong 90) Warriors FC 2 (Tatsuro Inui 23, Erwan Gunawan 29) Persibo 3 (James Ha 11 OG, Julio Cesar 33, 68) Sunray Sai Gon 2 (Emeka Ndubuisi Oguwike 45+2, 65) Selangor 02/04/13 With two-time champions Al Faisaly from And 2010 runners-up Al Qadsia joined fellow eight years after recording a 2-0 win over Kitchee 4 (Jordi Tarres 46, 51, Lo Kwan Yee 62, Cheng Siu Cave JC Sun Hei 3 (Leung Tsz Chun 58, Choi Kwok Wai 1 (Francis Doe 64) (Shiyam Ibrahim 46, Mohamed Ahmed 52, Jordan beating Bahrain’s Al Riffa 3-1, Syrian Kuwaiti side Kuwait SC in the quarter-finals Wai 75) 70, Roberto 90+3) Maziya 3 Tampines 2 (Saed Hadzibulic 28, Khairul Amri 65) East Malaysia’s Selangor. Rasheed Ahmed 61) (Leandro Duarte 47) 02/04/13 Yangon United 2 (Adama Kone 17, Aung Moe 19) New Ayeyawady 1 Bengal 4 (Anaz Hadee 19, Chidi Edeh 64, Andrew Barisic champions Al Shorta, Kuwait’s Al Qadsia, after Bader Al Mutwa scored twice and set up (Dickson Nwakaeme 4, Indra Putra 7, Mohd Kitchee, meanwhile, reached the quarter- Churchill Brothers 3 (Jaison Vales 37, Bikramjit Singh 44, Radiant 0 Kelantan 5 62, 87) Faiz Bin Subri 23, Dimitrios Petratos 59, Mohd Radzi 85) India’s East Bengal, Maldivian side New two other goals to secure a comfortable 4-0 win finals for the first time as a pair of first Sunil Chhetri 84) Warriors FC 0 09/04/13 09/04/13 Kitchee 1 (Jordi Tarres 83) Semen Padang 2 (Muhammad New Radiant 3 (Mohamed Umair 31, Ali Fasir 38, Mansa SHB Da Nang 0 East Bengal 2 (Chidi Edeh 22, Lalrindika Ralte 86) Radiant, Hong Kong’s Kitchee and Indonesia’s over Oman’s Fanja. half goals secured a 2-0 away win over 10/04/13 Nur Iskandar 4, Edward Junior 77) Sylla 45+1) Yangon United 1 (Adama Kone 89) Tampines 1 (Mohamad Shaiful 68) (Dickson Nwakaeme 73) Semen Padang posted wins in the Round of Mesaed Nada and Omar Al Suma benefited Malaysian treble winners Kelantan. 10/04/13 Sunray Cave JC Sun Hei 8 (Mamadou Barry 3, 12, 39, SHB Da Nang 0 Kelantan 1 Selangor 3 (Michal Kubala 9, Francis Doe 63, Mohd Amri (Dominik Bersnjak 5, Leandro Duarte 7, Nay 16 to also earn a place in the quarter-finals. from Al Mutwa’s efforts inside the first 15 The visitors had the better of the first Semen Padang 3 (Edward Junior 13, 75, Muhammad Nur Liang Zicheng 6, 48, Roberto 16, Leung Tsz Chun 31, 37) Ayeyawady 3 Yahyah 72) Sai Gon 1 (Moses Oloya 81) Lin Tun 44) Iskandar 71) Kitchee 1 (Jordi Tarres 33) Persibo 0 Maziya 0 23/04/13 In , Ashraf Nu’man scored a pair minutes at Peace and Friendship Stadium, and half against their lacklustre hosts and were 23/04/13 Warriors FC 1 (Denzil Franco 54 OG) Churchill Brothers 0 24/04/13 Sai Gon 2 (Christian Amougou 18, Moses Oloya 42) (Nanda Lin Kyaw Chit 23, Satoshi Otomo of late goals as Group C winners Al Faisaly after the striker added a third before half-time, rewarded as an own goal by Lek Kcira after 24/04/13 Persibo 1 (Han Ji-ho 75) Yangon United 7 (Cezar 4, 54, Ayeyawady 2 Tampines 2 (Khairul Amri 15, Saed Hadzibulic 63) 50) (Huynh Quoc Anh 41, Ha Minh Tuan secured their place in the quarter-finals for he sealed the win in stoppage time. Churchill Brothers 0 Kitchee 4 (Pablo Counago 14, 17, Jordi 58, Adama Kone 28, 85, Yan Aung Kyaw 43, Aung Moe 80) SHB Da Nang 3 Selangor 2 (Abdul Shukur 79, Adib Aizuddin Abdul Latif 15 minutes and a superb strike by Jordi 43, Nguyen Minh Phuong 90+2) Tarres 57, Cheng Siu Wai 81) Sunray Cave JC Sun Hei 0 New Radiant 3 (Ali Fasir 90+3) East Bengal 2 (Penn Orji 23, Lalrindika Ralte 54) the first time in six Elsewhere, Chidi (Rasheed Ahmed 40, Abdulla Asadhulla 56, Easa Tarres in stoppage time just before the Warriors FC 0 Semen Padang 2 (Edward Junior 39, 60) 61, 71, Mohamed Umair 86) Maziya 6 30/04/14 Ismail 77, Adhuham Hassan 82, 85, Imran Ali 88) years after downing Edeh scored a interval put Kitchee firmly in control with 01/05/13 01/05/13 Kelantan Tampines 2 (Mohd Asraruddin 50 OG, Aleksandar Duric (Mohd Haris Safwan Bin Mohd Kamal 7) Semen Padang 3 (Edward Junior 24, 64, Titus Bonai 47) Yangon United 2 (Kyi Lin 69, Adama Kone 81) Sunray 1 58) Selangor 3 (Muhammad Jufri 28 OG, Mohd Amri Al Riffa. hat-trick as East Kelantan unable to respond despite an 30/04/13 Churchill Brothers 1 (Bineesh Balan 49) Cave JC Sun Hei 0 Yahyah 46, 76) (Dimitrios Petratos 42, Mohd Shahrul 70, Mohd Group D Bengal romped into improved second half display. Kitchee 5 (Jordi Tarres 18, 53, 88, Cheng Siu Wai 62, Tsang New Radiant 6 (Ali Ashfaq 28, 68, 81, Mohamed Umair 31, Kelantan 3 East Bengal 4 (Chidi Edeh 8, Andrew Barisic 45, Penn Orji Badhri Bin Mohd Radzi) (Nay Lin Tun 80) runners-up Al the quarter-finals Finally, Vendry Moro’s stoppage-time Kam To 72) Warriors FC 0 36, Ali Umar 72) Persibo 1 (Bijahil Chalwa 55) Ayeyawady 1 53, 59) Sai Gon 1 (Christian Amougou 61) SHB Da Nang 3 (Sebastian Merlo 14, 34, 67) Maziya 1 Shorta, meanwhile, with a 5-1 win over strike sent Semen Padang into the quarter- (Adhuham Hassan 44) advanced to the Myanmar’s Yangon finals after the Indonesian Premier League quarter-finals for United. champions posted a 2-1 comeback win over Round of 16 the second year Nigerian midfielder Vietnamese counterparts SHB Da Nang. Semen Padang v SHB Da Nang Kelantan v Kitchee New Radiant v Selangor Al Qadsia v Fanja in a row after Penn Orji and East Argentinian striker Sebastian Gaston 14/05/13 14/05/13 15/05/13 15/05/13 coming from behind Bengal captain Merlo had opened the scoring for Group G Semen Padang 2 (Edward Junior 45+3, Kelantan 0 Kitchee 2 New Radiant 2 (Ahmed Niyaz 97, Ali Fasir 105) Al Qadsia 4 (Mesad Nada 3, Omar Al Suma 15, Bader Al twice to beat Iraqi Hossain Mehtab were runners-up Da Nang only for Liberian striker Vendry Moro 90+2) SHB Da Nang 1 (Sebastian Merlo 31) (Lek Kcira 15 OG, Jordi Tarres 45+1) Selangor 0 AET Mutwa 34, 90+1) Fanja 0 champions Arbil 4-3 also on target for Edward Junior Wilson to pull Semen level in after extra-time. the unbeaten Group first half stoppage time with his ninth goal of With the H winners as East the campaign. Al Faisaly v Al Riffa Kuwait SC v Duhok East Bengal v Yangon United Arbil v Al Shorta 15/05/13 scored tied at 2-2 at the end of 90 minutes, Bengal maintained their 100% home record in And with extra-time looming, Moro was 14/05/13 14/05/13 15/05/13 Arbil 3 (Nadim Sabag 5, Amjed Radhi 36, Ahmad Al Saleh Al Faisaly 3 (Khalil Baniateyah 44, Kuwait SC 1 (Chadi Hammami 24) Duhok 1 Mohammad Abadi and Maher Al Said struck the competition. on hand to turn home Hengki Ardiles’ cross East Bengal 5 (Penn Orji 2, Chidi Edeh 25, 72, 77, 112 OG) Al Shorta 4 (Abulkader Deka 23, Ouday Jaffal Ashraf Nu’man 82, 85) Al Riffa 1 (Salmam Isa 88) (Salih Sadeer 53) AET (4-1 pens) in extra-time to give the visitors a two-goal Ahmed Niyaz and Ali Fasir scored in the first to seal the win as Group E winners Semen Mehtab Hossain 48) Yangon United 1 (Cezar 79) 67, Mohammad Abadi 103, Maher Al Said 106) AET advantage with an own goal by Al Shorta half of extra-time as domestic champions and extended their unbeaten record in the defender Ahmad Al Saleh arriving too late for Group F winners New Radiant became the first competition with a sixth win of the campaign.

AFC QUARTERLY 67 REVIEW: AFC President’s Cup QUALIFIERS Dordoi Remain On Course For Third Title

wo-time winners Dordoi despite letting slip a two-goal advantage Rubber FC recorded a 6-0 win over Sri qualified for the 2013 AFC on the final Matchday against Lanka Army Sports Club to also make the President’s Cup finals Power Company, who posted their third ideal start in . alongside Nepal’s Three consecutive draw of the campaign. Mamedaly Karadanov and Rahmet Club, Mongolia’s Erchim FC, But with Batbilguun Ganbaatar netting Shermetov scored as Balkan maintained ’s KRL Football Club, just before the hour mark as Erchim edged their perfect start with a 2-0 win over ’s Balkan and out Abahani Limited 1-0, Taiwan Power Beoungket Rubber. Palestine’s Alquds Hilal Club Company missed out on a place in the Alquds Hilal Club, meanwhile, boosted toT remain on course for a record-equalling finals. their qualifications hopes with an empathic third title. Finally in Group C, Balkan posted a 100% 10-0 win over Army Sports Club. The Kyrgyzstan League champions won record to top the table ahead of Alquds Hilal And with Balkan wrapping up their Group B ahead of KRL Football Club on goal Club. successful campaign with a 5-0 win difference to qualify for the ninth edition of Amir Gurbani scored twice inside the final over Sri Lanka Army Sports Club, Iyad the AFC President’s Cup, which will be held 11 minutes as Balkan opened with a 3-2 Gharqoud struck with three minutes in September. comeback win over Alquds Hilal Club. remaining as Alquds Hilal Club edged out Dordoi, who won the title in both 2006 Chan Vathanaka, meanwhile, claimed Beoungket Rubber 1-0 to qualify ahead of and 2007 while appearing in six consecutive four goals as Cambodia’s Beoungket the hosts. finals, are looking to join three-time champions Regar-TadAz from Tajikistan as the most successful club in AFC President’s Cup history after posting two wins and a draw to advance alongside KRL. With Group B of the qualifiers taking place at Cebu City Sports Centre in the , Dordoi made a slow start as the eight-time Kyrgyzstan champions were held to a 1-1 draw by KRL (left). Dordoi had taken a 23rd minute lead through midfielder Vadim Kharchenko only for KRL to equalise through Samar Ishaq’s second half penalty. But Dordoi quickly recovered as Mirlan 07/05/13 Group A Taiwan Power Company 0 Erchim FC 0 Murzaev scored five to secure a 9-0 win P W D L GF GA GD Pts Three Star Club 1 (Shrestha Jagajeet 15) Abahani over ’s Yeedzin FC (right). Limited 1 (Towhidul Alam Towhid 38) 09/05/13 And Dordoi booked their place in the 2013 Three Star Club (NEP) 3 1 2 0 5 3 2 5 Abahani Limited 1 (Mohammed Rony 5) Taiwan Power Company 1 (Hung Kai-Chun 14) finals with an emphatic 6-1 victory over Erchim FC (MGL) 3 1 1 1 1 2 -1 4 Erchim FC 0 Three Star Club 2 (Zikahi Leonce hosts Global. Dodoz 10, Femi Joshua Adewumi 64) Taiwan Power Company (TPE) 3 0 3 0 3 3 0 3 11/05/13 Striker Murzaev took his individual tally to Erchim FC 1 (Batbilguun Ganbaatar 59) Abahani Limited 0 nine in three games with four goals for the Abahani Limited (BAN) 3 0 2 1 2 3 -1 2 Three Star Club 2 (Zikahi Leonce Dodoz 7, Prakash Budhathoki 15) Taiwan Power Company 2 (Kuo two-time champions. Yin-Hung 20, Hung Kai-Chun 45+1) Global’s defeat opened the door for Pakistan champions KRL, and after 08/05/13 earlier downing the hosts 2-0, they Group B Dordoi 1 (Vadim Kharchenko 23) KRL Football Club 1 (Samar Ishaq 50) P W D L GF GA GD Pts Global FC 5 (Patrick Reichelt 5, Martinez De Murga 9, secured qualification alongside Dordoi as Misagh Babadoran 15, 20, Janver Angeles 64) Yeedzin FC 0 10/05/13 Kaleemullah scored five goals to secure a Dordoi (KGZ) 3 2 1 0 16 2 14 7 Yeedzin FC 0 Dordoi 9 (Mirlan Murzaev 9, 41, 50, 72, 8-0 win over Yeedzin. 80, Tursunali Rustamov 30, 84, Islam Shamshiev 54, Sergey KRL Football Club (PAK) 3 2 1 0 11 1 10 7 Kaleutin 62) In Group A, Three Star Club and Erchim KRL Football Club 2 (Mahmood Khan 12, 77) Global FC 0 edged out 2011 champions Taiwan Power Global FC (PHI) 3 1 0 2 6 8 -2 3 12/05/13 KRL Football Club 8 (Kaleemullah 4, 71, 75, 83, Company and ’s Abahani Limited 90+1, Abid Khan 37, Zia-Us-Salam 44, Saadullah 45+1) Yeedzin FC (BHU) 3 0 0 3 0 22 -22 0 Yeedzin FC 0 to secure their place in the finals. Global FC 1 (Martinez De Murga 9) Dordoi 6 (Mirlan Murzaev 14, 25, 55, 64, Islam Shamshiev 77, David Erchim opened with a goalless draw with Tetteh 90+3)

Taiwan Power Company at the centralised 06/05/13 Alquds Hilal Club 2 (Adham Aburawees 39, Roberto Ket- qualifying tournament in Kathmandu. Group C tlun 73) Balkan 3 (Mamedaly 5, Amir Gurbani 79, 89) Three Star Club, meanwhile, drew 1-1 P W D L GF GA GD Pts Beoungket Rubber FC 6 (Chan Vathanaka 8, 27, 61, 89, Keo Sokngon 72, Keo Sokpheng 85) Sri Lanka Army with Abahani Limited in their opening game Sports Club 0 08/05/13 of the qualifiers. Balkan (TKM) 3 3 0 0 10 2 8 9 Sri Lanka Army Sports Club 0 Alquds Hilal Club 10 (Roberto Kettlun 13, 48, 79, Iyad Gharqoud 35, 49, Maen Zikahi Dodoz and Femi Adewumi were Alquds Hilal Club (PLE) 3 2 0 1 13 3 10 6 Obaid 66, Fadi Abdulatifa 68, 86, Mousa Abujazar 90, Adham Aburawees 90+2) then on target as Three Star Club moved Balkan 2 (Mamedaly Karadanov 8, Rahmet Shermetov 85) Beoungket Rubber FC (CAM) 3 1 0 2 6 3 3 3 Beoungket Rubber FC 0 clear at the top of Group A with a 2-0 win 10/05/13 Sri Lanka Army Sports Club (SRI) 3 0 0 3 0 21 -21 0 Balkan 5 (Gahryman Chonkayev 2, Vladimir Bayramov 13, over Erchim, while Taiwan Power Company Rahmet Shermetov 56, Batyr Atamammedov 74, Lakshitha Yamanalage 79) Sri Lanka Army Sports Club 0 shared a 1-1 draw with Abahani Limited. Beoungket Rubber FC 0 Alquds Hilal Club 1 (Iyad And Three Star Club sealed top spot Gharqoud 87)

AFC QUARTERLY 69 REVIEW: AFC WOMEN’S ASIAN CUP QUALIFIERS Jordan Claim Historic Women’s Asian Cup Berth ordan secured a first-ever achievement,” said AFC President Shaikh The Vietnam Football Federation’s bid appearance at the AFC Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa. to host the 2014 finals was ratified at the Women’s Asian Cup after “It will take time, hard work and AFC Executive Committee in April, but was advancing through the dedication for West Asian nations to subject to Vietnam sealing their place at qualifiers for the 2014 edition close the gap between them and their the finals through the qualifiers. alongside Vietnam, Thailand counterparts from ASEAN and in particular And Vietnam impressed in their and Myanmar. East Asia but it is refreshing to see how qualifying campaign following wins over The quartet joined defending they are embracing the challenge.” Bahrain, Kyrgyzstan and Hong Kong to top Jchampions Australia, Japan, China and In Group A, Stephanie Al Naber and Group C. Korea Republic in the 2014 finals which will Sama’a Khraisat each scored twice as Vietnam’s 4-0 win over Hong Kong on take place in Ho Chi Minh City next year. hosts Jordan opened the centralised the final Matchday proved decisive with The 2014 AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifying tournament in Amman with a Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet netting her fifth serves as the qualifiers for the 2015 FIFA 5-0 win over Lebanon, while Zebo Juraeva goal of the campaign. Women’s World Cup, with the top five teams scored seven as Uzbekistan recorded an Thailand, meanwhile, also posted a earning qualification. 18-0 victory over Kuwait. 100% record to top Group B ahead of the “Jordan’s qualification to the AFC The pair then set up a decider as Maysa Philippines with a Nisa Romyen’s 37th Women’s Asian Cup finals for the first Jbarah scored eight as Jordan beat Kuwait minute strike in the meeting between the time is a testament to all those who have 21-0, while Uzbekistan recorded a 4-0 win pair proving crucial with the duo both enthusiastically and proactively worked over Lebanon. recording wins over Iran and Bangladesh. towards the development of the women’s And while Lebanon rounded off their Finally in Group D, Myanmar shared a game in the country and on behalf of the campaign on a high with a 12-1 win over goalless draw with Chinese on the Asian football family I would like to extend Kuwait, Khraisat scored twice as Jordan final Matchday to qualify for the finals on my congratulations for this significant beat Uzbekistan 4-0 to top Group A. goal difference.

Group A Group C P W D L F A +/- Pts P W D L F A +/- Pts Jordan 3 3 0 0 30 0 30 9 Vietnam 3 3 0 0 24 0 24 9 Uzbekistan 3 2 0 1 22 4 18 6 Hong Kong 3 2 0 1 5 6 -1 6 Lebanon 3 1 0 2 12 10 2 3 Bahrain 3 1 0 2 5 12 -7 3 Kuwait 3 0 0 3 1 51 -50 0 Kyrgyzstan 3 0 0 3 2 18 -16 0 05/06/13 22/05/13 Uzbekistan 18 (Zebo Juraeva 4, 14, 21, 35, 45+1, 51, Vietnam 8 (Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet 3, Tran Thi Kim 58, 73, Feruza Turdiboeva 6, 42, Kamola Riskieva 23, Hong 20, Nguyen Thi Xuyen 22, Nguyen Thi Muon 38, Makhliyo Sarikova 31, Makhfuza Turapova 34, 36, 65, 58, 70, Nguyen Thi Lieu 45, Nguyen Thi Kim Tien 65) Moiseeva Mariya 70, Fazilat Bakhromova 72, Tanzilya Bahrain 0 Zarbieva 78) Kuwait 0 Hong Kong 2 (Cheung Wai Ki 41, 86) Kyrgyzstan 1 Jordan 5 (Luna Al Masri 21, Stephanie Al Naber 33, 40, (Svetlana Tynkova 59) Sama’a Khraisat 53, 59) Lebanon 0 24/05/13 07/06/13 Bahrain 1 (Reem Al Hashmi 25) Hong Kong 3 (Cheung Lebanon 0 Uzbekistan 4 (Feruza Turdiboeva 2, Zebo Ju- Wai Ki 52, Fung Kam Mui 65, 69) raeva 41, Makhfuza Turapova 45+2, Aziza Ermatova 46) Kyrgyzstan 0 Vietnam 12 (Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet Kuwait 0 Jordan 21 (Shahnaz Jebreen 3, 70, Maysa 3,12, 22, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Anh 6, Nguyen Thi Xuyen 14, Jbarah 16, 18, 19, 28, 32, 45+1, 53, 81, Stephanie Al Nguyen Thi Noa 23, 71, Nguyen Thi Muoan 35, Nguyen Naber 17, 35, 38, 81, Abeer Al Nahar 20, 43, 56, 71, 84, Thi Kim Tien 50, Tran Thi Kim Hong 65, Huynh Nhu 90+1, Luna Al Masri 78) 81, 89) 09/06/13 26/05/13 Lebanon 12 (Sahar Dbouk 12, Nadia Assaf 19, 51, Hiba Vietnam 4 (Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet 5, Le Thi Thuong El Jaafil 27, Nadine Schtakleef 29, 77, Saria Al Sayegh 7, Cheung Wai Ki 30 OG, Tran Thi Kim Hong 57) Hong 45+1, 46, Lara Bahlawan 38, 90+3, Taghrid Hamadeh Kong 0 56, Sara Bakri 80) Kuwait 1 (Amani Haji 86) Kyrgyzstan 1 (Svetlana Tynkova 31) Bahrain 4 (Deena Uzbekistan 0 Jordan 4 (Sama’a Khraisat 57, 80, Shahnaz Abdelrahman 3, 33, Reem Al Hashmi 20, 49) Jebreen 59, Stephanie Al Naber 75) Group B Group D P W D L F A +/- Pts P W D L F A +/- Pts Thailand 3 3 0 0 15 1 14 9 Myanmar 3 2 1 0 11 0 11 7 Philippines 3 2 0 1 10 1 9 6 Chinese Taipei 3 2 1 0 8 1 7 7 Iran 3 1 0 2 3 11 -8 3 India 3 0 1 2 2 5 -3 1 Bangladesh 3 0 0 3 0 15 -15 0 Palestine 3 0 1 2 1 16 -15 1 21/05/13 21/05/13 Iran 0 Philippines 6 (Megan Jurado 3, Sarshin Kaman- Chinese Taipei 6 (Lin Ya-Han 5, 54, 80, Yu Hsiu-Chin gar 34 OG, Joana Houplin 41, Jesse Ahugg 4, 90+2) 40, Lai Li-Chin 42, Lin Kai-Ling 45+1) Palestine 0 Thailand 9 (Naphat Seesraum 18, Nisa Romyen 29, 45, Myanmar 2 (Naw Ar Lo Wer Phaw 6, Khin Moe Wai 87, 90+3, Trishna Chakma 52 OG, Sunisa Srangthai- 26) India 0 song 64, Boontan Anongnat 79) Bangladesh 0 23/05/13 23/05/13 Palestine 0 Myanmar 9 (Yee Yee Oo 24, 74, 77, 80, 85, 88, Philippines 0 Thailand 1 (Nisa Romyen 37) Khin Mow Wai 17, 26, Margret Marri 67) Bangladesh 0 Iran 2 (Maryam Rahimi 26, 51) India 1 (Sasmita Malik 54) Chinese Taipei 2 (Yu Shiu- 25/05/13 Chin 42, Lai Li-Chin 82) Thailand 5 (Nisa Romyen 46, 65, 85, Anootsara 25/05/13 Maijarern 70, Naphat Seesraum 74) Iran 1 (Sara Palestine 1 (Caroline Sohgian 46) India 1 (Sasmita Marzdashti 79) Malik 35) Philippines 4 (Maria Park 19, 90+5, Christina Reyes Myanmar 0 Chinese Taipei 0 29, Catherine Barnekow 85) Bangladesh 0

AFC QUARTERLY 71

24302_A380Onboard_AFC_21x27.indd 1 11/29/12 4:12 PM hypervenom 2 july predator.pdf 1 2/7/13 4:46 PM

REVIEW: AFC U-14 CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIERS Finals Line-Up Complete As Sextet Advance

he line-up for the finals of the adrift. AFC U-14 Championship was Timor Leste pipped Malaysia on goal completed in early June as difference to the one berth in the finals from Thailand, Timor Leste, Iran, Group E as both nations finished level on Korea Republic, Tajikistan and 13 points from their five games, with the DPR Korea joined Saudi Arabia Timorese scoring 11 goals more than their and Iraq in progressing from the Malaysian counterparts. group stages. Thailand held off a spirited challenge by TTajikistan topped Group C, just one point Indonesia to win Group F despite losing their ahead of Afghanistan, to qualify for the finals, final game to while Group G was won securing their place in the draw with a 2-1 win by Korea Republic, who defeated China 3-0 over the Afghans in the final round of group in the penultimate game to seal their spot in matches. the final. Iran, meanwhile, finished on top of Group D, And, finally, Group H was claimed by DPR cruising through with an unblemished record of Korea, who finished ahead of Japan after four wins out of four to finish clear of second securing a 3-1 win over their East Asian placed Pakistan with India a further three points rivals in Hong Kong.

Group A Group C Group E Group G P W D L F A +/- Pts P W D L F A +/- Pts P W D L F A +/- Pts P W D L F A +/- Pts Iraq 5 5 0 0 17 1 16 15 Tajikistan 3 2 1 0 18 2 16 7 Timor Leste 5 4 1 0 30 3 27 13 Korea Republic 4 4 0 0 32 0 32 12 Syria 5 4 0 1 8 5 3 12 Afghanistan 3 2 0 1 17 3 14 6 Malaysia 5 4 1 0 16 0 16 13 China PR 4 3 0 1 26 3 23 9 C Oman 5 3 0 2 6 7 -1 9 Nepal 3 1 1 1 15 3 12 4 Vietnam 5 3 0 2 20 4 16 9 Chinese Taipei 4 2 0 2 7 14 -7 6

M UAE 5 1 1 3 2 8 -6 4 Bhutan 3 0 0 3 0 42 -42 0 Myanmar 5 3 0 3 9 12 -3 6 Northern Mariana 4 1 0 3 1 22 -21 3 Bahrain 5 1 0 4 3 9 -6 3 Philippines 5 1 0 4 6 17 -11 3 4 0 0 4 1 28 -27 0 Y Lebanon 5 0 1 4 3 9 -6 1 02-04-13 Darussalam 5 0 0 5 0 45 -45 0 02-03-13 Bhutan 0 Tajikistan 15 28-05-13 CM 20-04-13 Lebanon 1 Oman 3 Nepal 1 Afghanistan 2 Vietnam 1 Timor Leste 2 Syria 1 United Arab Emirates 0 04-04-13 Brunei Darussalam 0 Philippines 4 Korea Republic 13 Northern Mariana 0 MY Bahrain 0 Iraq 4 HT: 0-2 Afghanistan 14 Bhutan 0 Malaysia 2 Myanmar 0 Guam 1 Chinese Taipei 5 03-03-13 Nepal 1 Nepal 1 29-05-13 21-04-13 CY 06-04-13 Bahrain 0 Syria 2 Brunei Darussalam 0 Vietnam 11 Chinese Taipei 0 China PR 5 Oman 0 Iraq 3 Tajikistan 2 Afghanistan 1 Malaysia 0 Timor Leste 0 Guam 0 Korea Republic 8 CMY Lebanon 1 United Arab Emirates 1 Nepal 13 Bhutan 0 Myanmar 2 Philippines 1 23-04-13 05-03-13 31-05-13 China PR 14 Guam 0 K United Arab Emirates 1 Bahrain 0 Philippines 0 Malaysia 2 Iraq 1 Lebanon 0 Timor Leste 14 Brunei Darussalam 0 Northern Mariana 0 Chinese Taipei 2 Oman 1 Syria 3 Myanmar 1 Vietnam 3 25-04-13 07-03-13 02-06-13 Northern Mariana 1 Guam 0 Syria 1 Iraq 4 Timor Leste 6 Myanmar 1 Korea Republic 3 China PR 0 United Arab Emirates 0 Oman 1 Vietnam 5 Philippines 0 26-04-13 Bahrain 3 Lebanon 1 Brunei Darussalam 0 Malaysia 11 08-03-13 03-06-13 Chinese Taipei 0 Korea Republic 8 Iraq 5 United Arab Emirates 0 Philippines 1 Timor Leste 8 China PR 7 Northern Mariana 0 Lebanon 0 Syria 1 Malaysia 1 Vietnam 0 Oman 1 Bahrain 0 Myanmar 5 Brunei Darussalam 0

Group B Group F Group H P W D L F A +/- Pts P W D L F A +/- Pts P W D L F A +/- Pts Saudi Arabia 5 3 2 0 14 3 11 11 Thailand 5 4 0 1 14 6 8 12 DPR Korea 4 4 0 0 31 1 30 12 Yemen 5 2 2 1 6 4 2 8 Group D Indonesia 5 3 1 1 10 6 4 10 Japan 4 3 0 1 19 3 16 9 Qatar 5 1 4 0 7 3 4 7 P W D L F A +/- Pts Singapore 5 2 2 1 5 4 1 8 Hong Kong 4 2 0 2 10 9 1 6 Kuwait 5 1 2 2 3 4 -1 5 Iran 4 4 0 0 26 2 24 12 Laos 5 2 1 2 10 6 4 7 Mongolia 4 1 0 3 7 17 -10 3 Jordan 5 0 4 1 1 2 -1 4 Pakistan 4 3 0 1 16 3 13 9 Cambodia 5 0 2 3 0 7 -7 2 Macau 4 0 0 4 2 39 -37 0 Palestine 5 0 2 3 2 17 -5 2 India 4 2 0 2 8 6 2 6 28-05-13 Kyrgyzstan 4 0 1 3 3 22 -19 1 26-02-13 Indonesia 2 Thailand 6 11-04-13 Kuwait 0 Saudi Arabia 1 Turkmenistan 4 0 1 3 1 21 -20 1 Bangladesh 0 Cambodia 0 Jordan 0 Yemen 0 Laos 1 Singapore 3 DPR Korea 5 Hong Kong 0 Qatar 5 Palestine 1 Japan 12 Macau 0 23-04-13 29-05-13 27-02-13 Indonesia 5 Cambodia 0 12-04-13 Saudi Arabia 7 Palestine 0 Turkmenistan 1 Kyrgyzstan 1 Laos 5 Bangladesh 1 Macau 0 Mongolia 7 Qatar 0 Jordan 0 India 1 Iran 3 24-04-13 Thailand 2 Singapore 0 Japan 1 DPR Korea 3 Kuwait 1 Yemen 2 31-05-13 Pakistan 6 Turkmenistan 0 14-04-13 01-03-13 Thailand 4 Bangladesh 0 Palestine 1 Kuwait 1 India 4 Kyrgyzstan 1 Mongolia 0 Japan 4 26-04-13 Singapore 0 Indonesia 0 Saudi Arabia 1 Jordan 1 Hong Kong 5 Macau 2 Kyrgyzstan 0 Pakistan 8 Cambodia 0 Laos 0 Yemen 0 Qatar 0 02-06-13 16-04-13 03-03-13 Iran 11 Turkmenistan 0 28-04-13 Bangladesh 1 Singapore 1 Hong Kong 0 Japan 2 Jordan 0 Palestine 0 Cambodia 0 Thailand 1 DPR Korea 8 Mongolia 0 Yemen 0 Palestine 3 Pakistan 2 India 0 Kyrgyzstan 1 Iran 9 Laos 0 Indonesia 1 17-04-13 Qatar 0 Kuwait 0 03-06-13 29-04-13 Macau 0 DPR Korea 15 04-03-13 Singapore 1 Cambodia 0 Palestine 0 Yemen 4 India 3 Turkmenistan 0 Mongolia 0 Hong Kong 5 Iran 3 Pakistan 0 Thailand 1 Laos 4 Kuwait 1 Jordan 0 Indonesia 2 Bangladesh 0 Saudi Arabia 2 Qatar 2

AFC QUARTERLY 73 Inside AFC

National Training Centre Inaugurated In Cambodia Kathiravale Passes Away FC Distinguished Service Award – Gold Star football final between Korea Republic and DPR Korea four recipient and former referee S. Kathiravale of years later. FC President Shaikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al for key areas including education, grassroots and youth Malaysia passed away in June aged 83. “Mr. S. Kathiravale was the face of Asian refereeing Khalifa attended the inauguration of the National development. AKathiravale was a FIFA International Referee from and was a source of pride for us as he made history by Training Centre in Cambodia, stating the country The Football Federation of Cambodia will also look 1971-1980, an AFC International Referee Instructor from officiating in the final match in the first ever AFC Women’s hasA the potential to improve dramatically in the coming to conduct eight courses this year including coaching, 1975-2000 and a FIFA International Referee Instructor Asian Cup back in 1975,” said AFC General Secretary years. goalkeeping and conditioning, while the AFC’s from 1986-2000. Dato’ Alex Soosay. Shaikh Salman was joined at June’s inauguration development programme ‘Kick Off’ can assist with the He took charge “His refereeing ceremony by the Prime Minister of Cambodia, HE Hun management and marketing of the Cambodian domestic of the final of the skills and 25 years Sen, ASEAN Football Federation President HM Sultan league. 1972 AFC Asian of contribution as a Ahmad Shah, AFC Vice-President HRH Prince Abdullah Cup final between referee instructor as Ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah, FIFA Executive Committee Iran and Korea well as his knowledge member Worawi Makudi and Football Federation of Republic as well as and implementation of Cambodia President General Sao Sokha the inaugural AFC the laws of the game “I believe the beginning of this project also signals the Women’s Asian are an inspiration to us, start of a new era for Cambodian football and will boost Cup final between particularly referees.” the federation’s efforts to develop grassroots and youth Thailand and New He received the Gold football,” said Shaikh Salman. Zealand in 1975. Star award during the “I would like to assure you that FIFA and AFC Kathiravale 2013 AFC Congress are committed to support the Football Federation of also umpired the having been inducted into Cambodia in their efforts to take Cambodian football to final of the hockey the Olympic Council of a higher level.” tournament at Malaysia’s Hall of Fame In collaboration with the Football Federation of the 1974 Asian a year earlier. He was Cambodia, the AFC will look to undertake a technical Games before also a recipient of the assessment to design a long-term development plan being chosen as FIFA 100th Year Special a linesman for the Service Award in 2004.

Jordan Seminar Gives Anti-Corruption Guidelines

rofessional players in Jordan have been informed how to protect themselves against match fixing during a recent seminar in Ammam. PThe Professional Player Seminar was organised in Jordan by the AFC in co-operation with the FIFPro Asia/Oceania under the AFC’s ‘Kick Off’ development programme. “There are five guiding principles to the players against match fixing practices and to protect our beautiful game,” said Brendan Schwab of FIFPro Asia/Oceania “You should know the rules, never bet on yourself or on the opponent, play safe or never bet on your own sport at all, be careful about handling sensitive information and having a no-no stance towards match fixing.” ‘Kick Off’ is a revamped AFC development programme which focuses on strengthening the club and league management of Member Associations through tailor- made self-sustainable remedies. The Professional Player Seminar, which aims to promote the professionalism of players off the pitch, is one of the 10 services which the programme provides to the 13 Member Associations who are currently benefiting from the programme.

AFC QUARTERLY 75 Inside AFC

New Grassroots Role For Pair Technology Vital ran legend Mehdi Mahdavikia and China’s Bai Lili were was also skipper.” named as AFC Grassroots Ambassadors in May. Bai, who helped China win the 2006 AFC Women’s Asian For Referee Development The pair were appointed during the opening ceremony Cup, is a Chinese Football Association grassroots instructor Iof the AFC Grassroots Workshop, which commemorated and also works in grassroots in Shanghai having recently sia’s top refereeing instructors have been urged to to update your knowledge as the use of technology is very AFC Grassroots Day. achieved ‘A’ Licence status. embrace technology to aid development after two important for the development of refereeing. Former Asian Player of the Year Mahdavikia had only “This opportunity to contribute is not only in words but FIFA Futuro III Refereeing Instructor Courses for “The video clip database is an excellent tool and please retired a week earlier before quickly switching his attentions also in action, to actually do something to develop the technicalA and fitness instructors from the ASEAN region make use of it to improve your knowledge and to teach to helping Iran’s national team prepare for the FIFA U-17 game at the grassroots level. I started footballing when I concluded recently in , Laos. referees. Your contribution is very important.” World Cup. was nine years old, so I have first-hand experience of being Futuro III focuses on the education of Member “I would like to thank the AFC for the trust given to me to a grassroots player and now I’m a grassroots coach, a Association instructors in the topics of coaching, refereeing, make contributions to Asian football at the grassroots level combination I will be banking on to promote the grassroots administration and management and sports medicine. in conjunction with the AFC Grassroots Year 2013 and AFC game across the continent,” she said. Participants in this programme are expected to be Grassroots Day, which falls on 15 May,” said the former VfL “Grassroots is important not only as a base for great actively teaching in their Member Associations both before Bochum, Hambuger SV and utility-man, football for a nation, but it is also an important and perfect and after the course. who ended his career with Persepolis. developmental aspect to incorporate into boys’ and girls’ “Fitness is not only important but fitness is a must for “I still remember how I started football when I was nine overall growth where they will learn the values of teamwork, referees. Fitness is a visa for referees to officiate in any years old and, since then, I had been playing at different leadership and social skills. I’m really happy to play a part competition of FIFA and AFC. It is your responsibility to levels of football right up to the senior national team, where I in this.” ensure that your referees are fit to referee,” said FIFA Senior Refereeing Development Manager Fernando Tresaco Gracia. “The teaching resources provided are not only for you. Copy and distribute to all the instructors in your country to improve refereeing standard in your MAs. We are now moving towards new methodology in teaching and you have Futsal Seminar Korea In Leaves Legacy Safe Hands

lans to develop futsal to take the game in Asia to a he Korea Football Association held their first higher level on the world stage were discussed at the Goalkeeping Conference at the start of June, which start of June during the four day ‘FIFA/AFC Futsal was attended by 65 coaches. SeminarP on the FIFA/AFC Futsal World Cup 2012 Legacy TThe event followed a trip to England in April to attend for Asia.’ ’s Goalkeeping Conference at St. With 48 participants taking part and hearing from Spain George’s Park. national assistant coach Federico Vidal Montaldo, Thailand Former Korea Republic international Lee Woon-jae head coach Victor Hermans and FIFA Technical Study discussed communication between a player and the Group member Mico Martic, the seminar analysed the manager before, during and after a game, while current performance of Asian teams at the 2012 FIFA Futsal World KFA goalkeeping coach Shin Bum-chul - who played in the Turkmenistan Holds First Cup in Thailand. 1992 Olympics and 1994 FIFA World Cup – looked at game FIFA Beach Soccer and Futsal Coordinator Brent management as well as pre-match warm-up routines. Ever Grassroots Festival Rahim gave a presentation on FIFA Futsal Development Cha Sang-kwang, who played 13-years at Seongnam Programmes while AFC Futsal Development Director Ilhwa Chunma, and Kim Hyun-tae, who was the Korea Ali Targholizadeh compared Asian teams’ performances Republic goalkeeping coach for both the 2002 and 2010 he Turkmenistan Football Federation organised their “The idea of a football festival was further developed after with that of teams from the other confederations and also FIFA World Cup, also addressed the participants. first Grassroots Football Festival at the Turkmenistan representatives participated in the conducted a presentation on the Asian Futsal Strategic Plan start of June. AFC Grassroots Workshop in Kuala Lumpur from 2013-2018. TCoaches, referees and volunteers organised May 15 to 17 as well as the AFC/Football Association Iran Football Federation representative Shahabeddin the first in a series of festivals on June 1 of Malaysia Grassroots Festival,” said Charymurat Sofalmanesh and Japan Football Association Futsal coinciding with the International Day for the Kurbanov of the Turkmenistan Football Federation Committee Chairman Yasuhiro Matsuzakia also outlined the Protection of Children at Kopetdag Stadium in Technical Division. futsal programmes in their respective countries. Ashbagat. All festival participants received souvenirs, “The seminar on the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2012 The teams, which were made up of 100 small flags bearing the AFC Grassroots Year 2013 Thailand, like the name of the event, really left a legacy and participants aged 2-10, performed various logo, caps as well as materials on healthy lifestyle a strong mark on us the participants. We learned a lot about football drills including ball juggling and dribbling developed by the Health Information Centre under the strengths and weaknesses of the participating teams in while also taking part in exercises to improve the Turkmenistan Ministry of Health with support from Asia and also outside the continent,” said Qatar assistant co-ordination, speed, short and long passing. UN agencies in the country. coach Ahmed Almannai.

AFC QUARTERLY 77 Great Grounds of Asia GELORA BUNG KARNO STADIUM , Indonesia

he 80,000 capacity Gelora 100,000, renovations ahead of the 2007 against Saudi Arabia. Bung Karno Stadium was built AFC Asian Cup led to a reduction in seating, Having been used as the primary venue to host the 1962 although that did little to affect the atmosphere for the Group Stage in Indonesia, the and has since become one of created by the throngs of passionate fans who Gelora Bung Karno Stadium hosted the the most vibrant and unique regularly flock to the imposing venue. quarter-final between Saudi Arabia and sporting venues in the region. It is primarily used for football and is the Uzbekistan before Younus Mahmood’s Located in central Jakarta, home stadium for the Indonesia national team header handed Iraq a maiden continental the majestic Gelora Bung although the venue has been used for music title. TKarno Main Stadium is the main arena in the concerts as well as large scale religious and Recently, the venue hosted the second Gelora Bung Karno Sports Complex and is political events. leg of the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup final named after the first President of Indonesia, The stadium will always hold a special between Indonesia and Malaysia as well . place in the hearts of Iraqi football fans having as Indonesia’s home games during the Initially built with a capacity exceeding hosted the final of the 2007 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

AFC QUARTERLY 78 “We knew we deserved to win a spot in the World Cup. Everyone in the team put in their best effort and tried hard to gain qualification to Brazil.”

Javad Nekounam