ALI AL HABSI BURIRAM UNITED WOMEN’S ASIAN CUPMiddle East’s goalkeepingicon on Wigan Athletic’sFA Cup triumph and inspiringthe next generation

Thai FA Cup winners set their sights on making their mark at the highest level of Asian club football

Jordan advance to first finals alongside Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar to join Australia, Japan, China and Korea Republic

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE ASIAN FOOTBALL CONFEDERATION ISSUE 3

QUARTERLY

ISSUE

3J u l y 2 0 1 3

Quarter-finals Preview

OMANPLUS

The Sultanatestriving for greater

professionalism

Iran’s captain fantastic steers Team Melli to Brazil 2014

JAVADNEKOUNAM Shaikh Salman

New AFC Presidenttells of his plans to bring unity to Asia

CONTENTS

24 – JAVAD NEKOUNAMWith qualification for the FIFA World Cup finals sealed, Javad Nekounam is setting

his sights on even more success

30 – IN FOCUS: OMANAn impressive performance in qualifying

for the FIFA World Cup and the creation of a new professional league prove football in

Oman is on an upward curve

36 – ALI AL HABSIFA Cup-winning goalkeeper Ali Al

Habsi continues to be an inspiration for footballers across the continent

42 – AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PREVIEW

The field contesting the continent’s leading club competition is down to

just eight. Who will crown themselves Asia’s number one for 2013?

48 – AFC CUP PREVIEWThe AFC Cup reaches the quarter-final stages, with all to play for amongst the eight teams from across the continent

52 – CLUB FOCUS: BURIRAM UNITED

Buriram United targetted a place within the continent’s club elite - their

run to the latter stages of the 2013 AFC Champions League sees

that ambition fulfilled

Regular Sections

14 – In the News

58 – AFC Asian Cup Update

62 – FIFA World Cup

64 – AFC Champions League

66 – AFC Cup

69 – AFC President’s Cup

71 – AFC Women’s Asian Cup

73 – AFC U-14 Championship

74 – Inside AFC

78 – Great Grounds of Asia

18Interview: Shaikh Salman

Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa

MEET THE NEW BOSS

QUARTERLY

Issue No. 3July-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 ConfederationAFC House, Jalan 1/155B, Bukit Jalil5700 Kuala LumpurMalaysia

Tel: +603 8994 3388Fax: + 603 8994 2689

www.the-afc.com

President: Shaikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa

Vice Presidents:Zhang JilongHRH Prince Abdullah Ibni Sultan Ahmad ShahYousuf Yaqoob Yousuf Al SerkalMoya DoddGanesh Thapa

FIFA Vice President:HRH Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein

FIFA Executive Committee Members:Dato’ Worawi MakudiShaikh Salman Bin Ebrahim

AFC Executive Committee Members:Dr Hafez Al Medlej, Richard Lai, Zaw Zaw, Mahfuza Akhter Kiron, Praful Patel, Kohzo Tashima, Ganbold Buyannemekh, Ali Azim, Sayyid Khalid Hamed Al Busaidi, Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat, Winston Lee, Dr Tran Quoc Tuan, Susan Shalabi Molano, Han Un-gyong

General Secretary: Dato’ Alex Soosay

Managing Editor:Michael Church

Editor:Andrew Mullen

Designer:David Chung

Photos:World Sport Group, Agence SHOT, Adnan Hajj Ali, Thananuwat Srirasant

Any views expressed in AFC Quarterly do not necessarily 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.

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AFC PRESIDENT’S/GENERAL SECRETARY’S MESSAGE

AFC QUARTERLY 5

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 Uzbekistan 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.

Dato’ Alex Soosay AFC General Secretary

Shaikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa AFC President

Dato’ Alex Soosay

AFC General Secretary

Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa

AFC President

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 Saitama Stadium.

Samurai Success

AFC QUARTERLY 7

Gallery

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

Next Stop Brazil For Socceroos

AFC QUARTERLY 9

Gallery

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

Iran Seal Return To World Cup

AFC QUARTERLY 11

Gallery

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.

Qualification Relief

AFC QUARTERLY 13

Gallery

AFC QUARTERLY 15

Quartet Secure Ticket to Brazil

Continental champions Japan, Australia, Iran and Korea Republic will represent Asia at the 2014 FIFA World Cup after securing qualification for next year’s finals in Brazil following a thrilling climax

to the final round of qualifiers in June.Japan became the first side to qualify for

the 2014 finals after hosts Brazil as Keisuke Honda’s stoppage-time penalty secured Alberto Zaccheroni’s side a dramatic last-gasp 1-1 draw with Australia at Saitama Stadium at the start of June.

The point meant Japan could not finish any lower than second in Group B to secure a fifth straight FIFA World Cup appearance and a place in December’s draw.

from Korea defender Kim Young-gwon on the hour mark at Munsu Stadium to find the net for a third consecutive game as Iran advanced to the FIFA World Cup for a fourth time as Group A winners.

Korea were forced to endure a nervous few minutes with their defeat opening the door for Uzbekistan before their automatic qualification for an eighth consecutive FIFA World Cup was confirmed on goal difference as the Central Asians could only manage a 5-1 comeback win over Qatar.

Despite the eye-catching win in Tashkent, Uzbekistan must re-group for their meeting with Jordan in September’s play-offs, with the winner then going on to face South American opposition in an intercontinental showdown in November for a ticket to Brazil.

Australia, though, soon followed suit as Holger Osieck’s side went onto beat Jordan 4-0 before Josh Kennedy came off the bench to score the only goal with seven minutes remaining as the Socceroos edged out Iraq 1-0 at Stadium Australia.

Failure to win on the final Matchday could have opened the door for either Oman or Jordan, but Kennedy’s header secured Australia a third straight FIFA World Cup appearance.

And despite a 1-0 win over Oman, Jordan were forced to settle for third place and a place in the play-offs.

In Group A, Iran qualified alongside Korea after Reza Ghoochannejhad’s second half strike secured a 1-0 win for Carlos Queiroz’s side in Ulsan at the end of the final round.

Ghoochannejhad capitalised on an error

JAPAN, AUSTRALIA, IRAN AND KOREA REPUBLIC SECURED AUTOMATIC QUALIFICATION FOR NEXT YEAR’S FIFA WORLD CUP, WITH JORDAN AND

UZBEKISTAN SET TO FACE OFF IN THE PLAY-OFFS FOR BRAZIL 2014.

Shaikh Salman Wins Presidential Vote

Bahrain Football Association President Shaikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa was elected the Asian Football Confederation’s new President after receiving 33 out of 46 votes during the AFC Extraordinary

Congress in Kuala Lumpur on May 2.Shaikh Salman becomes the AFC’s 10th

full-time president and takes over from Zhang Jilong, who has held the post on an Acting basis since mid-2011. Shaikh Salman’s term as president will run until 2015.

“It’s our duty together not only to look at what our challenges are and how to solve them but more importantly to look ahead to our future goals,” said the new President.

“We need to be united, to bring everyone

in one path, to look ahead to our goals, to achieve our targets, to get as many things done as possible especially by the year 2015.

“There are many great things that can be done in two years’ time. We should expect some changes and we’d like to see a smooth transition to our goals and understanding between all Member Associations.”

Shaikh Salman was also elected to the FIFA Executive Committee, claiming 28 votes from 46 to claim the position.

“I’m really humbled by the votes and confidence shown in me and I would like to thank you for your support,” Shaikh Salman told delegates.

“We work as a team. We work for one goal. I hope the AFC family will be united and we’ll do our best for Asian football.”

Australia’s Moya Dodd, meanwhile, was elected unopposed to the position of AFC Female Vice President at the AFC Congress and was also co-opted onto the FIFA Executive Committee during the FIFA Congress in Mauritius at the end of May.

“I am delighted to be re-elected as AFC Vice President and very grateful to our Member Associations for their confidence in me,” said Dodd during the AFC Congress.

DPR Korea’s Han Un-gyong and Susan Shalabi Molani from Palestine also joined the AFC Executive Committee as Female Members for the East and West Zones respectively, claiming their positions unopposed.

* Read the first in-depth interview conducted with the AFC’s new President, Shaikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, on page 18.

SHAIKH SALMAN BIN EBRAHIM AL KHALIFA ELECTED 10TH FULL-TIME PRESIDENT OF THE ASIAN FOOTBALL CONFEDERATION AT

MAY’S EXTRAORDINARY CONGRESS IN KUALA LUMPUR.

IN THE NEWS

New Radiant Next UpFor Defending Champions

Defending champions Kuwait SC will face New Radiant from the Maldives in the quarter-finals of the AFC Cup following June’s knockout stage draw in Kuala Lumpur.

Kuwait SC claimed their second AFC Cup title in four years after beating Iraq’s Arbil 4-0 in last year’s final having also triumphed in 2009 and could face either India’s East Bengal or Indonesia’s Semen Padang in the semi-finals.

Fellow two-time champions Al Faisaly from Jordan must first overcome Hong Kong’s Kitchee to remain on course to add to their 2005 and 2006 triumphs, while Kuwait’s

AFC Cup for the third time although they first must beat a Kitchee side who were propelled to the last eight with the help of the leading scorer Jordi Tarres.

Tarres found the net in every match in this year’s AFC Cup and will be looking to add to his 11 goals as Kitchee seek to surpass the 2009 semi-final appearance by fellow Hong Kong side South China.

The first legs of the quarter-finals will be held on September 17 with the return fixtures taking place one week later.

And following an additional draw at AFC House, either Al Qadsia, Al Shorta, Kitchee or Al Faisaly will host the one-off final in November, with the winner earning a place in the 2014 AFC Champions League play-offs.

Al Qadsia will face Syria’s Al Shorta in September’s quarter-finals.

“It is a good draw for us and I think everyone in Kuwait will be happy,” said Kuwait SC Team Manager Waleed Mandeel.

“A semi-final will always be hard, this is an easier game but they are still a good team.

“We want to win and become champions for a third time. We are number one in the AFC Cup at the moment, but we want to win again.”

Since its launch in 2004, the AFC Cup has been dominated by teams from West Asia, with only Uzbekistan’s Nasaf claiming the title in 2011 after beating Kuwait SC.

And like Kuwait SC, Al Faisaly are also looking to become the first club to win the

WITH KUWAIT SC LOOKING TO BECOME THE FIRST SIDE TO WIN THE AFC CUP THREE TIMES, THE DEFENDING CHAMPIONS WILL FACE NEW

RADIANT FROM THE MALDIVES IN SEPTEMBER’S QUARTER-FINALS.

AFC QUARTERLY 17

IN THE NEWS

Al Ahli Renew Korean Rivalry In ACL Quarter-Finals

Former finalists Al Ahli from Saudi Arabia will face K-League champions FC Seoul in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League following June’s knockout stage draw in Kuala Lumpur.

Al Ahli, who lost last year’s final 3-0 to Ulsan Hyundai from Korea Republic, ensured a return to the last eight by winning Group C with an unbeaten record before downing Qatar’s El Jaish 3-1 on aggregate in the Round of 16.

And following the appointment of former Porto coach Vitor Pereira after progressing to the last eight under Aleksandar Ilic, Al Ahli could face either newly crowned Iran champions Esteghlal or Thailand’s Buriram

appearance thanks to eight goals from tournament-leading scorer Muriqui.

Last year, Guangzhou became the first Chinese Super League side to reach the quarter-finals since 2006 before suffering a hard-fought 5-4 aggregate defeat by two-time champions Al Ittihad.

“As is the case with any draw, it’s not really about which opponent we play but it’s more about how strong we are,” said Guangzhou Evergrande president Liu Yongzhuo.

“This year our target has always been to at least reach the semi-final and, if we can, get to the final and maybe win the title and become champions. So we’ll do our best and hopefully we can be successful.”

United in the semi-finals. On the other side of the draw, Emperor’s

Cup winners Kashiwa Reysol will look to keep alive hopes of a first Japanese winner of the AFC Champions League in five years against Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab, while Chinese champions Guangzhou Evergrande will take on Qatar’s Lekhwiya having also qualified for the quarter-finals for a second consecutive season.

“We are happy to be in the quarter-finals and we are ready to play and hopefully we will qualify for the semi-finals,” said Al Ahli Team Manager Mohammed Al Harthi.

Guangzhou, meanwhile, will take on Group B winners Lekhwiya having earned a second consecutive quarter-finals

THE DRAW FOR THE QUARTER-FINALS OF THE 2013 AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, WITH THE TIES SET TO TAKE PLACE IN AUGUST AND

SEPTEMBER, SEES ALL FOUR PAIRINGS PIT EAST AGAINST WEST.

AFC QUARTERLY 19

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 EMIRATES 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.

MEET THE NEW BOSS

INTERVIEW: SHAIKH SALMAN BIN EBRAHIM AL KHALIFA

got elected as a vice president from 1998 until 2002, and then as president from then to now, and of course I had the privilege of serving in AFC and FIFA on different committees, the disciplinary committee for six years between 2003 and 2009 and now as a FIFA member of the World Cup Brazil 2014. So, I think I’ve gained a lot of experience in those six years that I’ve spent in FIFA especially, because you get the chance to go to tournaments and to participate and stay for a long period – three weeks – to see how the organisation is set up, and meet people and this is I think the most important thing, you meet and talk to people and see how football is alike in different parts of the world. So I think this is the experience that I’ve always cherished in my whole career in football.

Q: A lot of people were expecting the election to be close. What do you think won the election for you?

I think that there was a lot of talk in the media about how close this race is, but in reality it’s only we who know who has the best chances of winning and I said that at my press

conference in Bahrain and I spoke for the first time, although I tried to keep away from the media as much as I can and focus on my campaign only. But I had just one press conference and I told them that what you see in the media doesn’t reflect the reality that we are in, and I think the result just tells it all.

Q: There was a sense during the election of some deep divisions that have existed within Asia for some time. Winning 33 votes out of 46 would suggest that those divisions are not quite as deep as had been suggested in the media beforehand.

I think most of the people would like to see the change, they’re fed up with all this, let’s say, struggle that’s been going on behind closed doors and people fighting for the authority. I think it’s natural that people have ambition to reach to the top position in the AFC, but I think, you know the cards are always on the table. We all know what each person can contribute and as a personality

that is something else because you know, at the end of the day, you’re going to vote for someone that you know, not where he comes from or what is his background or whatever but on someone who you feel that can get the job done. We have to be realistic on what can be done in the next two years and probably if I get the chance to have another term, it all depends on me, until 2015

Q: You are taking over as President at a difficult time for AFC. What motivated you to want to take on the role?

Well, when you come in at a tough time, whatever you are going to do, you are going to make things better. So I think for the next two years, the most important thing is to get the house in order, whether from the administration point of view, from the executive board members – and I think they are very helpful and supportive and I think they’ve suffered as well, because I think they’ve been through uncertainty for the past two years. But now, I think, that the strong signal that the congress has sent them is something that everybody knows. If you have

Far Right With FIFA President Sepp Blatter at the 2013 AFC Congress.

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

INTERVIEW: SHAIKH SALMAN BIN EBRAHIM AL KHALIFA

Q: Mr President, congratulations on your victory. What did you think when you heard the result?

I was optimistic to get the support that a lot of Member Associations had promised but I think that it just shows the unity in Asia, that they want a new leader, a strong leader, and we can only be strong if we are united. This is the most important time in our history in the AFC, and hopefully after the last two years I think we’ve learned a lot. We have to think about the future and how can we deliver to what most of our members expect us to do, so I think with unity and the strength that we have, hopefully Asia will be strong again in 2015.

Q: Were you surprised to win by such a large margin and to complete your victory in the first round?

No, my expectations were around that figure more or less, but whether you get there in the first round, there is always some doubt.

But I think, from the understanding that I had, I think we felt very comfortable. But on the other hand we had to be cautious whether we are going to reach that number or not, because in an election anything can happen. But I’m very proud and humbled with the support I got and I believe this is the time where most of the federations are convinced about my programme and what needs to be done in the AFC.

Q: You have a two-year term at the helm of the AFC. What do you hope to achieve in that timeframe? Do you see this as a two-year long job interview for the next election in 2015?

Well, I think we have to be realistic regarding what we can achieve during this coming two years, but I think if we can have a good team, that can get most of the job done, then I think we can accomplish a lot. But, on the other hand, there are a few things that might take longer, but I think we want to create some changes that people feel, and if we can do that within the two years that’ll be terrific. But I think it all depends on the team that I

have in the Executive Committee and I’m sure that I’ll get the support from them to get most of the job that the federation needs to be done.

Q: What would you say is the most pressing issue that needs to be addressed?

I think to open dialogue first of all, and to have a common understanding on what can be done in topics like finance, transparency, to be fair, how we can encourage the grassroots development projects that a lot of third world countries need. There are basic things that can make a big difference in any country, and out of the 47 countries in Asia, I think a lot of them need the basic tools of developing this game, and I think we want to be there to support them in that.

Q: How did you get involved in football?

Well, it came as a coincidence. I mean I played the game and I’ve been following football since I was young, but I was appointed as the head of the national team between 1996 and 1997, and then

AFC QUARTERLY 23

Left With AFC General Secretary Dato’ Alex Soosay at the 2013 AFC Congress.

AFC PRESIDENTS

Term Name Nationality

1954-54 Lo Man Kam Hong Kong1954-56 Kwok Chan Hong Kong 1956-57 William Sui Tak Louey Hong Kong1957-58 Chan Nam Cheong Hong Kong1958-76 Tunku Abdul Rahman Malaysia1976-78 Kambiz Atabay Iran1978-1994 Hamzah Abu Samah Malaysia1994-2002 Tunku Ahmad Shah Malaysia2002-2011 Mohammed bin Hammam Qatar2013- Shaikh Salman Al Khalifa Bahrain

Nationality: Bahrain

DOB: 02/11/1965

Current Positions: President, Asian Football ConfederationFIFA Executive Committee memberMember, FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 Organising CommitteeMember, Bureau 2014 FIFA World Cup BrazilMember, FIFA Finance CommitteeMember, FIFA Strategic Committee

Previous Positions:President, Bahrain Football AssociationChairman, AFC Disciplinary CommitteeDeputy Chairman, FIFA Disciplinary Committee

Shaikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa

Q: What message do you want to send out as you prepare to begin your term as President?

Well, I think the message is clear. We have to stay united for the good of the game; we have to be one voice. Asia has such a huge potential in the game, and I think the only way is up. There are a lot of teams that have progressed very well and we should just follow their lead and see how can we be better, competing not just in Asia but in the rest of the world. So when they say that the future is Asia I believe it is so. We have to stick to that slogan again, because a lot of people lost faith. We have to put their faith back into us, and lead the way hopefully to better football in Asia.

a president who most of the congress put their trust in, he has to be listened to and has to guide them into the next few years. There are a lot of issues and cases on the table we need to look at and address, but at the same time as well they need to be solved, rather than just looked at and left with indecisive matters.

Q: Your term as President runs until 2015, another important year for the AFC as it also marks Australia’s hosting of the AFC Asian Cup. What are your thoughts so far on the preparations for the tournament?

Australia is a great host, they’ve hosted the Olympic Games in 2000 and it was one of the most successful Olympics in history, and if we look at China in 2008 it is always difficult sometimes to match the success of a country hosting such events. But as for the Asian Cup, I’m not worried about it. You know with Australia I think we are in good hands, and the Australians have been doing a terrific job up until now and we will give them the full support to make this a successful event for us all. But I think 2015 is not just about the tournament, it’s also an election year, both for AFC and for FIFA, so we need to get our acts together and speak with one voice and hopefully we can make it clear to support whoever will be beneficial for our interests in Asia and the other confederations. We have to consult with everybody in the football family to unite again and always choose the right path.

INTERVIEW: SHAIKH SALMAN BIN EBRAHIM AL KHALIFA

AFC QUARTERLY 24

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

DRIVING FORCE

Iranian football has rarely lacked for talented midfielders; over the years and throughout the generations, successive incarnations of Team Melli have been driven on by some of Asian football’s most commanding players.

For the side that first appeared at the FIFA World Cup in Argentina in 1978, it was Mohammad Sadeghi who was at the heart of the midfield, performing in the engine room as Ali Parvin and Hassan Roshan further enhanced their reputations.

Twenty years later, it was Karim Bagheri who was the driving force

behind the side that ended Iran’s FIFA World Cup exile in 1998 with his commanding presence in the centre, his perfectly timed runs and unerring passing forming the platform upon which the likes of Ali Daei, Khodadad Azizi and Mehdi Mahdavikia were able to perform.

Javad Nekounam, the man whose talismanic influence was so instrumental in Iran’s successful bid for a fourth appearance at the FIFA World Cup, sits comfortably amongst such exalted company. It was the 32-year-old’s drive and determination that, as much as anything or anyone

AFC QUARTERLY 27

“Our young boys deserve to be one of the 32 teams in the World Cup.”

at the FIFA World Cup, Iran have not managed to progress beyond the group stages of the competition, picking up just one win – a famous 2-1 victory over the United States in France in 1998 – so far.

In the eyes of some commentators, the current Iran squad does not measure up with their more illustrious or fabled predecessors but Nekounam believes comparisons with bygone days are irrelevant.

“You can never compare a player with another team-mate or a former one,” he says. “You can’t even make comparisons between two different generations. Each player and team belongs to its own era and I’m of the opinion that the current team has kicked off a new golden age in Iranian football.

“Our young boys deserve to be one of the 32 teams in the World Cup. An outstanding reward for the young members of our team would be if they were to get the chance to join a top-flight European outfit following the World Cup.”

If they were to do so, they would be following in Nekounam’s footsteps.

Appearing at the World Cup in Germany in 2006 opened up the possibility of moving to Europe for the former Pas midfielder, who had previously enjoyed short stints in the United Arab Emirates with Al Wahda and Al Sharjah, and it is an experience from which Nekounam continues to benefit.

had to plan my life based on my professional career. Of course I felt homesick at the beginning, but I got used to it as the time went by.”

Nekounam highlights “discipline, organisation, commitment, living professionally, living a good life” among the “many other good things” he gained from his time in Spain, which came to an end at the conclusion of the 2011-12 season in Europe.

That prompted an unexpected return to Iran, signing for Tehran’s Esteghlal in a US$1.5 million deal that saw him become the fulcrum of the club’s starting line-up as they sought to embark on a successful run in the AFC Champions League and reclaim the Iran Pro League title from Sepahan.

Twelve months later, it’s mission accomplished for Nekounam and Esteghlal; the Amir Ghalenoei-coached side claimed the league title for the first time in four years while also progressing to the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League.

Esteghlal advanced to the last eight of the continental championship the hard way, seeing off Saudi giants Al Hilal, Emirati champions Al Ain and Al Rayyan from Qatar in a challenging group.

Despite the difficulty of the task, the Iranians emerged at the top of the standings before seeing off Al Shabab Al Arabi from the UAE in the Round of 16 to set up a

“There were ups and downs during my stint with Osasuna, but the good thing about playing for a European club is that everything is quite well organised and wisely planned,” he says.

“The players solely belong to the club and it brings about their progression. That’s why it’s not so easy to be part of a European squad, you have to abide by certain principles and stay focused on your goals.

“The six years I was there were part of my golden years in my professional career, but in particular I’d say my first, third and fifth years at the club were my outstanding years, when I was honored to be voted the best player of the season.

“I learned so many things in Spain and, to tell you the truth, it’s not easy to apply them to my day-to-day life in Iran because the lifestyles are very different in the two countries.

“Generally speaking, my personal life didn’t differ much from the life I’m living now but I had to adjust myself to my sporting career. I

Left Playing for Esteghlal in the 2013 AFC Champions League.

Right Captaining Iran in the qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

INTERVIEW: JAVAD NEKOUNAM

else, secured Iran another trip to the biggest show on earth.

Six goals – including two in the final phase, against Korea Republic and Lebanon – saw the midfielder emerge as Iran’s leading scorer over the course of the entire qualifying campaign, but Nekounam’s influence extended much further than the number of times he found the back of the net.

With the experience gained by spending six seasons in Spain’s Primera Liga with Osasuna and a trip to the FIFA World Cup finals with Iran back in 2006, Nekounam was coach Carlos Queiroz’s on-field general, the man who channeled the former Real Madrid coach’s desires and requests throughout the rest of the team.

And now, after a long, arduous journey, the Iranians are celebrating their return to the top table of world football.

“It’s been a tough road and we underwent so many difficulties,” says Nekounam. “Our great teamwork led to such a valuable success for us.

“We experienced ups and downs, pleasant and bitter moments, but we never lost any of our confidence and remained very hopeful for the future. 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.

“As the captain of the team, I’d like to thank

event,” he says. “It makes no difference if you are one of the giants in the world or one of the underdogs.

“Every team endeavours to be one of only 32 teams taking part in the World Cup. We blame ourselves for not booking a berth in South Africa in 2010. We have now made up for that and are very determined to continue our progress.

“It’s certainly every player’s dream and ambition to play in the World Cup. It will be my second appearance in the showpiece, if I’m still part of the team next year.

“Playing in the World Cup is one of the sweetest memories in a football player’s life. I’m absolutely thrilled to have the chance to play in the World Cup for the second time in my life and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I can play up to expectations for my team.

“There’s no doubt I learned so many lessons from Germany 2006. Perhaps some of the young players won’t find out the value of playing in the World Cup arena, but I’ll definitely convey my experience and knowledge to my younger team-mates.

“I’ll explain to them that we are now among the top teams in the world and this puts an extra burden on our shoulders to defend our credibility. Iranian football should be internationally acclaimed and we must prove that it’s respectable and praiseworthy.”

In the country’s three previous appearances

all players and members of the staff for their hard work, dedication and commitment and I’d like to tell them I’ll hold everyone’s hand firmly and wish them all the best.”

Brazil will not be Nekounam’s first trip to the FIFA World Cup and he will join a select band of Iranian players to appear at the finals on two occasions should fitness and form guarantee him a place in Queiroz’s squad next year.

Only Daei and Mahdavikia have represented the nation at two finals – in France in 1998 and in Germany eight years later – and Nekounam, along with several current team mates, including Andranik Teymourian and Masoud Shojaei, will join that select band with inclusion in the squad for 2014.

As a result, Nekounam will go to South America as one of the most experienced players in the team and his knowledge of what lies ahead will prove invaluable if Iran are to have any chance of making an impact on the competition

“It’s very important for each and every team to qualify to the world’s greatest football

“It’s certainly every player’s dream and ambition to play in the World Cup.”

quarter-final clash with Thai side Buriram United.“There’s no doubt we were drawn in the Group

of Death in the first round,” says Nekounam of the club’s AFC Champions League campaign. “Ability wise, every team in our group could have qualified for the next round, but we proved our dominance and power and we deservedly booked our place among the last 16.

“We have played against and overcome Al Hilal and Al Ain in the group stage, so we are definitely capable of beating other strong teams.

“We are yet to confront any giant clubs from the east, but we’ve got no fear of facing any rivals en route to winning the trophy. This competition is an arena where key players play pivotal roles in determining the results and I’m very hopeful Esteghlal can seize the continental

title for the third time in their history.”However, despite having helped Esteghlal

return to prominence at both domestic and continental level, there is no guarantee Nekounam will be part of the club’s squad when the AFC Champions League resumes in August as he weighs up offers before deciding where next to continue his stellar career.

But whether he continues to represent the blue half of Tehran or whether he moves on, his performances in 2013 will no doubt have marked him out as a candidate to be crowned the AFC Player of the Year.

Until now, Nekounam’s performances for both Iran and the various clubs he has played for have been overlooked and it is one honour he would love to add to his collection.

“It might be little bit too late for me,” he says. “But I do regret I was never voted Asian Player of the Year during my six-year stint in Pamplona. With all respect to players of my time, I’m of the opinion that I could have become Asian Player of the Year at least twice during those six years.

“But unfortunately with the rules of AFC I was obviously not on the shortlists, so I’m glad the new amendments have been enacted so that Europe-based Asian players can also compete to win the title. “

For all his achievements in Spain, it could well be that Nekounam’s success with both Esteghlal and Iran throughout 2013 sees him finally realise that long-held ambition.

“We have played against and overcome Al Hilal and Al Ain in the group stage, so we are definitely capable of beating other strong teams.”

AFC QUARTERLY 29

Nationality: Iran

DOB: 07/10/1980

Position: Midfielder

Current club: Esteghlal (Iran)

Previous clubs: Osasuna (Spain) Al Sharjah (UAE) Al Wahda (UAE) Pas (Iran)

Javad Nekounam

Bottom Right Nekounam scored the only goal as Iran beat Korea Republic in October last year.

Left & Above Celebrating qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup after beating Korea Republic in June.

INTERVIEW: JAVAD NEKOUNAM

AFC QUARTERLY 31

For a nation with no professional league, less than a handful of players on the books of foreign clubs and with only one previous appearance in the final phase of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup,

Oman’s performance in reaching and then holding their own in the crucial stages of qualifying for Brazil 2014 was the definition of overachievement.

Not that the Omanis have never punched above their weight before – they reached the finals of the AFC Asian Cup in 2004 and 2007 and won the Gulf Cup in 2009 – but there is the very real possibility that their latest move into the upper echelon of Asian football could become more than part of a fleeting cycle.

Almost four decades of amateur football came to an end earlier this year when Al Suwaiq claimed the amateur Elite League with a play-off win over Fanja that brought down the curtain on the old set-up and heralded the arrival of professionalism in

Oman.September brings with it the 14-team

Oman Professional League, ushering in a new era for football in the Gulf state, boosting hopes of further development and improvement in the national game.

“As can be seen from the performances in the World Cup qualification, Oman has a powerful football culture. However, we are at a disadvantage against the majority of our opposition who have fully professional leagues,” says Oman Football Association Chairman Sayyid Khalid Hamed Hamoud Al Busaidi.

“Whilst talent and hard work is important, the development of football players also relies on a professional approach with full-time players, professional support staff and coaching, good facilities.

“There are undoubted benefits to our country if we professionalise the league with the creation of a huge range of jobs on top of the obvious football and community benefits.”

For now Al Suwaiq and Fanja, who reached the Round of 16 this year, are set

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

IN FOCUS: OMAN

A BOLD NEW WORLD

IN FOCUS: OMAN

advance to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Oman was celebrating as a penalty from captain Mohamed Rabia secured a 6-5 penalty shootout victory over Saudi Arabia in the final of the 2009 Gulf Cup having lost in the finals in both 2004 and 2007.

Oman then agonisingly missed out on securing a historic place in the football tournament for the 2012 Olympic Games as, after edging out Uzbekistan and Syria in a three-way play-off following a commendable second place finish in the group stage behind Korea Republic, the

years later and again proved themselves on the continental stage after drawing with Australia, who needed a stoppage-time strike from Tim Cahill, and eventual champions Iraq.

A bid for a third consecutive AFC Asian Cup appearance in Qatar fell agonisingly short as Oman only managed a goalless draw with Kuwait on the final day of qualifying.

But just two years later, despite failing to

Red Warriors were beaten by Senegal when just 90 minutes away from London.

Several of those players, including striker Hussain Al Hadhri and defender Mohammed Al Balushi, have made the step up to the senior team during the qualifiers for Brazil 2014.

Al Hadhri was the standout performer during the qualifiers for London 2012 with nine goals, while the striker also scored against Thailand in the third round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

To continue this recent success, former AFC Technical Director Jim Selby was

AFC QUARTERLY 33

2004Oman qualified for the AFC Asian Cup for the first time

Below Oman national team coach Paul Le Guen.

Above Goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi is Oman’s most famous footballing export.

Left Prior to the meeting with Australia in Sydney in March.

to showcase the strength of Oman football in the 2014 AFC Cup, although participation in the AFC Champions League is a stated aim after an Oman Football Association delegation visited AFC House at the end of last year to discuss entry criteria and club licensing.

“We have to get a professional league in Oman because some players are used to playing at a high intensity, but some of them are not because the league here is not at the same level,” says current Oman national team coach Paul Le Guen, who led Cameroon to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

“We sometimes only get the players a few days before a game and it is long term work. The players have to train with intensity and with consistency all season long and that is not the case. But step-by-step we are closing the gap with the other teams.

“Many players from the national team play in Oman so I have to be here because my players play here. When I was coach of Cameroon it was totally different because most players play in Europe, but here it is

totally different as most of them play in the league in Oman.

“I feel happy here. I am so convinced that this is a mid-term job at least. It would be a waste to leave now because we are on the right track and I don’t want to leave when you are on the verge of succeeding. When you feel well somewhere you don’t think of leaving and this is the case. I feel well and my job is respected. I had some proposals but I am not interested at the moment. We have improved.”

Moves towards a professional set-up at all levels have seen a series of initiatives introduced that are new to football in Oman.

Tickets were sold for the final round of qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup – the first time that has happened for national team matches in Muscat – while replica shirts were produced and made available for fans. The latter move, in particular, has been so successful that counterfeit merchandise is now being produced.

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.

The seeds of this growth of football in Oman were sown as far back as 1995 as Oman reached the semi-finals on their maiden appearance at the FIFA U-17 World Cup before advancing to the quarter-finals two years later.

That commitment and success at youth level paid dividends in 2004 as Oman qualified for the AFC Asian Cup for the first time under Czech coach Milan Macala and narrowly missed out on a place in the quarter-finals following a 1-0 defeat by eventual champions Japan.

Oman returned to the AFC Asian Cup three

1978Oman Football Association is founded

12 September 2013The new Oman Professional League will begin later this year

What plans are in place to improve youth development? We are constantly improving and investing in our future. Oman’s future will be delivered by its youth and the country has a very young population. In recent times, we have established five grassroots centres around 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 improvements will lead to great benefits for the country. Football is hugely important to the population of Oman and we see it as our responsibility to deliver a return on that passion. We would like to be playing regularly at a high level of football both for the national teams and for the club sides. We want to see clubs delivering growth themselves as they build their own knowledge and skills and we want to see improvements in the way that we organise the huge amount of football that is played in this country. What is the biggest challenge facing football in Oman? Our number one challenge right now is the need for a professional league. We are not generating enough revenues ourselves to fund what is needed so we need to receive government support to make that happen. Our plans will see the league become self-sufficient over time. Club wise, we have a stadium challenge in that our stadiums are not suited for the ideal club scenario. We need to invest in clubs to have their own purpose built stadia that are at the heart of their community delivering value to the local population.

Q&AOFA Chairman Sayyid Khalid Hamed Hamoud Al Busaidi

AFC QUARTERLY 35

Above Oman won the Gulf Cup in 2009.

Right Mohammed Al Balushi (left)

Below Hussain Al Hadhri

recently appointed by the OFA to oversee the development of football in Oman at all levels to international standards.

Selby, who previously held a similar position with the Oceania Football Confederation while also continually working with FIFA for the last 15 years, will look to develop the game at every level, including working on grassroots programmes, girls and women’s football, futsal and beach soccer as well as the implementation and improvement of education and training of coaches and referees, sports science and sports medicine.

“There is no shortcut to achieving success at any of those levels, so what you can do is implement programmes which are based on international best practices and make sure that the local people are exposed to those on a regular basis that leads to a better outcome in the future,” says Selby, who started a three-year contract in May. “There are never guarantees in football at the top level, but if there are solid programs in place that gives you a better chance rather than taking just the chance that you will be successful.

“Capacity building for local people and legacy is a really important approach so you don’t just come in and then leave and leave a vacuum without building anything.

“My goal will be to train people to world standards and make sure that our player development programmes, which are long

amateur to professional, while also seeking his advice on which coaching methods will be most successful.

“One of the biggest challenges is to look at the global picture, and not just the local or regional picture. If you are going to play against the rest of the world, you have to know what the rest of the world is doing and why they are doing it,” says Selby.

“You look at countries which have been successful and why they have been successful, it is not by chance. You have to look at the standards now and see if they meet local standards, and then do they meet regional standards and then international standards.

“You can’t reduce the time needed to produce good quality coaches, players and referees, but what you can do is to ensure what training you put people in is of the highest world class standards, not just domestic or regional.”

Next up for Oman is the resumption of the qualifiers for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup with a trip to Singapore in August after Le Guen’s side began the campaign with a 1-0 home win over Syria in February.

And after an encouraging showing in qualifying for Brazil 2014, a return to the continental stage in Australia would be the next step for football in Oman and its new landscape.

term player development programmes, have an international focus on developing players and coaches and not a local focus because you have got to play against the world, so standards have to be at an international level not a domestic level.

“We need to add the international element to the style of football which meets the culture and that is really important because you have to integrate the football into the culture. Eventually we will come up with an Oman football game plan to develop the game in Oman through the buy-in and cooperation from everybody so that we go in one direction.”

With the OPL beginning later this year, Selby will have a chance to build on the groundwork already underway to introduce and develop the areas needed when changing from an amateur to professional set-up.

Workshops involving FIFA, UEFA and the AFC will be arranged to assist clubs in improving administration, coaching, medical, player relations, fan bases and other key areas.

Selby has also already acquired the services of Oman’s most famous footballing export, Ali Al Habsi, to speak to local players about his own experiences of making the step up from

IN FOCUS: OMAN

2009Oman win the Gulf Cup on home soul after beating Saudi Arabia on penalties

AFC QUARTERLY 37

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

FROM FIREFIGHTER

TO TRAILBLAZER

Interview: Ali Al Habsi

AFC QUARTERLY 39

Born in a village on the outskirts of Muscat, Al Habsi began his career with modest hometown club Al Midhaibi before making the step up with Al Nasr and winning the Sultan Qaboos Cup.

It was during this period of his career that Al Habsi was spotted by well-travelled former goalkeeper John Burridge, who was working as a coach with the Oman national team.

“John Burridge made a big difference in my life. There might be hundreds of Al Ali Habsi’s in Oman, but they didn’t have that one person who can help them and take them to another country and show the rest of the world we have these players,” says Al Habsi.

“John Burridge saw the talent I had when I was 17 and told me it was the right time to go abroad. He is a legend in England, he played more than 700 games, and when he says he has a

player he has the respect following his career in England.”

Burridge quickly identified an unearthed talent in the teenager and fast-tracked Al Habsi up through the national team ranks to the first team and eventually, through his connections, on to trials in England.

Work permit issues delayed Al Habsi’s move to England, although Europe still beckoned with Norwegian First Division side Lyn Oslo

“When you have a target and hope for yourself to achieve something in the future you can do it. I had the skill, I just had to work hard and take the right things from the managers and people at the clubs and that’s what I did. I did not rush, I had a vision,” says Al Habsi.

“Others players now want to achieve everything straight away and they can’t do that. When you are playing in Middle East and you want to play in the top league, it is impossible. From my experience of the last 11 years, you have to go step-by-step and obtain the experience.”

Al Habsi quickly adapted to his new surroundings in Norway and after three successful years he signed for Bolton Wanderers in January 2006.

“When you are playing in the third division in Oman and not professional, your dream is just to watch football on TV.”

Left & Below Celebeating Oman’s Gulf Cup success in 2009.A

s captain of a national team battling to qualify for their first-ever FIFA World Cup finals appearance, the agony for sidelined goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi was immense. Forced to sit in the stands due to a shoulder injury, the country’s

most famous footballing son was left to watch helplessly as Oman narrowly missed out on qualification for Brazil 2014.

Of course, he had already played his part in moving Oman firmly into contention to qualify from Group B with two games remaining but, after undergoing shoulder surgery to alleviate a problem which had disrupted his season in England with Wigan Athletic, Al Habsi missed the home win over Iraq and away defeat in Jordan which ultimately ended hopes of at least a play-off berth for Paul Le Guen’s side.

But while the mild-mannered custodian did not feature at the start of June, Al Habsi’s time was occupied fulfilling numerous other requirements having returned to Oman to a rapturous welcome at Muscat International Airport having been part of the Wigan squad which defied all the odds to win the FA Cup with a 1-0 win over Manchester City at the start of May.

“Ali is a national hero – and it is his drive and determination to succeed that we want to see in every Omani,” says Oman Football 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.

hard with my injury.”Al Habsi’s celebrated homecoming not

only marked a significant moment for Omani football, but also was a reminder of just how far the 31-year-old had come having worked as a part-time fireman at Muscat International Airport as a teenager on the fringes of a third division team in the amateur domestic scene as well as the Oman U-17 side.

“When you are playing in the third division in Oman and not professional, your dream is just to watch football on TV,” says Al Habsi. “When I was playing in the third division I was dreaming of playing in the first division with a big club in Oman.”

semi-final at Wembley a month earlier as Wigan recorded a 2-0 win over Millwall.

But any thoughts of disappointment after missing out on the final were soon forgotten as the sight of a beaming Al Habsi with the famous trophy in one hand and his national flag clutched in the other confirmed the historic achievement for the former fireman.

“I am so happy with the FA Cup win. I am so proud because I was part of the team,” says Al Habsi. “In football it is not about one player, the group of players is part of the trophy. I played the semi-final, but I had not played for the last 10 games in the league or the cup and it was really

Interview: Ali Al Habsi

AFC QUARTERLY 41

the respect the people have for me, especially with the kids,” Al Habsi says.

“You can’t change it in one year; you need years for people to learn road safety. It is improving and wherever I go the people say thank you for the work we are doing, but there is still more work to do.”

Al Habsi’s absence against Iraq and Jordan allowed Faiyz Al Rusheidi the opportunity to deputise, and the Al Suwaiq goalkeeper performed admirably to highlight the abundance of talent in Oman despite the lack of a professional league.

“We can’t say we have a professional league, although we are nearly there, but many players now their job is to play football because they can earn good money compared to 10 or 15 years ago. The next generation, who are now 15 to16 years old, they are more into football than they were before because they have an idol to look up to,” says Al Habsi.

“I have talked with parents and they were not pushing for football because there was no money in football and they had to have another job but now everything has changed with the success of the national team.”

Al Habsi is expected to return to the

Oman team ranks for the resumption of the qualifiers for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in August after Paul Le Guen’s side began their campaign with a 1-0 home win over Syria in February.

“We are very confident and we have a fantastic manager and he has made a big difference in Oman,” adds Al Habsi.

“We have a mix of young players and experienced players and he gives chances to any players in the league to play in the national team. We have young players who are just 19 or 20 and they have done very well.”

Nationality: Oman

DOB: 30/12/1981

Position: Goalkeeper

Current club: Wigan Athletic (England)

Previous clubs: Al Midhaibi (Oman)Al Nasr (Oman)Lyn Oslo (Norway)Bolton Wanderers (England)

Left Captaining Oman against Australia in the final round of qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Below Al Habsi was forced to sit out the final two games of the qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup following shoulder surgery.

Ali Al Habsi

“I have talked with parents and they were not pushing for football because there was no money in football and they had to have another job but now everything has changed with the success of the national team.”

“The three years in Norway was the right decision because if I went to England for those three years I don’t think I would have made it. There were many reasons like work permit and experience that I had,” he says.

“Maybe I would go to the second division, but I think the Norwegian league is better than these lower leagues with many good teams. It was a really good three years and I was named best goalkeeper in the league, we got to the cup final and we finished third in the league, it was a good three years and after that I was ready.”

Al Habsi would only make 18 appearances for Bolton due to the presence of first-choice goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen and alternated with Ian Walker for the role as deputy, although those would include outings in the UEFA Cup during the 2007/08 season having earlier appeared in the qualifying rounds for Lyn Oslo.

“I knew it would be hard for me. Jussi was one of the best in the league at that time and even this year he went back six years and made a big difference with West Ham,” says Al Habi. “I learned a lot from him and sometimes it is good to stay on the bench.”

With his club career on the rise, Al Habsi’s international prospects were also flourishing with appearances at the AFC Asian Cup in 2004 and 2007 before helping Oman win the Gulf Cup for the first time in 2009.

Al Habsi eventually joined Wigan, initially on a season long loan for in 2010, and after a successful season where he was named the club’s Player of the Year, the move became permanent in July 2011.

The move to Wigan brought with it new challenges as Al Habsi had to adapt to the contrasting style of the long ball game utilised by then Bolton manager Sam Allardyce compared with the more cultivated passing style preferred at Wigan under Roberto Martinez.

“With Big Sam you just had to kick and the job was done, but with Roberto you have to play with the back four and improve your skill,” says Al Habsi.

“And I have improved a lot and I really enjoy it because now in England and the rest of the world the goalkeeper is not just there to save the ball, 50% of your game you have to be very good with your feet and how you control the ball and control the game.”

Al Habsi’s stock continued to rise at Wigan with increased transfer speculation, although he was forced to endure an injury-hit 2012/13 season and was used sparingly during the Premier League run-in as the Latics were eventually relegated despite their FA Cup success.

The surgery was timed in-order to allow Al Habsi to be fit for the start of the upcoming season for Wigan, although that had a knock on effect on his availably for Oman at the end of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

But his time on the sidelines, though, allowed Al Habsi to turn his attentions to other avenues while back home in Oman, which includes his work as co-founder of a non-profit road safety organisation, Safety First.

“In Oman the number of accidents is high and people die in accidents. I try to use

“The three years in Norway was the right decision because if I went to England for those three years I don’t think I would have made it.”

“With Big Sam you just had to kick and the job was done, but with Roberto you have to play with the back four and improve your skill.”

Interview: Ali Al Habsi

EAST v WEST

AFC QUARTERLY 42

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.

All eight teams who have progressed to the quarter-finals have won their domestic title, but none have won the revamped AFC Champions League title. That, though, is

guaranteed to change later this year. Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli reached the

final last year only to lose to Ulsan Hyundai as the title retuned to Korean hands for a third time in four years following the surprise success of Qatar’s Al Sadd in 2011.

Al Ahli’s opponents FC Seoul are looking to convert a third quarter-final appearance in five years to continue that run, while surprise package Buriram United from Thailand are out to follow in

the footsteps of inaugural finalists BEC Tero Sasana.

China’s Guangzhou Evergrande have emerged as a new continental force in recent years, while Japan’s Kashiwa Reysol have the recent triumphs of Urawa Reds and Gamba Osaka as inspiration.

Iran’s Esteghlal are the most recent of the eight to have claimed their domestic title having also won the Asian Club Championship title on two occasions, while both Qatar’s Lekhwiya and Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab saw their domestic reigns recently ended.

So, while all eight have the credentials to add their name to the list of AFC Champions League winners, who will emerge unscathed from the quarter-finals?

PREVIEW: AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

VSKashiwaReysol (JPN)

COACH

Nelsinho Baptista

First Leg - 21/08/13 • 19:00 Second Leg - 18/09/13 • 20:15

Hitachi Kashiwa Stadium, Kashiwa (15,900)

Having fallen short of reaching the knockout phase in their debut

appearance in the AFC Champions League, Emperor’s Cup holders Kashiwa Reysol applied the lessons learned 12 months earlier to advance to the knockout stage this season.

Nelsinho Baptista’s team impressed in the group stages, topping Group H with an unbeaten record.

The form of striker Masato Kudo was such that the striker earned himself a Japan call-up, while on-loan striker Cleo – signed for the season from Guangzhou Evergrande – has also been amongst the goals.

Kudo scored twice over the two legs of the 5-2 aggregate win over former champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in the Round of 16 as Reysol became the first Japanese club to advance to the last eight since Cerezo Osaka in 2011.

Leandro Domingues, the J.League’s Most Valuable Player in 2011 when Reysol won the domestic title for the first time, has regained the form that was lacking throughout much of 2012 while Jorge Wagner completes a potent Brazilian trio for Kashiwa.

Al Shabab (KSA)

COACH

Michel Preud-homme

Former Belgium World Cup goalkeeper Michel Preud-homme took over as head

coach of Al Shabab in June 2011 and in his first season at the helm of the Riyadh-based club guided them to the Saudi league title. The former Gent and FC Twente coach won the Belgian title with Standard Liege in 2008.

King Fahd Stadium, Riyadh (67,000)

Al Shabab progressed to the last eight for the first time since 2010 having

emerged as winners of Group A ahead of Qatar’s El Jaish.

The Michel Preud-homme-coached club from Riyadh emerged from a tough group having slipped up only once – against El Jaish on Matchday Five – before seeing off Al Gharafa with a 5-1 aggregate success in the Round of 16.

Argentinian striker Sebastian Tagliabue scored three times over the course of the two legs but the former Ettifaq forward left the club in the close season to join Al Wahda in the United Arab Emirates.

He was not the only high profile departure, however, with Nasser Al Shamrani signing for cross-Riyadh rivals Al Hilal.

But Al Shabab offset the duo’s departure by completing one of the biggest transfer coups in recent years in the Middle East as they signed Saudi Arabia international Naif Hazazi, who scored eight times in the 2012 AFC Champions League as Al Ittihad reached the semi-finals.

Defender Kwak Tae-hwi had also joined Al Shabab after winning the 2012 AFC Champions League with Ulsan Hyundai.

The well-travelled Nelsinho Baptista is in his fourth full season at Kashiwa Reysol

having steered the club to the unprecedented feat of winning Japan’s second and first division titles in successive seasons. He followed that up by guiding the club to the Emperor’s Cup in 2012.

VS BuriramUnited (THA)

COACH

Amir Ghalenoei

First Leg - 21/08/13 • 20:00 Second Leg - 18/09/13 • 18:00

A five-time Iran Pro League-winner as a coach, Amir Ghalenoei returned to

Esteghlal at the start of the just-completed Iran Pro League season having guided Sepahan to back-to-back domestic titles in 2010 and 2011. Ghalenoei previously won the title with Esteghlal in 2006 and 2009 before also masterminding last season’s success.

Azadi Stadium, Tehran (100,000)

Esteghlal progressed to the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League

for the first time since the tournament was inaugurated in 2002 as the Tehran Blues seek to return to their former position at the summit of Asian club football.

Winners of the Asian Club Championship in 1970 and 1991, Esteghlal also reached the final of the former continental club championship in 1999, when they lost on home soil in the final to Japan’s Jubilo Iwata.

Having claimed the Iran Pro League title this season, Esteghlal have rediscovered their domestic form while at Asian level they have become a force to be reckoned with thanks to a side that features an array of Iranian and foreign talent.

Captained by Farhad Majidi and with Javad Nekounam featuring, the 2013 Iranian champions boast an experienced and talented squad which saw off two of the giants of Asian club football in the group stages.

Esteghlal finished at the summit of Group D ahead of Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal and inaugural AFC Champions League winners Al Ain before seeing off Al Shabab Al Arabi, also of the UAE, the Round of 16.

TopFarhad Majidi

AboveJlloyd Samuel

TopLeandro Domingues

AboveMasato Kudo

TopAnawin Jujeen

AboveEkkachai Samre

TopKwak Tae-hwi (left)

AboveFernando Menegazzo

Esteghlal (IRN)

COACH

Scott Cooper

Englishman Scott Cooper replaced Atthaphol Puspakom following the

group stage of the 2013 AFC Champions League success and oversaw the win over Bunyodkor in the last 16. Former Leicester City technical director Cooper had been working under the former Thailand international striker since the start of the season.

Buriram Stadium, Buriram (24,000)

Thailand’s Buriram United continued to follow in the footsteps of inaugural

finalists BEC Tero Sasana after reaching the quarter-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 aggregate win over Bunyodkor.

Buriram had become the first Thai side in a decade to reach the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League after edging out China’s Jiangsu Sainty on goal difference to progress from Group E behind K-League champions FC Seoul having edged out Australia’s Brisbane Roar on penalties in the play-offs.

While seen by many as a surprise, Buriram had shown on their debut appearance a year earlier they had what it takes, having beaten Japanese champions Kashiwa Reysol and Chinese champions Guangzhou Evergrande before missing out on a place in the knockout stage following a string of narrow defeats.

Twins Suree and Surat Sukha as well as captain Suchao Nutnum provide experience in a side filled with promising Thai youngsters including Theeraton Bunmathan and Anawin Jujeen, with Spanish defender Osmar Barba and Japanese forward Kai Hirano also key components.

VS

COACH

Vitor Pereira

First Leg - 21/08/13 • 21:00 Second Leg - 18/09/13 • 19:30

Vitor Pereira replaced Aleksandar Ilic in June having led Porto to back-to-back

Portuguese league titles. An assistant to Andre Villas-Boas at Porto during the 2010 campaign, Pereira took over when his compatriot left for Chelsea the following season and in his two years at the helm, Porto also won the Portuguese Super Cup in each season.

King Abdulaziz Sport City, Sharayea (24,000)

After failing to make much of an impression in their first four

appearances in the AFC Champions League, Al Ahli reached the final last year and lost 3-0 to Korea Republic’s Ulsan Hyundai. It was the closest Al Ahli had come to lifting a continental title since losing to Korean side Daewoo Royals in the 1986 Asian Club Championship final.

Al Ahli, though, were able to continue that continental form this season, and after impressively topping Group C ahead of Al Gharafa with an unbeaten record, the Saudi side downed Qatar’s El Jaish in the Round of 16 after posting a 3-1 win on aggregate.

Progress in the AFC Champions League, though, was not enough to keep Aleksandar Ilic in his job following a fifth place finish in the Saudi League and the Serbian was replaced by Vitor Pereira. Ilic himself had only replaced Karel Jarolim one match into the current AFC Champions League campaign.

Al Ahli have signed Brazilian midfielder Mossoro from Portuguese side Sporting Braga following the off-season departures of Colombian defender Jairo Palomino and Oman international Amad Al Hosni.

FC Seoul (KOR)Al Ahli (KSA)

COACH

Choi Yong-soo

Choi Yong-soo won the K-League title in his first full season in charge last year

and was named 2012 Coach of the Year. Choi, who played for Korea Republic at both the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups, had retired with FC Seoul in 2006 having begun his playing career at Anyang Cheetahs before spells at three Japanese clubs.

Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul (66,080)

FC Seoul secured a third AFC Champions League quarter-final

appearance in five years after recording a 3-1 comeback win over China’s Beijing Guoan in the last 16.

FC Seoul, who relocated from the satellite city of Anyang to the Seoul World Cup Stadium in 2004, had marched to a second K-League title in three years last year after winning the domestic crown in impressive fashion with a 17 point cushion over runners-up Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.

But despite losing just once on their return to the quarter-finals, Choi Yong-soo’s side have struggled to rediscover their domestic form this season and are in real danger of missing out on featuring in the end of season championship round.

Choi, though, will again look to Yun Il-lok to provide the spark in the knockout stage after the 21-year-old contributed four goals en route to the last eight, which included a goal and an assist in the second leg against Beijing.

Montenegro international striker Dejan Damjanovic, who scored 31 goals in the K-League last season, also remains at threat for FC Seoul despite only finding the net twice so far in the competition.

VSGuangzhouEvergrande (CHN)

COACH

Marcello Lippi

First Leg - 21/08/13 • 20:00 Second Leg - 18/09/13 • 18:15

Marcello Lippi guided Guangzhou into the quarter-finals for the second

consecutive season having succeeded Lee Jang-soo in May last year. Lippi won the Italian League title on five occasions during two spells with Juventus while also winning the UEFA Champions League in 1996 before guiding Italy to success at 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

Tianhe Sport Center, Guangzhou (60,000)

Guangzhou Evergrande secured a second consecutive appearance in

the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League after winning Group F ahead of former winners Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Urawa Reds before easing past Australia’s Central Coast Mariners in the last 16.

The success continues Guangzhou’s meteoric rise which has also delivered back-to-back Chinese Super League titles.

Guangzhou have achieved this success with FIFA World Cup winning coach Marcello Lippi blending a significant number of China’s leading players – including Gao Lin and Zheng Zhi with South American trio Muriqui, Dario Conca and Lucas Barrios.

Despite the arrival of Barrios last summer, Brazilian frontman Muriqui again shone for Guangzhou en route to the quarter-finals with the 2011 Chinese Football of the Year netting eight goals.

Lippi has made notable improvements since his arrival in May last year and Guangzhou will hope the Italian can continue that progress having overseen last year’s quarter-final defeat by two-time champions Al Ittihad.

Lekhwiya (QAT)

COACH

Eric Gerets

Eric Gerets joined Lekhwiya in October 2012 following two years with Morocco.

After a successful playing career with Standard Liege, AC Milan and PSV Eindhoven which also included an appearance in the semi-finals of the 1986 FIFA World Cup with Belgium, as a coach Gerets has won domestic titles in Belgium, the Netherlands, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

Lekhwiya Club Stadium, Doha (10,000)

Like quarter-final opponents Guangzhou, Lekhwiya have made a startling rise

through the ranks. Originally founded in 1938 as Al Shorta (Police Club), Lekhwiya did not vie for honours until three years ago when they were renamed and provided with heavy financial backing.

And despite having only secured promotion from the second tier in 2010, Lekhwiya won back-to-back Qatar Stars League titles. Like Guangzhou, Lekhwiya are also making their second appearance in the AFC Champions League, although this year represents their first quarter-final berth having exited in the group stage in 2012.

Lekhwiya were unable to defend their domestic title this season, although under former Belgium international defender Eric Gerets they were able to emerge at the top of the tight Group B before edging out Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal in the Round of 16 despite a nervous 2-2 draw in the second leg in Doha.

Qatar international striker Sebastian Soria provides Lekhwiya’s main goalscoring threat, complemented by Tunisian forward Youssef Msakni and Senegalese midfielder Issiar Dia.

TopZheng Zhi

AboveMuriqui

TopBruno Cesar

AboveTaiseer Al Jassam

TopNam Tee-hee (left)

AboveIssiar Dia

TopDejan Damjanovic (right)

AboveYun Il-lok

AFC QUARTERLY 49

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.

Since its launch in 2004, the AFC Cup has been dominated by teams from West Asia, with only Uzbekistan’s Nasaf claiming the title in 2011 after beating Kuwait SC.

Kuwait SC were able to recover last year and claim a second title in four years after beating Iraq’s Arbil 4-0 [pictured] having also triumphed in 2009.

They are on course to defend that title this year, although fellow two-time champions Al Faisaly from Jordan are also in the running for a third AFC Cup crown.

Kuwait’s Al Qadsia also reached the final in 2010, while Syria’s Al Shorta are

appearing in the last eight for a second consecutive season.

India’s East Bengal are returning to the quarter-finals for the first time since the inaugural competition in 2004 having progressed to the last eight with an unbeaten record along with impressive Indonesian outfit Semen Padang.

Kitchee must overcome the loss of their coach although the Hong Kong side are boosted by having the tournament’s top scorer in their ranks, while New Radiant from the Maldives also showed their attacking prowess en route to the last eight.

All eight have earned their place in the last eight; they must now prove their worth over two legs in September.

PREVIEW: AFC CUP

DUO AIM FOR AFC CUP

HISTORY

Semen Padang ensured Indonesian representation the quarter-finals of the AFC Cup for a third consecutive season by posting

an impressive unbeaten record en route to the last eight. After Persipura Jayapura and Arema Indonesia lost in the quarter-

finals over the last two years, Semen cruised through to the Round of 16 at the top of Group E ahead of Kitchee with five wins and a draw – which came in India against Churchill Brothers.

And in front of a typically colourful crowd at Agus Salim Stadium in Padang, Vendry Moro (right) netted the winner in stoppage time as Semen edged out Vietnam’s SHB Da Nang 2-1 to seal a place in the last eight.

Powerful Liberian striker Edward Junior Wilson (below) had opened the scoring against Da Nang with his ninth of the campaign

having scored eight goals in five games during as Semen eased through the group stage.

Veteran midfielder Elie Aiboy is also a key component for Semen, while Muhammad Nur Iskandar chipped in with three goals during the group stage for the Indonesian side.

Defending champions Kuwait SC are seeking a third consecutive appearance in the AFC Cup final to become the first side to win

the title on three occasions. Having lost the 2011 final to Uzbekistan’s Nasaf, Kuwait SC beat

Iraq’s Arbil 4-0 in the final last year having also triumphed over Syria’s Al Karamah in 2009 to join Jordan’s Al Faisaly as two-time winners of the competition.

Kuwait SC had posted four wins to top Group A ahead of Bahrain’s Al Riffa thanks to six goals from Tunisian striker Issam Jemaa and four from Rogerinho.

Kuwait SC, though, needed a penalty shootout for a second consecutive season to seal a place in the last eight after drawing 1-1 with Iraq’s Duhok after extra-time.

Kuwait SC had taken the lead through Chadi Hammami’s first half penalty, but after Saleh Sadir netted at the start of the second half, the home side eventually prevailed 4-1 on penalties.

Last year, Brazilian Rogerinho scored seven goals as Kuwait SC won the title before being named the inaugural AFC Foreign Player of the Year.

Like quarter-final opponents Semen Padang, India’s East Bengal progressed to the last eight with an unbeaten record.

The I-League side, who reached the quarter-finals of the inaugural AFC Cup in 2004, posted four wins and two draws to top Group H ahead of Malaysia’s Selangor and Vietnam’s Sai Gon Xuan Thanh after Dempo SC had also advanced to the last 16 in 2011.

But unlike Dempo, who lost to Iraq’s Duhok, East Bengal sealed a return to the quarter-finals with a 5-1 win over Yangon United thanks to a hat-trick from Nigerian striker Chidi Edeh (below).

Edeh along with compatriot Penn Orji (above), Andrew Barisic and Lalrindika Ralte all scored three goals during the group stage.

East Bengal’s performance this season was in stark contrast to their three previous AFC Cup appearances having collected just three

points in nine games over the last three campaigns.

Placed on the West side of the draw in both 2010 and 2012, East Bengal failed to pick up a point in any of their six games, while in their 2011 appearance, they were able to draw three games against teams from the East.

Domestic champions New Radiant secured Maldivian representation in the quarter-finals of the AFC Cup for the first

time since 2005 with an impressive goal scoring record. Returning to the group stage of the AFC Cup for the fifth time and

first since 2008, the 2005 semi-finalists were the top scorers during the group stage of the AFC Cup with 20 goals before needing extra-time to eventually edge out Malaysia’s Selangor in the last 16.

The proficiency in front of goal had proved crucial as New Radiant edged out Myanmar’s Yangon United on goal difference to top Group F with each side posting five wins.

Ali Ashfaq (below) top scored with eight goals during the group stage, with five of those coming in a 7-0 away win over Persibo.

Umair Mohamed also contributed six goals during the group stage, before Ahmed Niyaz and Ali Fasir scored in the first half of extra-time to see off the challenge of Selangor.

New Radiant had lost 5-2 on aggregate to eventual champions Al Faisaly in the 2005 semi-finals before appearing in the group stage for the next three seasons.

East Bengal (IND)SemenPadang (IDN)

VS

Kuwait SC (KUW)NewRadiant (MDV)

VSFirst Leg - 17/09/13 • 16:00

First Leg - 17/09/13 • 16:30

Second Leg - 24/09/13 • 19:30

Second Leg - 24/09/13 • 15:00

Syria’s Al Shorta sealed a second consecutive appearance in the quarter-finals of the AFC Cup having finished a close second to

last eight opponents Al Qadsia in Group D before edging out 2012 finalists Arbil in the last 16.

Al Shorta had enjoyed an impressive AFC Cup debut last year before being edged out by Thailand’s Chonburi in the last eight after the second leg was settled after extra-time.

This year, Al Shorta needed a 3-1 win over debutants FC Ravshan on the final Matchday in Tajikistan to edge out Jordan’s Al Ramtha.

During the group stage, Al Shorta claimed a 1-0 win in Kuwait thanks to Maher Al Said’s stoppage time penalty before losing the return fixture 2-0 to leave their quarter-final firmly in the balance.

Al Shorta also lost to Al Ramtha, although they won all three of their away fixtures in Jordan, Tajikistan and Kuwait.

Prior to Al Said netting what proved to be the extra-time winner against Arbil in the Round of 16 as Al Shorta won 4-3, only Mohammed Al Wakid had posted double figures in the group stage.

Jordan’s Al Faisaly are bidding to become the first side to win the AFC Cup for a third time having previously triumphed in both 2005

and 2006.The 32-time Jordanian League champions ensured a return to the

quarter-finals for the first time since losing the 2007 final 2-1 on aggregate to fellow Jordanian side Shabab Al Ordon by winning a tight Group C ahead of Iraq’s Duhok and Oman’s Dhofar Club before recording a 3-1 victory over Bahrain’s Al Riffa in the Round of 16.

Al Faisaly, though, will have a new coach at the helm for the quarter-final meeting with Hong Kong’s Kitchee with Ali Kumeikh replacing previous incumbent Feras Al Khalaileh.

Kumeikh has previously worked with Saudi Arabian sides Al Shoalah and Sadoos and had a brief spell as caretaker coach of Al

Nassr having made his name as a player with the club.

Abdallah Al Attar, Khalil Baniateyah and Ashraf Nu’man, who scored twice against Al Riffa, top scored for Al Faisaly en route to the last eight with the trio contributing three goals each for the Jordanian side.

Former finalists Al Qadsia returned to the quarter-finals after back-to-back heartbreaking penalty shootout defeats in the last 16 with

a convincing 4-0 win over Oman’s Fanja. Al Qadsia reached the 2010 final only to lose on penalties to

Syria’s Al Ittihad.They then suffered the same fate twice

against Kuwait SC in the last 16 in both 2011 and 2012.

But after topping Group D ahead of quarter-final opponents Al Shorta, Bader Al Mutwa scored twice and set up two other goals as Al Qadsia thrashed Oman champions Fanja 4-0 this season.

Al Mutwa’s brace took his tally for the tournament to nine having only failed to score in one game during the group stage – the 1-0 defeat by Al Shorta at the start of the campaign.

Mesaed Nada and Omar Al Suma both benefited from Al Mutwa assists against Fanja to double their tallies for the campaign.

And Al Mutwa also scored twice as Al Qadsia won the Kuwait Emir’s Cup for a record equaling 15th time after posting a 3-0 victory over Al Jahara.

Hong Kong’s Kitchee must re-group following the loss of popular coach Josep Gombau as they look to follow in the footsteps of

domestic rivals South China, who reached the semi-finals in 2009. Spanish coach Gombau guided Kitchee to back-to-back

league titles in 2011 and 2012 as well as successive FA Cup wins in 2012 and 2013, but joined Australia’s Adelaide United at the end of the season.

Compatriot Alex Gomez, a former youth team mentor at the Barcelona academy, will look to pick up where Gombau left off.

And Gomez’s job will be made easier with Spanish striker Jordi Tarres (below) set to remain with Kitchee having scored 11 goals in the AFC Cup this season.

Tarres scored in every game as Kitchee finished a comfortable second in Group E behind impressive Indonesia side Semen Padang

with the Spaniard contributing 10 of his sides 18 goals.

And Tarres was again on target with a superb strike as Kitchee reached the quarter-finals of the AFC Cup for the first time with a 2-0 away win over Malaysian treble winners Kelantan in the Round of 16.

Kitchee (HKG) Al Faisaly (JOR)

Al Qadsia (KUW) Al Shorta (SYR)VS

VS

First Leg- 17/09/13 • 19:40

First Leg - 17/09/13 • 20:00

Second Leg - 24/09/13 • 19:00

Second Leg - 24/09/13 • 19:00

AFC QUARTERLY 53

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

CLUB PROFILE: BURIRAM UNITED

ROLLING THUNDER

and Cameroon junior international Franck Ohandza buzzed up front for Buriram, with the latter top scoring in the 2011 Thai Premier League with 19 goals.

The dream of qualifying for the knockout stages was shattered, however, by back-to-back losses to Jeonbuk before both Kashiwa and Guangzhou gained revenge for earlier defeats.

Domestically, Buriram - with Ohandza sidelined by injury - trailed in fourth to Muangthong in their title defence although they did retain both the FA and League Cups, gaining another crack at the AFC Champions League through the play-off route as a result.

There was a body of opinion that Buriram would struggle both at home and regionally in 2013 with the “two Franks” departed for European clubs but having

where they came within a disallowed goal of taking Bruno Metsu-coached Al Ain to extra-time.

Typically, Newin was bullish about Buriram’s chances of success under Attaphol.

“The aim is to qualify from our group this season,” said Newin, whose hands-on role with the club frequently includes talking to the media. “After that I want (the club) to be top 10 in Asia within three years.”

Buriram made the best possible start, edging Kashiwa 3-2 at home in their purpose-built, 24,000 all-seater capacity stadium - another bold statement of Newin’s ambition - before upsetting big-spending Guangzhou 2-1 in China.

It was no surprise to followers of Thai football that teenaged striker Frank Acheampong, one half of the “two Franks” strike force who were central to Buriram’s domestic dominance in 2011, lived up to his nickname of “Ghana’s Messi” with a man of the match performance against Guangzhou.

Acheampong - recruited by Buriram when he was just 16 and so much part of the “family” that he called Newin ‘dad’ and his wife and cheerleader-in-chief Karuna ‘mum’ -

invested wisely in the squad both at home and abroad, the opposite has been the case with “Thunder Castle” rediscovering their roar.

Buriram have won through to meet Iranian powerhouse Esteghlal in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League and a 6-2 home win over Bangkok United on June 24 took them four points clear of defending champions Muangthong in the Thai Premier League with a game in hand.

According to Wanchai Rujawongsanti, the sports editor of the Bangkok Post and a long-time observer of football in Thailand, Newin’s political and business clout has given Buriram a huge advantage in the transfer market.

“They have brought in some quality players from overseas and the Thai players seem to be real grafters,” he said.

“First of all, they have spending power. Newin can easily ask for money from his business or political allies.

“Newin, a devout football fan, now has more time to look after his team after he has stayed away from politics.

“Buriram have some of Thailand’s best players including Suchao Nutnum, Theeraton Bunmathan, twins Suree and Surat Sukha

AFC QUARTERLY 55

Far Left Club president Newin Chidchob.

Bottom Left Attaphol Puspakom

Top Left 2011 League Cup winners.

Above Against Guangzhou Evergrande in the 2012 AFC Champions League.

CLUB PROFILE: BURIRAM UNITED

Just days after Buriram United reached the last eight of the AFC Champions League for the first time in their brief history, club president Newin Chidchob strolled into the dressing room before a match wearing a freshly minted shirt with a logo that

encapsulated what he and the team are all about.

The legend read “Asia’s Top 10 2013” and its realisation fulfilled a seemingly outrageous boast politician turned football powerbroker Newin made shortly after buying the club and re-locating it lock, stock and barrel to his home turf in north-eastern Thailand.

The club shirt and new logo struck an immediate chord with the players and now departed Thai-American midfielder Anthony Ampaipitakwong tweeted a picture of himself with his arm around a beaming Newin along with the message, “President representing Buriram top 10 club in Asia!! Game day Su Su (fight).”

Newin’s “been there, done that, got the T-shirt” brag was just a few short years in the making.

storm in 2011. They ran away with the title by 16 points,

winning 26 of their 34 games and losing just once. The side also won the Thai FA Cup, beating 2010 league champions Muangthong United 1-0 after extra-time, and the Thai League Cup, downing Thai Port 2-0 in the final.

The metamorphosis from PEA was complete in 2012 when the AFC sanctioned a name change to “Buriram United” ahead of the team’s debut in the AFC Champions League.

Buriram were very much the new kids on the block in a tough group that included the champions of Japan, Korea Republic and China – Kashiwa Reysol, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Guangzhou Evergrande respectively.

The inexperienced side’s secret weapon was coach Attaphol Puspakom, who travelled the glory trail all the way to the final of Asia’s elite club competition with BEC Tero Sasana in 2003.

The former Thai international guided the “Fire Dragons” to the two-legged showdown of the inaugural AFC Champions League

Buriram PEA came into existence ahead of the 2010 season after Newin, a former Government minister, took over the Ayutthaya-based Provincial Electricity Authority club and moved them to his political heartland, Isaan.

The team finished a noteworthy second in their first campaign in the Thai Premier League before taking the domestic game by

Founded: 1970 (as Provincial Electricity Authority)

Ground: Buriram Stadium, Buriram (24,000)

Address: Buriram United Co., Ltd., 2159/8 Phaholyothin Road, Lad Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900

Website: www.buriramunited.com

Honours (as Buriram PEA/Buriram United): Thai Premier League 2011; FA Cup 2011, 2012; League Cup 2011, 2012

CLUB PROFILE: BURIRAM UNITED

by sections of the media who are sceptical of the ambitious club.

“Thai sports media are divided mainly into two groups - one which supports Muangthong United and one which does not like Muangthong United,” added Wanchai.

“For obvious reasons, the first group does not like Buriram and sees Buriram’s success as a small matter. One reporter even wrote in his column that he was not ‘excited’ by Buriram reaching the AFC Champions League quarter-finals because Thai Farmers Bank (who won the old Asian Club Championship twice) and BEC Tero (who reached the final of the inaugural AFC Champions League in 2003) had done better.

“On the other hand, the second group often plays success by any teams, Muangthong included, big.

“Apart from those who support Muangthong, Thai sports journalists in general are not wary of Buriram despite Newin’s political background. They see Buriram’s rise as a good sign for Thai football as they broke Muangthong’s dominance and helped make Thai football more interesting.”

Indeed, the club’s professional set-up encompassing blue-chip sponsors, good fan base, modern stadium, fantastic training facilities, youth academy and growing backroom staff including medical and sports science personnel, reflect a small town outfit with big city ambition.

There are even plans for a 60-room club-themed hotel, to be called Amari Buriram United, with, no doubt, a trophy room fit to house the AFC Champions League silverware.

Newin’s decision to axe Attaphol just hours after a battling 2-2 away draw with FC Seoul saw them clinch a last 16 spot was greeted with shock, even amongst Buriram fans, but that move was quickly forgotten as his replacement, youth academy coach Scott Cooper, guided them to a last eight place with an assured 2-1 aggregate victory win over last year’s semi-finalists Bunyodkor of Uzbekistan.

Englishman Cooper, who worked with several Buriram players when at Leicester City’s Youth Academy, has slipped easily into the coaching job and has nothing but praise for boss Newin.

“He’s a visionary. People can say what they want about him, but he loves the football club. He understands that we are trying to develop the whole club,” he said in an interview with thaileaguefootball.com, during which he described Buriram’s much-vaunted youth academy as the “future of the club”.

AFC QUARTERLY 57

Top Left Scott Cooper

Top Right Osmar Barba

Above Surat Sukha

Bottom Left Carmelo Gonzalez

Bottom Right Theeraton Bunmathan

and Anawin Jujeen. “They failed to defend the Thai Premier

League title last season partly because of the 3+1 rule which was introduced in Thailand in 2012.

“They have learned a lesson and come back strongly this season by signing several good Thai players.

“Surprisingly, most of their new foreign players have played well including Javier Patino, Carmelo Gonzalez and Osmar (Barba). You may say that they are just lucky to get good foreign players but you may also have to give them credit for signing the right players.”

Wing back Theerathon has had an exceptional season, his left-footed deliveries from free kicks and corners a constant menace to defences, former Melbourne Victory standout Surat has given the side added bite in midfield and Spanish dynamo Gonzalez was the leading scorer in the Thai Premier League with 15 goals at the end of June.

Philippine international Patino, who was not registered for the group games in the AFC

Vegalta Sendai.As well as the two points they picked

up from the Japanese side, Buriram also drew twice with eventual group winners FC Seoul, lost 2-0 to Jiangsu Sainty in China and beat them by the same score at home.

With six goals scored, several of them on the counterattack, and just six conceded thanks to some fine defending, Buriram edged out Jiangsu on goal difference to seal a place in the last 16.

While Newin hailed Buriram’s progress in the AFC Champions League as being for “Thai fans and our supporters”, the side are not universally popular in the country, says Wanchai.

“Most, or at least a large number of, Thai fans had a lukewarm reaction to Buriram’s success in the AFC Champions League,” he said

“While Newin said the success was for fans of his club in particular and for Thai fans in general, many Thai fans still see Buriram United as a ‘local’ team only for Buriram province.”

Some of that antipathy has been fuelled

Champions League, has chipped in with 11 goals in the league campaign and his scoring exploits will likely see him win a place in the squad for the quarter-final with Esteghlal.

Imposing centre-back Barba, signed from Racing Santander in Spain, has been a rock in defence as well as a threat at set pieces evidenced by his vital goals against Japan’s Vegalta Sendai in the two 1-1 draws at the group stage.

Newin is a fan of the pressing game employed by UEFA Champions League runners-up Borussia Dortmund and there was more than a hint of the German side’s approach in Buriram’s AFC Champions League performances this season.

After squeezing through the play-off with a 3-0 penalty shootout victory over Australia’s Brisbane Roar following a goalless draw, Buriram finished runners-up in Group E comprising FC Seoul, Jiangsu Sainty and

AFC QUARTERLY 56

Left Celebrating qualification for the last 16 of the 2013 AFC Champions League.

Top Anawin Jujeen (left) opened the scoring against Bunyodkor.

“[Newin Chidchob]’s a visionary. People can say what they want about him, but he loves the football club. He understands that we are trying to develop the whole club.”

Buriram United coach Scott Cooper

AFC QUARTERLY 59

With their berth in Brazil confirmed, AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 Chief Executive Officer Michael Brown (below) is confident there will be a significant positive knock-on effect on the country’s first-ever hosting of the continental championship, which kicks off a little less than six months after the festivities in South America have been completed.

“All Australians are delighted with the success of the Socceroos and their qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup,” said Brown. “The LOC (Local Organising Committee) will use the excitement and interest around the World Cup to promote the Asian Cup and particularly to promote the other Asian World Cup qualifying teams to Australian audiences.

“Having a platform like the World Cup just six months before the Asian Cup means football will be front and centre in Australia in 2014 which is a huge boost for us.

“Football in Australia is on an upward trajectory. We’ve seen the huge excitement and big crowds at the last two World Cup qualifying games and the massive growth in the A-League this season and so we are confident that the 2015 AFC Asian Cup comes at a great time for football in Australia.

“As well as putting on a world class event in January 2015 the LOC is determined to leave a lasting legacy for the game in Australia.”

While the majority of the crowd at Stadium Australia raised the roof as Kennedy’s 83rd minute header found the back of the net, the goal came as a blow to the Iraqi section hoping for a successful end to a disappointing qualification campaign for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup champions.

But while they left Sydney Olympic Park disconsolate, their presence highlighted the multicultural nature of Australia’s society, which guarantees whichever teams qualify, they will be certain of support come January 2015.

“At one recent event I was fortunate enough to spend some time with a former Iraqi national team captain and coach, Saadi Toma who now lives in Sydney,” said Brown. “He confirmed what was evident

at Stadium Australia, that the Iraqi community in Australia are passionate football supporters and are already counting down to January 2015.

“The LOC has been identifying people like Saadi – Australians from across the Asian continent with a love for football and a standing in their community – to act as Asian Cup Community Ambassadors. We have begun building a network of Ambassadors in each host city from local communities of the countries that will be participating in the Asian Cup in 2015 and already a number are our promoting the tournament.

“Australians have a reputation as friendly

With Australia, Japan and Korea Republic sealing qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the trio are guaranteed a busy international

calendar over the next 18 months having also already secured a place at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.

The Australians, who will host the continental showpiece between January 9-31, gave a taste of what is to come in 2015 as crowds of 40,000 and 80,000 witnessed wins over Jordan and Iraq respectively as Holger Osieck’s side advanced to Brazil from Group B alongside Japan.

FOOTBALL FOR ALL

AFC Asian Cup UPDATE

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MICHAEL BROWN LOOKS AT WHAT AUSTRALIA’S QUALIFICATION FOR THE 2014 FIFA WORLD CUP MEANS FOR AFC ASIAN CUP AUSTRALIA 2015, WHILE ALSO DISCUSSING PLANS TO ENSURE PARTICIPATION FROM AUSTRALIA’S

MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY IN THE CONTINENTAL SHOWPIECE.

AFC Asian Cup UPDATE

AFC QUARTERLY 61

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

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

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

06/02/13Iran 5 (Reza Ghoochannejhad 26, 62, Javad Nekonam 45+1, 61, 80) Lebanon 0Thailand 1 (Chanathip Songkrasin) Kuwait 3 (Theerathon Bunmathan 25 OG, Hussain Fadhel 59, Hamad Aman 65)22/03/13 Lebanon 5 (Hassan Chaito 6, 22, Mohamad Haidar 31, Hassan Maatouk 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)

Group C P W D L F A +/- PtsSaudi Arabia 2 2 0 0 4 2 2 6China 2 1 0 1 2 2 0 3Iraq 2 1 0 1 1 1 0 3Indonesia 2 0 0 2 1 3 -2 0

06/02/13 Iraq 1 (Younus Mahmood 66) Indonesia 0Saudi Arabia 2 (Fhad Al Muwallad 23, Naif Hazazi 77) China 1 (Zhao Xuri 29)22/03/13 China 1 (Yu Dabao 90+3) Iraq 023/03/13 Indonesia 1 (Boaz Solossa 5) Saudi Arabia 2 (Yousef Al Salem 14, 55)

Group D P W D L F A +/- PtsBahrain 2 2 0 0 3 0 3 6Qatar 2 1 0 1 2 1 1 3Malaysia 2 1 0 1 2 3 -1 3 Yemen 2 0 0 2 1 4 -3 0

06/02/13 Yemen 0 Bahrain 2 (Faouzi Aaish 49, Saad Al Amer 85) Qatar 2 (Khalfan Ibrahim 55, Yusef Ahmed 90+3) Malaysia 022/03/13 Malaysia 2 (Azammuddin Akil 27, Khyril Muhymeen 88) Yemen 1 (Aiman Al Hagri 12)Bahrain 1 (Faouzi Aaish 20) Qatar 0Nepal 0 Palestine 0

Group E P W D L F A +/- PtsUAE 2 2 0 0 4 2 2 6Hong Kong 2 1 1 0 1 0 1 4Uzbekistan 2 0 1 1 1 2 -1 1Vietnam 2 0 0 2 1 3 -2 0

06/02/13 Uzbekistan 0 Hong Kong 0Vietnam 1 (Huynh Quoc Anh 59) United Arab Emirates 2 (Ahmed Khalil 6, Habib Al Fardan 67)22/03/13 Hong Kong 1 (Chan Wai Ho 87) Vietnam 0United Arab Emirates 2 (Ahmed Khalil 58, Ali Mabkhout 61) Uzbekistan 1 (Shohruh Gadoev 16)

and welcoming hosts and we have a great and diverse multicultural heritage and we want that to come across to people who come to Australia and those who watch the tournament on television.”

Community Ambassadors are part of the Asian Cup 2015 Communities programme, which has been developed to make the event accessible to all Australians and to ensure the tournament is not only a celebration of football but also a celebration of multiculturalism in Australia.

In 2013, the programme aims to engage multicultural communities in football and the AFC Asian Cup through the Ambassadors as well as through community events and the media.

The LOC will participate in a range of multicultural community events and festivals throughout the year, while also partnering with multicultural media organisations and also travelling throughout the five host cities to take part in community futsal tournaments, festivals, business functions and football days.

In addition, the ‘500 Days To Go’ point will also be reached on August 27, with events promoting the tournament planned throughout Australia.

“There are more than two million Australians with Asian heritage and we want to encourage our multicultural communities to be involved in the event and to give the Asian Cup a great atmosphere,” said Brown. “Australia’s cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths and is at the heart of who we are.

“I am genuinely excited about the potential of the Asian Cup to bring together Australians of all backgrounds and in the past few months we have continued our work to make that a reality.”

DPR Korea have also secured their place at the AFC Asian Cup 2015 having won the

2012 AFC Challenge Cup, while the champion of the 2014 edition of the same competition will also feature at the finals.

Iran will also represent Asia in South America next year, although Carlos Quiroz’s side must progress through the qualifiers to earn a return to the AFC Asian Cup for the three-time champions.

These 11 remaining places will be taken up by teams who successful negotiate the preliminary rounds, with the qualifiers set to resume briefly with two games in August as Singapore entertain Oman and Jordan travel to Syria in Group A.

Jordan, who will face Uzbekistan in the 2014 FIFA World Cup play-offs in September, and Oman currently top the table after one round of matches having beaten Singapore and Syria respectively in February.

Adnan Hamad, though, will not be in charge of Jordan for the meeting with Syria after his contract ended following the 1-0 win over Oman at the end of the final round of qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup with former Egypt international Hossam Hassan taking over.

“Preparations for AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 are ramping up. 2013 is a very important year for us. We are focussed on continuing to raise awareness and engage with the community, particularly in the host cities,” added Brown.

“Excitingly, on the pitch, the qualifying matches also mean the look of the tournament will start to take shape and we’ll know which countries will join the Socceroos, Japan and North and South Korea.

“The question I’m most often asked is when will we know which teams will qualify and how are all of the countries going. We will know all participating teams in March 2014 and the final draw will be held in Sydney in April or May 2014.”

03/06/12 Jordan 1 (Ahmad Hayel 43) Iraq 1 (Nashat Akram 14) Japan 3 (Keisuke Honda 11, Ryoichi Maeda 51, Shinji Okazaki 54) Oman 0

08/06/12Oman 0 Australia 0Japan 6 (Ryoichi Maeda 18, Keisuke Honda 22, 31, 53, Shinji Kagawa 35, Yuzo Kurihara 89) Jordan 0

12/06/12 Australia 1 (Luke Wilkshire 70) Japan 1 (Yuzo Kurihara 65) Iraq 1 (Younus Mahmood 37) Oman 1 (Mohammed Al Balushi 8)11/09/12 Japan 1 (Ryoichi Maeda 25) Iraq 0Jordan 2 (Hasan Abdel Fattah 50, Amer Deeb 73) Australia 1 (Archie Thompson 86)16/10/12 Oman 2 (Ahmed Mubarak 62, Juma Al Maashari 87) Jordan 1 (Thaer Bawab 90)Iraq 1 (Ala’a Abdulzehra 72) Australia 2 (Tim Cahill 80, Archie Thompson 84)

14/11/12 Iraq 1 (Ahmed Hammadi 86) Jordan 0Oman 1 (Ahmed Mubarak 77) Japan 2 (Hiroshi Kiyotake 20, Shinji Ozazaki 90)

26/03/12 Australia 2 (Tim Cahill 52, Brett Holman 85) Oman 2 (Abdulaziz Al Maqbali 6, Mile Jedinak OG 49)Jordan 2 (Khalil Ateyah 45+1, Ahmad Ibrahim 60) Japan 1 (Shinji Kagawa 69)

04/06/12 Japan 1 (Keisuke Honda 90) Australia 1 (Tommy Oar 81)Oman 1 (Ismail Al Ajmi 45+4) Iraq 0

11/06/12 Iraq 0 Japan 1 (Shinji Okazaki 89)Australia 4 (Mark Bresciano 15, Tim Cahill 61, Robbie Kruse 76, Lucas Neill 84) Jordan 0

18/06/12Jordan 1 (Ahmad Hayel 58) Oman 0Australia 1 (Josh Kennedy 83) Iraq 0

AFC QUARTERLY 63

Group B

P W D L GF GA GD Pts

Japan 8 5 2 1 16 5 11 17

Australia 8 3 4 1 12 7 5 13

Jordan 8 3 1 4 7 16 -9 10

Oman 8 2 3 3 7 10 -3 9

Iraq 8 1 2 5 4 8 -4 5

REVIEW: FIFA WORLD CUP – FINAL ROUND QUALIFIERS

Next Stop Brazil For Fabulous Four

Iran qualified for next year’s FIFA World Cup alongside Korea Republic from Group A after Reza Ghoochannejhad’s second half strike secured a 1-0 over the Taeguk Warriors at the end of the final round of qualifiers for Brazil 2014, with Asian champions Japan and Australia also securing automatic qualification from

Group B.Ghoochannejhad capitalised on an error

from Korea defender Kim Young-gwon on the hour mark at Munsu Stadium as Iran advanced to the FIFA World Cup for a fourth time overall and first time since 2006.

Korea were forced to endure a nervous few minutes with their defeat opening the door for Uzbekistan before their automatic qualification for an eighth consecutive FIFA World Cup was confirmed on goal difference as the Central Asians could only manage a 5-1 comeback win over Qatar.

“We played with a great team effort and we achieved an important win. We were technically the better side and we managed to win the match,” said Iran coach Carlos Queiroz.

“We knew that the match would be very difficult for us and that is why we were realistic. We took advantage of a mistake from our opponents and scored an important goal which was enough to win.”

Needing only a draw to guarantee qualification, Korea were denied an equaliser with 13 minutes remaining as Iran goalkeeper Rahman Ahmadi produced a superb double save from point blank range from Kim Young-gwon and Jang Hyun-soo before Lee Keun-ho headed wide from Kim Chi-woo’s cross in stoppage time.

But with Uzbekistan’s efforts narrowly falling short, Korea were finally able to celebrate earning their place in December’s draw for next year’s finals.

“We qualified to the World Cup but it wasn’t a clean finish. I have nothing much to say about this defeat and I’m the one to blame,” said Korea coach Choi Kang-hee.

“The players gave their best but we didn’t play as we wanted to. I hope that our team can learn a lot from the qualifiers and that we can have better performances in the future.”

With Uzbekistan needing to win to keep their hopes of automatic progress to Brazil 2014 alive, Abdulqadir Ilyas’s 37th minute strike had put already-eliminated Qatar ahead at Bunyodkor Stadium.

But despite a brace from Bakhodir Nasimov and further goals from Oleg Zoteev, Odil

Akhmedov and Ulugbek Bakaev handing Uzbekistan a fourth win of the final round, Mirdjalal Kasimov’s side agonisingly missed out on securing a historic maiden appearance at the FIFA World Cup on goal difference.

And after being forced to settle for third place after finishing level on points with Korea, Uzbekistan must now re-group for September’s play-off against Jordan with the winner then going on to face South American opposition in an intercontinental showdown in November for

a ticket to Brazil.“It is very unfortunate for us as we wanted

to qualify for World Cup and celebrate with our fans. It is a shame that we could not achieve our aim,” said Uzbekistan coach Kasimov.

“We couldn`t score in the first half as the Qatar goalkeeper played very well. We made changes in the second half and that’s why we scored five goals, but Iran beat Korea.

“We will continue to battle in the next round, although we need a little time to recover. We must start to plan for the future and we have a friendly with Turkey on August 14 which will be useful preparation.

Life goes on and we will give our best to qualify for Brazil.”

Jordan were also forced to settle for a third place finish in Group B despite recording a 1-0 win over Oman on the final Matchday after Australia earlier joined Japan in sealing automatic qualification for Brazil after edging out Iraq by the same scoreline.

Nagoya Grampus striker Josh Kennedy came off the bench to score the only goal of the game with seven minutes remaining at Stadium Australia as Australia qualified for a third straight FIFA World Cup.

“I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations and thanks to the boys for doing so well in the final stages of

the game, they made a great effort,” said Australia coach Holger Osieck.

Australia’s win set-up a head-to-head showdown for third place between Jordan and Oman at a windy King Abdullah International Stadium.

And despite Oman only needing a point, Ahmad Hayel’s header midway through the second half secured a 1-0 for the home side to set-up a meeting with Uzbekistan in September’s play-off.

Group A03/06/12 Uzbekistan 0 Iran1 (Mohammad Reza Khalatbari 90+3) Lebanon 0 Qatar 1 (Sebastian Soria 64)

08/06/12 Qatar 1 (Yusef Ahmed 22) Korea Republic 4 (Lee Keun-ho 26, 80, Kwak Tae-hwi 55, Kim Shin-wook 64)Lebanon 1 (Ali Al Saadi 34) Uzbekistan 1 (Jasur Hasanov 12)

12/06/12 Korea Republic 3 (Kim Bo-kyung 30, 47, Koo Ja-cheol 90) Lebanon 0Iran 0 Qatar 0

11/09/12Lebanon 1 (Roda Antar 27) Iran 0Uzbekistan 2 (Ki Sung-yueng 13 OG, Sanjar Tursunov 59) Korea Republic 2 (Artyom Filiposyan 44 OG, Lee Dong-gook 57)

16/10/12 Qatar 0 Uzbekistan 1 (Sanjar Tursunov 13)Iran 1 (Javad Nekonam 75) Korea Republic 0

14/11/12 Iran 0 Uzbekistan 1 (Ulugbek Bakaev 71)Qatar 1 (Sebastian Soria 75) Lebanon 0

26/03/12Korea Republic 2 (Lee Keun-ho 60, Son Heung-min 90+6) Qatar 1 (Khalfan Ibrahim 60) Uzbekistan 1 (Server Djeparov 64) Lebanon 0

04/06/12 Lebanon 1 (Hassan Maatouk) Korea Republic 1 (Kim Chi-woo 90+6)Qatar 0 Iran 1 (Reza Ghoochannejjhad 66)

11/06/12Iran 4 (Mohammad Reza Khalatbari 39, Javad Nekonam 45+1, 86, Reza Ghoochannejjhad 46) Lebanon 0 Korea Republic 1 (Akmal Shorakhmedov 43 OG) Uzbekistan 0

18/06/12Uzbekistan 5 (Bakhodir Nasimov 61, 74, Oleg Zoteev 72, Odil Akhmedov 87, Ulugbek Bakaev 90+1) Qatar 1 (Abdulqadir Ilyas 37)Korea Republic 0 Iran 1 (Reza Ghoochannejjhad 60)

P W D L GF GA GD Pts

Iran 8 5 1 2 8 2 6 16

Korea Republic 8 4 2 2 13 7 6 14

Uzbekistan 8 4 2 2 11 6 5 14

Qatar 8 2 1 5 5 13 -8 7

Lebanon 8 1 2 5 3 12 -9 5

AFC QUARTERLY 65

FC Seoul v Beijing Guoan14/05/13Beijing Guoan 0 FC Seoul 021/05/13FC Seoul 3 (Adilson 60, Yun Il-lok 70, Koh Myong-jin 90+4) Beijing Guoan 1 (Frederic Kanoute 9)FC Seoul win 3-1 on aggregate

Group A P W D L F A +/- Pts

Al Shabab (KSA) 6 4 1 1 7 5 2 13

El Jaish (QAT) 6 3 2 1 14 9 5 11

Al Jazira (UAE) 6 1 2 3 7 10 -3 5

Tractorsazi (IRN) 6 1 1 4 8 12 -4 4

26/02/13Al Shabab 2 (Anderson OG 33, Omar Al Ghamdi 39) El Jaish 0Tractorsazi Tabriz 3 (Mehdi Seyed-Salehi 36, Javad Kazeyman 60, Masoud Ebrahimzadeh 80) Al Jazira 1 (Ali Mabkhout 79)12/03/13El Jaish 3 (Wagner Ribeiro 35, 88, Adriano 67) Tractorsazi Tabriz 3 (Flavio Paixao 24, Mehdi Seyed-Salehi 51, Geilson 90+2)Al Jazira 1 (Khamis Esmaeel 55) Al Shabab 1 (Hassan Fallatah 44)02/04/13El Jaish 3 (Wagner Riberio 7, 58, Mahir Yusuf 17) Al Jazira 1 (Subait Khater 45+2)Al Shabab 1 (Nassir Al Shamrani 30) Tractorsazi Tabriz 010/04/13Al Jazira 1 (Sultan Barghash 25) El Jaish 1 (Adriano 33)Tractorsazi Tabriz 0 Al Shabab 1 (Sebastian Tagliabue 84)24/04/13El Jaish 3 (Wagner Ribeiro 3, 82, 90+3) Al Shabab 0Al Jazira 2 (Ricardo Oliveira 7, Subait Khater 90+2) Tractorsazi Tabriz 001/05/13Al Shabab 2 (Nassir Al Shamrani 47, Bader Mansoor 80) Al Jazira 1 (Ibrahim Diaky 30)Tractorsazi Tabriz 2 (Geilson 3, 66) El Jaish 4 (Side Al Doukali 48, Ilyas Abdulqadir 52, 71, Ko Seul-ki 83)

Group B P W D L F A +/- Pts

Lekhwiya (QAT) 6 3 2 1 10 7 3 11

Al Shabab (UAE) 6 3 0 3 8 9 -1 9

Al Ettifaq (KSA) 6 2 1 3 6 5 -1 7

Pakhtakor (UZB) 6 2 1 3 6 9 -3 7

26/02/13Pakhtakor 1 (Temurkhuja Abdukholiqov 73) Al Ettifaq 0Lekhwiya 2 (Sebastian Soria 20, Youssef Msakni 33) Al Shabab Al Arabi 1 (Edgar 10)

12/03/13Al Shabab Al Arabi 0 Pakhtakor 1 (Jamshid Isakanderov 85)El Ettifaq 0 Lekhwiya 003/04/13Lekhwiya 3 (Issiar Dia 21, Sebastian Soria 84, 90+1) Pakhtakor 1 (Gulom Urunov 40)Al Shabab Al Arabi 1 (Nasser Masood 81) Al Ettifaq 009/04/13Pakhtakor 2 (Gulom Urunov 26, Dame Traore 56 OG) Lekhwiya 2 (Sebastian Soria 1, Youssef Msakni 67)Al Ettifaq 4 (Saleh Bashir 16, 71, Yahya Al Shehri 42, Yousef Al Salem 80) Al Shabab Al Arabi 1 (Edgar 51)

24/04/13Al Shabab Al Arabi 3 (Essa Obaid 46, Ciel 76, Edgar 90+2) Lekhwiya 1 (Youssef Msakni 36)Al Ettifaq 2 (Yahia Al Shehri 24, Jamaan Al Jamaan 41) Pakhtakor 001/05/13Lekhwiya 2 (Luiz Martin 12, Khalid Muftah 65) Al Ettifaq 0Pakhtakor 1 (Kakhi Makharadze 19) Al Shabab Al Arabi 2 (Esam Dhani 1, Kakhi Makharadze OG 64)

Group C P W D L F A +/- Pts

Al Ahli (KSA) 6 4 2 0 16 8 8 14

Al Gharafa (QAT) 6 3 1 2 13 11 2 10

Sepahan (IRN) 6 3 0 3 12 13 -1 9

Al Nasr (UAE) 6 0 1 5 7 16 -9 1

27/02/13Sepahan 3 (Xhevahir Sukaj 22, 81, Omid Ebrahami 87) Al Nasr 0Al Ahli 2 (Mustafa Al Bassas, Victor Simoes 90+4) Al Gharafa 013/03/13Al Gharafa 3 (Djibril Cisse 16, 58, Majdi Siddiq 90+2) Sepahan 1 (Mohammad Ali Ahmadi 13)Al Nasr 1 (Takayuki Morimoto 13) Al Ahli 2 (Amad Al Hosni 17, 36)02/04/13Al Nasr 2 (Habib Al Fardan 56, Bruno Correa 58) Al Gharafa 4 (Djirbil Cisse 24, Hamed Shami 31, Nene 45+1, Lawrence Quaye 84)Sepahan 2 (Zhevahir Sukaj 3, Farshid Talebi 86) Al Ahli 4 (Victor Simoes 23, 65, Bruno Cesar 39, Amad Al Hosni 46)10/04/13 Al Gharafa 3 (Lawrence Quaye 8, Nene 55, Fahd Al Shammari 79) Al Nasr 1 (Takayuki Morimoto 16) Al Ahli 4 (Mustafa Al Bassas 44, 62, Bruno Cesar 68, Bader Al Khames 90+1) Sepahan 1 (Radomir Dalovic 82)23/04/13Al Gharafa 2 (Alex 24, Djibril Cisse 54) Al Ahli 2 (Amad Al Hosni 31, Jairo Palomino 68)Al Nasr 1 (Hassan Mohammed 71) Sepahan 2 (Radomir Dalovic 29, Mohammed Gholami 79)30/04/13Sepahan 3 (Amid Jahanalian 11, Mohammad Gholami 48, Mohammad Reza Khalatbari 55) Al Gharafa 1 (Majdi Siddiq 44)Al Ahli 2 (Waleed Bakshwn 8, Taisir Al Jassim 77) Al Nasr 2 (Leo Lima 23, Rashid Malallah 55)

Group D P W D L F A +/- Pts

Esteghlal (IRN) 6 4 1 1 11 5 6 13

Al Hilal (KSA) 6 4 0 2 10 6 4 12

Al Ain (UAE) 6 2 0 4 6 9 -3 6

Al Rayyan (QAT) 6 1 1 4 7 14 -7 4

27/02/13Al Ain 3 (Omar Abdulrahman 27, Alex Brosque 46, Asamoah Gyan 90+2) Al Hilal 1 (Abdulla Al Dossary 9)Al Rayyan 3 (Rodrigo Tabata 37, Hami Omranzadeh OG 58, Nilmar 87) Esteghlal 3 (Jlloyd Samuel 27, Arash Borhani 45+1, Javad Nekounam 86)

13/03/13Esteghlal 2 (Jlloyd Samuel 64, Farhad Majidi 73) Al Ain 0Al Hilal 3 (Yasser Al Qahtani 57, 74, Mohammed Al Shalhoub 88) Al Rayyan 1 (Hamid Ismaeil 86)

03/04/13Al Ain 2 (Jires Kembo-Ekoko 34, Alex Brosque 70) Al Rayyan 1 (Nilmar 32)Al Hilal 1 (Salem Al Dawsari 68) Esteghlal 2 (Pejman Montazeri 80, Arash Borhani 86)

09/04/13Al Rayyan 2 (Nilmar 59, Jaralla Al Marri 86) Ai Ain 1 (Yousef Ahmed 78)Esteghlal 0 Al Hilal 1 (Nawaf Al Abid 35)

24/04/13Esteghlal 3 (Farhad Majidi 45, Hashem Beikzadeh 73, Arash Borhani 90+1) Al Rayyan 0Al Hilal 2 (Salem Al Dawsari 4, Wesley 24) Al Ain 030/04/13Al Ain 0 Esteghlal 1 (Javad Nekonam 80)Al Rayyan 0 Al Hilal 2 (Mohamed Al Aaeldin OG 78, Saad Al Harthi 83)

Group E P W D L F A +/- Pts

FC Seoul (KOR) 6 3 2 1 11 5 6 11

Buriram (THA) 6 1 4 1 6 6 0 7

Jiangsu (CHN) 6 2 1 3 5 10 -5 7

Sendai (JPN) 6 1 3 2 5 6 -1 6

26/02/13Vegalta Sendai 1 (Ryang Yong-gi 53) Buriram United 1 (Osmar Barba 76)FC Seoul 5 (Dejan Damjanovic 8, 81, Yun Il-lok 56, 69, Mauricio Molina 87) Jiangsu Sainty 1 (Hamdi Salihi 80)

12/03/13Buriram United 0 FC Seoul 0Jiangsu Sainty 0 Vegalta Sendai 002/04/13FC Seoul 2 (Sergio Escudero 6, Kim Jin-kyu 22) Vegalta Sendai 1 (Wilson 87)Jiangsu Sainty 2 (Lu Bofei 42, Sun Ke 43) Buriram United 010/04/13Vegalta Sendai 1 (Atsushi Yanagisawa 16) FC Seoul 0Buriram United 2 (Suchao Nutnum 39, Charyl Chappuis 60) Jiangsu Sainty 024/04/13Buriram United 1 (Osmar Barba 53) Vegalta Sendai 1 (Takayuki Nakahara 90+3)Jiangsu Sainty 0 FC Seoul 2 (Koh Myung-jin 32, Yun Il-lok 72)

01/05/13FC Seoul 2 (Jung Seung-yong 55, Kim Hyun-sung 74) Buriram United 2 (Ekkachai Samre 56, Theerathon Bunmathan 75)Vegalta Sendai 1 (Naoki Sugai 24) Jiangsu Sainty 2 (Liu Jianye 38, Hamdi Salihi 62)

Group F P W D L F A +/- Pts

Guangzhou (CHN) 6 3 2 1 14 5 9 11

Jeonbuk (KOR) 6 2 4 0 10 6 4 10

Urawa (JPN) 6 3 1 2 11 11 0 10

Muangthong (THA) 6 0 1 5 4 17 -13 1

26/02//13Guangzhou 3 (Lucas Barrios 16, Muriqui 65, Keita Suzuki OG 90+1) Urawa 0Muangthong 2 (Mario Durovski 45+1, Jung Hyuk OG 89) Jeonbuk 2 (Lee Dong-gook 6, Kevin Oris 78)12/03/13Jeonbuk 1 (Kim Jung-woo 28) Guangzhou 1 (Muriqui 64)Urawa 4 (Yosuke Kashiwagi 8, Kunimitsu Sekiguchi 65, Genki Haraguchi 69, Thritthi Nonsrichai OG 78) Muangthong 1 (Siaka Dagno 90)03/04/13Urawa 1 (Genki Haraguchi 6) Jeonbuk 3 (Lee Seung-gi 52, Lee Dong-gook 64, Eninho 70)Guangzhou 4 (Dario Conca 51, 90+2, Muriqui 58, Gao Lin 84) Muangthong 009/03/13Jeonbuk 2 (Eninho 51, Seo Sang-min 90+2) Urawa 2 (Daisuke Nasu 3, Tsukasa Umesaki 7)Muangthong 1 (Sarawut Masuk 53) Guangzhou 4 (Muruqui 40, 43, Zheng Zhi 56, Feng Xiaoting 86)24/04/13Jeonbuk 2 (Lee Dong-gook 56, Park Hee-do 58) Urawa Muangthong 0Urawa 3 (Shinzo Koroki 52, Yuki Abe 63, Marcio Richardes 67) Guangzhou 2 (Lucas Barrios 37, Muriqui 87)01/05/13Guangzhou 0 Jeonbuk 0Muangthong 0 Urawa 1 (Daisuke Nasu 48)

Group G P W D L F A +/- Pts

Bunyodkor (UZB) 6 2 4 0 6 3 3 10

Beijing (CHN) 6 2 3 1 4 2 2 9

Pohang (KOR) 6 1 4 1 5 6 -1 7

Hiroshima (JPN) 6 0 3 3 2 6 -4 3

27/02/13Sanfrecce Hiroshima 0 Bunyodkor 2 (Oleksandr Pyshur 45, Fozil Musaev 86)Pohang Steelers 0 Beijing Guoan 013/03/13Beijing Guoan 2 (Lang Zheng 21, Piao Cheng 79) Sanfrecce Hiroshima 1 (Hironori Ishikawa 75)Bunyodkor 2 (Oleksandr Pyshur 15, Kamoliddin Murzoev 90+4) Pohang Steelers 2 (Lee Myung-joo 60, Lee Gwang-hun 67)

02/04/13Sanfrecce Hiroshima 0 Pohang Steelers 1 (Bae Chun-suk 18)Bunyodkor 0 Beijing Guoan 010/04/13Pohang Steelers 1 (Hwang Jin-sung 67) Sanfrecce Hiroshima 1 (Naoki Ishihara 62)Beijing Guoan 0 Bunyodkor 1 (Fozil Musaev 32)

23/04/13Beijing Guoan 2 (Joffre Guerron 47, Shao Jiayi 87) Pohang Steelers 0Bunyodkor 0 Sanfrecce Hiroshima 030/04/13Sanfrecce Hiroshima 0 Beijing Guoan 0Pohang Steelers 1 (Park Sung-ho 90+3) Bunyodkor 1 (Oleksandr Pyshur 79)

Group H P W D L F A +/- Pts

Kashiwa (JPN) 6 4 2 0 14 4 10 14

Central Coast (AUS) 6 2 1 3 5 9 -4 7

Guizhou (CHN) 6 1 3 2 6 7 -1 6

Suwon (KOR) 6 0 4 2 4 9 -5 4

27/02/13Central Coast Mariners 0 Suwon Bluewings 0Guizhou Renhe 0 Kashiwa Reysol 1 (Cleo 45+1)13/03/13Kashiwa Reysol 3 (Leandro Domingues 21, 88, Kenta Kano 67) Central Coast Mariners 1 (Patrick Zwaanswijk 8)Suwon Bluewings 0 Guizhou Renhe 003/04/13Central Coast Mariners 2 (Pedj Bojic 50, Trent Sainsbury 80) Guizhou Renhe 1 (Mat Ryan 71 OG)Suwon Bluewings 2 (Choi Jae-soo 52, Stevica Ristic 73) 2-6 Kashiwa Reysol 6 (Junya Tanaka 16, 67, Ryoichi Kurisawa 51,75, Masato Kudo 55, 90+3)09/04/13Kashiwa Reysol 0 Suwon Bluewings 0Guizhou Renhe 2 (Zlatan Muslimovic 83, Qu Bo 85) Central Coast Mariners 1 (Mitchell Duke 42)23/04/13Kashiwa Reysol 1 (Tatsuya Masushima 51) Guizhou Renhe 1 (Li Kai 85)Suwon Bluewings 0 Central Coast Mariners 1 (Michael McGlinchey 80)30/04/13Central Coast Mariners 0 Kashiwa Reysol 3 (Masato Kudo 59, Cleo 79, Leandro Domingues 85)Guizhou Renhe 2 (Sun Jihai 45, Zhang Chenglin 86) Suwon Bluewings 2 (Lee Jong-min 35, Kwon Chang-hoon 55)

Group Stage

Round of 16Bunyodkor v Buriram United14/05/13Buriram United 2 (Anawin Jujeen 17, Ekkachai Samre 76) Bunyodkor 1 (Igor Taran 45+1)21/05/13Bunyodkor 0 Buriram United 0Buriram United win 2-1 on aggregate

Al Shabab v Al Gharafa14/05/13Al Gharafa 1 (Mark Bresciano 42) Al Shabab 2 (Sebastian Tagliabue 56, Nassir Al Shamrani 83)21/05/13Al Shabab 3 (Sebastian Tagliabue 35, 48, Muhannad Assiri 90+2) Al Gharafa 0Al Shabab win 5-1 on aggregate

Lekhwiya v Al Hilal15/05/13Al Hilal 0 Lekhwiya 1 (Youssef Msakni 81)22/05/13Lekhwiya 2 (Issiar Dia 14, Mohamed Musa 52) Al Hilal 2 (Salman Al Faraj 64, Mohammed Al Shalhoub 78)

Esteghlal v Al Shabab Al Arabi15/05/13Al Shabab Al Arabi 2 (Luiz Henrique 45+2, Edgar 65) Esteghlal 4 (Jloyd Samuel 55, Javad Nekonam 72, Farhad Majidi 80, Khorso Heidari 89)22/05/13Esteghlal 0 Al Shabab Al Arabi 0

Al Ahli v El Jaish14/05/13El Jaish 1 (Anderson Martins 76) Al Ahli 1 (Motaz Al Mosa 45+2)21/05/13Al Ahli 2 (Bruno Cesar 24, Mustafa Al Bassas 37) El Jaish 0Al Ahli win 3-1 on aggregate

Guangzhou Evergrande v Central Coast Mariners15/05/13Central Coast Mariners 1 (Mitchell Duke 7) Guangzhou Evergrande 2 (Lucas Barrios 28, Muriqui 76)22/05/13Guangzhou Evergrande 3 (Muriqui 7, Dario Conca 45+1, Gao Lin 68) Central Coast Mariners 0Guangzhou Evergrande win 5-1 on aggregate

Lekhwiya win 3-2 on aggregate

Esteghlal win 4-2 on aggregate

Kashiwa Reysol v Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors15/05/13Jeonbuk 0 Kashiwa 2 (Masato Kudo 3, Tatsuya Masushima 74)22/05/13Kashiwa 3 (Hirofumi Watanabe 41, Jorge Wagner 51, Masato Kudo 69) Jeonbuk 2 (Tatsuya Masushima 21 OG, Kevin Oris 86)Kashiwa Reysol win 5-2 on aggregate

REVIEW: AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Impressive Kashiwa KeepJapanese Hopes Alive

Kashiwa Reysol kept alive hopes of a first Japanese winner of the AFC Champions League in five years after sealing a maiden appearance in the quarter-finals as a 3-2 second leg comeback win over former

champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors saw the Emperor’s Cup winners complete a 5-2 aggregate victory in the Round of 16.

Hirofumi Watanabe, Jorge Wagner and Masato Kudo scored as Japan’s sole remaining representative extended their unbeaten record in the competition to eight games after Tatsuya Masushima’s own goal had briefly given 2006 champions Jeonbuk hope of overturning the two-goal deficit from the first leg.

And with Kevin Oris’ consolation coming too late for 2011 finalists Jeonbuk, Group H winners Kashiwa remained on course to follow in the footsteps of Urawa Reds and Gamba Osaka, who claimed back-to-back successes for J.League sides in 2007 and 2008, following first leg goals from Kudo and Masushima.

“The win was a product of our players’ hard work. I want to congratulate them,” said Kashiwa coach Nelsinho Baptista following the second leg victory.

“The game was tough as I had expected, and our players were not responding well in terms of speed and spirit at the beginning of the first half. But they showed their determination from late in the first half, which helped us find our rhythm and take control of the game.”

K-League champions FC Seoul, Thailand’s Buriram United, Chinese Super League champions Guangzhou Evergrande, Saudi duo Al Shabab and Al Ahli, Qatar’s Lekhwiya and recently-crowned Iranian champions Esteghlal also sealed their places the quarter-finals.

Group F winners Guangzhou confirmed their place in the last eight for a second consecutive season as a 3-0 second leg win over Australia’s Central Coast Mariners at Tianhe Stadium completed a 5-1 aggregate success for Marcello Lippi’s side.

With Guangzhou in possession of a 2-1 advantage from the first leg in Australia after Mitchell Duke’s early strike had been canceled out by Paraguayan striker Lucas Barrios and

Brazilian forward Muriqui, the Chinese Super League side were favourites to at least match last year’s run to the last eight.

And Muriqui scored his eighth goal in eight games while Dario Conca converted from the penalty spot in first half injury time to put Guangzhou in an unassailable position before Gao Lin netted in the second half to seal the win.

With K-League sides having won three of the last four editions, Yun Il-lok scored once and provided an assist as Group E winners FC Seoul secured a third AFC Champions League quarter-final appearance in five years

after recording a 3-1 comeback win over China’s Beijing Guoan in the second leg to advance by the same scoreline on aggregate.

Thailand’s Buriram continued to follow in the footsteps of inaugural finalists BEC Tero Sasana after reaching the quarter-finals for the first time by completing a 2-1

aggregate win over two-time semi-finalists Bunyodkor with a hard-fought second leg goalless draw in Tashkent.

After Group E runners-up Buriram had become the first Thai team in a decade to reach

the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League, Ekkachai Samre’s header with 14 minutes remaining of the first leg ultimately proved the difference between the two sides.

Elsewhere, 2012 finalists Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia booked their place in the quarter-finals for the second season in a row as first half goals from Bruno Cesar and Mustafa Al Bassas sealed a 2-0 second leg win over Qatari newcomers El Jaish.

Cesar fired last year’s runners-up into the lead after 24 minutes at King Abdulaziz Sport Centre and Al Bassas added a second with a fine individual effort eight minutes before half-time to give the Group C winners a 3-1 aggregate victory following a 1-1 draw in the first leg.

And Al Ahli were joined by fellow Saudi League side Al Shabab after Argentinian striker Sebastian Tagliabue scored twice as a 3-0 second leg win secured a convincing 5-1 aggregate victory for the Group A winners over Qatar’s Al Gharafa.

Group B winners Lekhwiya, though, did secure Qatari representation in the last eight after holding off a second half fight back from Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal to advance to the quarter-finals for the first time 3-2 on aggregate following a 2-2 second leg draw.

Esteghlal, meanwhile, completed a 4-2 aggregate victory over Al Shabab Al Arabi of the United Arab Emirates with a goalless draw in the second leg at Azadi Stadium.

AFC QUARTERLY 67

Group A P W D L F A +/- Pts

Kuwait SC (KUW) 6 4 0 2 15 6 9 12

Al Riffa (BHR) 6 3 1 2 9 6 3 10

Safa SC (LIB) 6 3 1 2 7 8 -1 10

Regar-Tadaz (TJK) 6 0 2 4 5 16 -11 2

05/03/13Safa SC 1 (Ahmad Alomier 1) Ragar-Tadaz 1 (Kamil Saidov 60)Al Riffa 0 Kuwait SC 2 (Rogerinho 6, Abdullah Al Buraiki 89)12/03/13Regar-Tadaz 0 Al Riffa 3 (Ahmad Al Douni 15, 45, 68)Kuwait SC 3 (Abdullah Al Buraiki 13, 52, Rogerinho 69) Safa SC 1 (Amer Khan 15)02/04/13Regar-Tadaz 1 (Firuz Rakhmatov 90+4) Kuwait SC 3 (Issam Jemaa 17, 58, Rogerinho 65)Safa SC 1 (Mansour Nour 45+4) Al Riffa 010/04/13Al Riffa 2 (Ahmad Al Douni 30, Mahmoud Al Mawas 72) Safa SC 0Kuwait SC 5 (Issam Jemaa 57, 70, Rogerinho 75, Hadi Khamees 80, Chadi Hammami 82) Regar-Tadaz 024/04/13Regar-Tadaz 2 (Firuz Rakhmatov 31, Akhtam Khamraku-lov 82) Safa SC 3 (Samuel Ngwu Uchenna 43, Ahmad Al Omier 53, Mohamad Haidar 90+2)Kuwait SC 2 (Issam Jemaa 13, 34) Al Riffa 3 (Mladen Jovancic 23, Dawood Saad 51, Ahmad Al Douni 73)01/05/13Safa SC 1 (Mohamad Haidar 53) Kuwait SC 0Al Riffa 1 (Ahmad Al Douni 84) Regar-Tadaz 1 (Sardor-bek Eminov 71)

Group StageGroup B P W D L F A +/- Pts

Arbil (IRQ) 6 6 0 0 17 0 17 18

Fanja (OMA) 6 3 1 2 9 6 3 10

Al Ansar (LIB) 6 2 1 3 7 9 -2 7

Ahli Taiz SC (YEM) 6 0 0 6 2 20 -18 0

05/03/13Arbil 4 (Luay Saleh 43, 90+1, Ivan Bukenya 68, Amjed Radhi 76) Ahli Taiz SC 0Fanja 4 (Ely Cisse 6, Mohamed Mubarak 54, Mohamed Al Maashari 60, Gustavo 68) Al Ansar 012/03/13Ahli Taiz SC 0 Fanja 2 (Ely Cisse 28, Mohamed Al Maashari 36) Al Ansar 0 Arbil 2 (Luay Saleh 27, Amjed Radhi 59)03/04/13Ahli Taiz SC 0 Al Ansar 2 (Ali Nasser Ali 64 OG, Ahmed El Khodor 80)Arbil 1 (Nabeel Sabah Zghair 47) Fanja 009/04/13Al Ansar 5 (Ahmed El Khodor 6, Mahmoud Kojok 22, Mootaz Al Jounaidi 28, Sebastiao 38, Wisdom Agblexo 77) Ahli Taiz SC 1 (Ahmed Gehad 45+1)Fanja 0 Arbil 4 (Halkor Mulla Mohammad Taher 45+1, Aleksandar Kosoric 54, Amjed Radhi 88, 90+3)24/04/13Ahli Taiz SC 0 Arbil 4 (Mahdi Kareem 4, Miran Kareem Darwees 60, Nabeel Sabah Zghair 79, Ivan Bukenya 84)Al Ansar 0 Fanja 001/05/13Arbil 2 (Amjed Radhi 59, 86) Al Ansar 0Fanja 3 (Mohamed Mubarak 52, 53, Sidy Keita 72) Ahli Taiz SC 1 (Aref Al Merghmi 21)

Group C P W D L F A +/- Pts

Al Faisaly (JOR) 6 4 1 1 9 5 4 13

Duhok (IRQ) 6 4 0 2 14 6 8 12

Dhofar Club (OMA) 6 3 1 2 8 12 -4 10

Al Shab (YEM) 6 0 0 6 3 11 -8 0

06/03/13Al Shab IBB Club 0 Duhok 0Al Faisaly 2 (Tamer Hag Mohammad 58, Abdallah Al Attar 87) Dhofar Club 3 (Khalifa Al-Naufli 4, Joel Lamah 23, 44)

13/03/13Duhok 0 Al Faisaly 1 (Tamer Hag Mohammad 90+2)Dhofar Club 1 (Joel Lamah 90+3) Al Shab IBB Club 002/04/13Al Faisaly 2 (Khalil Baniatetah 30, 85) Al Shab IBB Club 1 (James Owoboskini 70) Dhofar Club 1 (Faraj Noobi 57) Duhok 3 (Burhan Sahy-ouni 7, Osama Mahammed 20, Ali Fadhil 34)

10/04/13Duhok 6 (Ala’a Abdulzehra 1, 18, 48, 90+2, Burhan Sahy-ouni 50, Ali Dyab 87) Dhofar 1 (Ahmed Al Noobi 42)Al Shab IBB Club 0 Al Faisaly 2 (Mohammad Al Maharmeh 11, Ashraf Nu’man 89)

23/04/13Duhok 2 (Ala’a Abdulzehra 7, Mohanad Karrar 14) Al Shab IBB Club 1 (James Owoboskini 18)Dhofar Club 1 (Juma Darwish 24) Al Faisaly 1 (Abdallah Al Attar 58)

30/04/13Al Faisaly 1 (Abdallah Al Attar 29) Duhok 0Al Shab IBB Club 0 Dhofar Club 1 (Nasser A Shamli 32)

Group D P W D L F A +/- Pts

Al Qadsia (KUW) 6 4 1 1 13 4 9 13

Al Shorta (SYR) 6 4 0 2 8 5 3 12

Al Ramtha (JOR) 6 3 1 2 10 7 3 10

FC Ravshan (TJK) 6 0 0 6 2 17 -15 0

06/03/13FC Ravshan 0 Al Ramtha 1 (Mus’ab Allahham 68)Al Qadsia 0 Al Shorta 1 (Maher Al Said 90+5)13/03/13Al Shorta 2 (Ali Ghalioum 53, Qussai Habib 58) FC Ravshan 0Al Ramtha 0 Al Qadsia 3 (Mesad Nada 2, Saleh Al Sheikh 29, Bader Al Mutwa 78)03/04/13Al Shorta 0 Al Ramtha 1 (Jean Amangoua 79)Al Qadsia 3 (Bader Al Mutwa 26, 86, Odil Irgashev 68 OG) FC Ravshan 009/04/13FC Ravshan 1 (Solomon Takyi 2) Al Qadsia 3 (Fahad Al Ebrahim 20, Bader Al Mutwa 44, 58)Al Ramtha 1 (Mohammad Kassas 41) Al Shorta 2 (Mo-hammed Al Wakid 28, Ahmad Al Saleh 56)23/04/13Al Shorta 0 Al Qadsia 2 (Bader Al Mutwa 52, Omar Al Suma 86)Al Ramtha 5 (Jean Amangoua 5, Mus’ab Al Lahham 30, Mohammad Al Daoud 44, Mohammad Kassas 53) FC Ravshan 030/04/13FC Ravshan 1 (Davronjon Tukhtasunov 41) Al Shorta 3 (Mohammed Al Wakid 14, Ahmad Kallasi 28, Ammar Zakour 58)Al Qadsia 2 (Bader Al Mutwa 29, Nawaf Al Mutari 34) Al Ramtha 2 (Jean Amangoua 61, Mohammad Kassas 82)

Group E P W D L F A +/- Pts

S.Padang (IDN) 6 5 1 0 15 6 9 16

Kitchee (HKG) 6 4 0 2 18 7 11 12

Churchill (IND) 6 1 1 4 6 13 -7 4

Warriors FC (SIN) 6 1 0 5 4 17 -13 3

26/02/13Kitchee 3 (Chu Siu Kei 28, Jordi Tarres 31, 66) Churchill Brothers 0Semen Padang 3 (Edward Wilson 19, Vendry Mofu 32, Muhammad Nur Iskandar 86) Warriors FC 1 (Tatsuro Inui 41)12/03/13Churchill Brothers 2 (Sunil Chhetri 27, Bikramjit Singh 57) Semen Padang 2 (Hendra Adi Bayauw 36, Muhammad Rizal 44)Warriors FC 2 (Tatsuro Inui 23, Erwan Gunawan 29) Kitchee 4 (Jordi Tarres 46, 51, Lo Kwan Yee 62, Cheng Siu Wai 75)02/04/13Churchill Brothers 3 (Jaison Vales 37, Bikramjit Singh 44, Sunil Chhetri 84) Warriors FC 0Kitchee 1 (Jordi Tarres 83) Semen Padang 2 (Muhammad Nur Iskandar 4, Edward Junior 77)10/04/13Semen Padang 3 (Edward Junior 13, 75, Muhammad Nur Iskandar 71) Kitchee 1 (Jordi Tarres 33)Warriors FC 1 (Denzil Franco 54 OG) Churchill Brothers 024/04/13Churchill Brothers 0 Kitchee 4 (Pablo Counago 14, 17, Jordi Tarres 57, Cheng Siu Wai 81)Warriors FC 0 Semen Padang 2 (Edward Junior 39, 60)01/05/13Semen Padang 3 (Edward Junior 24, 64, Titus Bonai 47) Churchill Brothers 1 (Bineesh Balan 49)Kitchee 5 (Jordi Tarres 18, 53, 88, Cheng Siu Wai 62, Tsang Kam To 72) Warriors FC 0

Group F P W D L F A +/- Pts

N.Radiant (MDV) 6 5 0 1 20 4 16 15

Yangon (MYA) 6 5 0 1 18 5 13 15

Sun Hei (HKG) 6 1 1 4 12 12 0 4

Persibo (IDN) 6 0 1 5 5 34 -29 1

26/02/13Yangon United 3 (Adam Kone 56, 63 90+2) Persibo 0New Radiant SC 1 (Umair Mohamed 67) Sunray Cave JC Sun Hei 012/03/13Persibo 0 New Radiant SC 7 (Umair Mohamed 11, Ashfaq Ali 34, 50, 58, 70, 80, Ali Umar 66)Sunray Cave JC Sun Hei 1 (Yeung Chi Lun 20) Yangon United 3 (Adam Kone 2, Cezar 53, Aung Moe 90+7)03/04/13Persibo 3 (James Ha 11 OG, Julio Cesar 33, 68) Sunray Cave JC Sun Hei 3 (Leung Tsz Chun 58, Choi Kwok Wai 70, Roberto 90+3)Yangon United 2 (Adama Kone 17, Aung Moe 19) New Radiant 009/04/13New Radiant 3 (Mohamed Umair 31, Ali Fasir 38, Mansa Sylla 45+1) Yangon United 1 (Adama Kone 89)Sunray Cave JC Sun Hei 8 (Mamadou Barry 3, 12, 39, Liang Zicheng 6, 48, Roberto 16, Leung Tsz Chun 31, 37) Persibo 024/04/13Persibo 1 (Han Ji-ho 75) Yangon United 7 (Cezar 4, 54, 58, Adama Kone 28, 85, Yan Aung Kyaw 43, Aung Moe 80)Sunray Cave JC Sun Hei 0 New Radiant 3 (Ali Fasir 61, 71, Mohamed Umair 86)01/05/13Yangon United 2 (Kyi Lin 69, Adama Kone 81) Sunray Cave JC Sun Hei 0New Radiant 6 (Ali Ashfaq 28, 68, 81, Mohamed Umair 31, 36, Ali Umar 72) Persibo 1 (Bijahil Chalwa 55)

Group G P W D L F A +/- Pts

Kelantan (MAS) 6 4 1 1 14 9 5 13

SHB Da Nang (VIE) 6 4 0 2 11 12 -1 12

Maziya (MDV) 6 2 1 3 13 12 1 7

Ayeyawady (MYA) 6 1 0 5 9 14 -5 3

27/02/13SHB Da Nang 2 (Goia Sabin Cosmin 43, Sebastian Merlo 53) Ayeyawady 1 (Nay Lin Tun 63)Kelantan 1 (Badhri Radzi 77) Maziya 1 (Hassan Adhuham 62) 13/03/13Ayeyawady 1 (Dominik Bersnjak 79) Kelantan 3 (Badhri Radzi 2, Dimitrios Petratos 53, 80) Maziya 2 (Abdulla Asadhulla 33, Ahmed Nashid 81) SHB Da Nang 3 (Danny Mrwanda 54, Sebastian Merlo 66, Nguyen Minh Phuong 90)02/04/13Maziya 3 (Shiyam Ibrahim 46, Mohamed Ahmed 52, Rasheed Ahmed 61) Ayeyawady 1 (Leandro Duarte 47)Kelantan 5 (Dickson Nwakaeme 4, Indra Putra 7, Mohd Faiz Bin Subri 23, Dimitrios Petratos 59, Mohd Radzi 85) SHB Da Nang 010/04/13SHB Da Nang 0 Kelantan 1 (Dickson Nwakaeme 73)Ayeyawady 3 (Dominik Bersnjak 5, Leandro Duarte 7, Nay Lin Tun 44) Maziya 023/04/13Ayeyawady 2 (Nanda Lin Kyaw Chit 23, Satoshi Otomo 50) SHB Da Nang 3 (Huynh Quoc Anh 41, Ha Minh Tuan 43, Nguyen Minh Phuong 90+2)Maziya 6 (Rasheed Ahmed 40, Abdulla Asadhulla 56, Easa Ismail 77, Adhuham Hassan 82, 85, Imran Ali 88) Kelantan 1 (Mohd Haris Safwan Bin Mohd Kamal 7) 30/04/13Kelantan 3 (Dimitrios Petratos 42, Mohd Shahrul 70, Mohd Badhri Bin Mohd Radzi) Ayeyawady 1 (Nay Lin Tun 80)SHB Da Nang 3 (Sebastian Merlo 14, 34, 67) Maziya 1 (Adhuham Hassan 44)

Group H P W D L F A +/- Pts

East Bengal (IND) 6 4 2 0 13 6 7 14

Selangor (MAS) 6 2 2 2 12 11 1 8

Sai Gon (VIE) 6 2 2 2 9 12 -3 8

Tampines (SIN) 6 0 2 4 12 17 -5 2

27/02/13East Bengal 1 (Lalrindika Ralte 43) Selangor 0Tampines 2 (Khairul Amri 89, Aleksandar Duric 90+2) Sai Gon 3 (Christian Amougou 22, 62, Pham Thua Chi 84) 13/03/13Sai Gon 0 East Bengal 0Selangor 3 (Francis Doe 8, 54, Mohd Amri Yahyah 46) Tampines 3 (Alexsandar Duric 20, Mohammad Imran Sahib 49, Kunihiro Yamashita 71)03/04/13Sai Gon 2 (Emeka Ndubuisi Oguwike 45+2, 65) Selangor 1 (Francis Doe 64)Tampines 2 (Saed Hadzibulic 28, Khairul Amri 65) East Bengal 4 (Anaz Hadee 19, Chidi Edeh 64, Andrew Barisic 62, 87)09/04/13East Bengal 2 (Chidi Edeh 22, Lalrindika Ralte 86) Tampines 1 (Mohamad Shaiful 68)Selangor 3 (Michal Kubala 9, Francis Doe 63, Mohd Amri Yahyah 72) Sai Gon 1 (Moses Oloya 81)23/04/13Sai Gon 2 (Christian Amougou 18, Moses Oloya 42) Tampines 2 (Khairul Amri 15, Saed Hadzibulic 63)Selangor 2 (Abdul Shukur 79, Adib Aizuddin Abdul Latif 90+3) East Bengal 2 (Penn Orji 23, Lalrindika Ralte 54)30/04/14Tampines 2 (Mohd Asraruddin 50 OG, Aleksandar Duric 58) Selangor 3 (Muhammad Jufri 28 OG, Mohd Amri Yahyah 46, 76)East Bengal 4 (Chidi Edeh 8, Andrew Barisic 45, Penn Orji 53, 59) Sai Gon 1 (Christian Amougou 61)

Round of 16Semen Padang v SHB Da Nang

14/05/13Semen Padang 2 (Edward Junior 45+3, Vendry Moro 90+2) SHB Da Nang 1 (Sebastian Merlo 31)

Al Faisaly v Al Riffa

14/05/13Al Faisaly 3 (Khalil Baniateyah 44, Ashraf Nu’man 82, 85) Al Riffa 1 (Salmam Isa 88)

Kuwait SC v Duhok

14/05/13Kuwait SC 1 (Chadi Hammami 24) Duhok 1 (Salih Sadeer 53) AET (4-1 pens)

East Bengal v Yangon United

15/05/13East Bengal 5 (Penn Orji 2, Chidi Edeh 25, 72, 77, Mehtab Hossain 48) Yangon United 1 (Cezar 79)

Arbil v Al Shorta 15/05/13Arbil 3 (Nadim Sabag 5, Amjed Radhi 36, Ahmad Al Saleh 112 OG) Al Shorta 4 (Abulkader Deka 23, Ouday Jaffal 67, Mohammad Abadi 103, Maher Al Said 106) AET

Kelantan v Kitchee

14/05/13Kelantan 0 Kitchee 2 (Lek Kcira 15 OG, Jordi Tarres 45+1)

New Radiant v Selangor

15/05/13New Radiant 2 (Ahmed Niyaz 97, Ali Fasir 105) Selangor 0 AET

Al Qadsia v Fanja

15/05/13Al Qadsia 4 (Mesad Nada 3, Omar Al Suma 15, Bader Al Mutwa 34, 90+1) Fanja 0

REVIEW: AFC CUP

Former Champions March On

Kuwait Sports Club booked their place in the quarter-finals of the AFC Cup alongside fellow former winners Al Faisaly as the defending champions survived a penalty shootout against Iraqi side Duhok

following a 1-1 draw in May’s Round of 16 tie.Group A winners Kuwait SC had taken

the lead at Kuwait SC Stadium when Chadi Hammami converted a first half penalty only for Saleh Sadir’s strike early in the second half to level the contest.

The teams remained deadlocked through extra-time before Duhok’s Syrian duo of Ali Dyab and Burhan Sahyouni both failed to convert as Kuwait SC recorded a 4-1 win in the shootout.

“We faced big pressure before the match as we wanted to perform well and win the match in order to please our fans after our disappointing exit from the Kuwait Emir Cup. We played a good match and we achieved our target,” said Kuwait SC coach Marin Ion following the win.

“We wasted many easy chances to score and the forwards didn’t score from the chances that we created. I want to thank the players for the great season they played and hopefully we can continue our successful title defence in the competition.”

With two-time champions Al Faisaly from Jordan beating Bahrain’s Al Riffa 3-1, Syrian champions Al Shorta, Kuwait’s Al Qadsia, India’s East Bengal, Maldivian side New Radiant, Hong Kong’s Kitchee and Indonesia’s Semen Padang posted wins in the Round of 16 to also earn a place in the quarter-finals.

In Amman, Ashraf Nu’man scored a pair of late goals as Group C winners Al Faisaly secured their place in the quarter-finals for the first time in six years after downing Al Riffa.

Group D runners-up Al Shorta, meanwhile, advanced to the quarter-finals for the second year in a row after coming from behind twice to beat Iraqi champions Arbil 4-3 after extra-time.

With the scored tied at 2-2 at the end of 90 minutes, Mohammad Abadi and Maher Al Said struck in extra-time to give the visitors a two-goal advantage with an own goal by Al Shorta defender Ahmad Al Saleh arriving too late for

2012 finalists Arbil.And 2010 runners-up Al Qadsia joined fellow

Kuwaiti side Kuwait SC in the quarter-finals after Bader Al Mutwa scored twice and set up two other goals to secure a comfortable 4-0 win over Oman’s Fanja.

Mesaed Nada and Omar Al Suma benefited from Al Mutwa’s efforts inside the first 15 minutes at Peace and Friendship Stadium, and after the striker added a third before half-time, he sealed the win in stoppage time.

Elsewhere, Chidi Edeh scored a hat-trick as East Bengal romped into the quarter-finals with a 5-1 win over Myanmar’s Yangon United.

Nigerian midfielder Penn Orji and East Bengal captain Hossain Mehtab were also on target for the unbeaten Group H winners as East

Bengal maintained their 100% home record in the competition.

Ahmed Niyaz and Ali Fasir scored in the first half of extra-time as domestic champions and Group F winners New Radiant became the first

Maldivian side to reach the quarter-finals in eight years after recording a 2-0 win over Malaysia’s Selangor.

Kitchee, meanwhile, reached the quarter-finals for the first time as a pair of first half goals secured a 2-0 away win over Malaysian treble winners Kelantan.

The visitors had the better of the first half against their lacklustre hosts and were rewarded as an own goal by Lek Kcira after 15 minutes and a superb strike by Jordi Tarres in stoppage time just before the interval put Kitchee firmly in control with Kelantan unable to respond despite an improved second half display.

Finally, Vendry Moro’s stoppage-time strike sent Semen Padang into the quarter-finals after the Indonesian Premier League champions posted a 2-1 comeback win over Vietnamese counterparts SHB Da Nang.

Argentinian striker Sebastian Gaston Merlo had opened the scoring for Group G runners-up Da Nang only for Liberian striker Edward Junior Wilson to pull Semen level in first half stoppage time with his ninth goal of the campaign.

And with extra-time looming, Moro was on hand to turn home Hengki Ardiles’ cross to seal the win as Group E winners Semen extended their unbeaten record in the competition with a sixth win of the campaign.

AFC QUARTERLY 69

Dordoi Remain On Course For Third Title

REVIEW: AFC President’s Cup QUALIFIERS

Two-time winners Dordoi qualified for the 2013 AFC President’s Cup finals alongside Nepal’s Three Star Club, Mongolia’s Erchim FC, Pakistan’s KRL Football Club, Turkmenistan’s Balkan and Palestine’s Alquds Hilal Club

to remain on course for a record-equalling third title.

The Kyrgyzstan League champions won Group B ahead of KRL Football Club on goal difference to qualify for the ninth edition of the AFC President’s Cup, which will be held in September.

Dordoi, who won the title in both 2006 and 2007 while appearing in six consecutive 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 Philippines, 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 Murzaev scored five to secure a 9-0 win over Bhutan’s Yeedzin FC (right).

And Dordoi booked their place in the 2013 finals with an emphatic 6-1 victory over hosts Global.

Striker Murzaev took his individual tally to nine in three games with four goals for the two-time champions.

Global’s defeat opened the door for Pakistan champions KRL, and after earlier downing the hosts 2-0, they secured qualification alongside Dordoi as Kaleemullah scored five goals to secure a 8-0 win over Yeedzin.

In Group A, Three Star Club and Erchim edged out 2011 champions Taiwan Power Company and Bangladesh’s Abahani Limited to secure their place in the finals.

Erchim opened with a goalless draw with Taiwan Power Company at the centralised qualifying tournament in Kathmandu.

Three Star Club, meanwhile, drew 1-1 with Abahani Limited in their opening game of the qualifiers.

Zikahi Dodoz and Femi Adewumi were then on target as Three Star Club moved clear at the top of Group A with a 2-0 win over Erchim, while Taiwan Power Company shared a 1-1 draw with Abahani Limited.

And Three Star Club sealed top spot

despite letting slip a two-goal advantage on the final Matchday against Taiwan Power Company, who posted their third consecutive draw of the campaign.

But with Batbilguun Ganbaatar netting just before the hour mark as Erchim edged out Abahani Limited 1-0, Taiwan Power Company missed out on a place in the finals.

Finally in Group C, Balkan posted a 100% record to top the table ahead of Alquds Hilal Club.

Amir Gurbani scored twice inside the final 11 minutes as Balkan opened with a 3-2 comeback win over Alquds Hilal Club.

Chan Vathanaka, meanwhile, claimed four goals as Cambodia’s Beoungket

Rubber FC recorded a 6-0 win over Sri Lanka Army Sports Club to also make the ideal start in Phnom Penh.

Mamedaly Karadanov and Rahmet Shermetov scored as Balkan maintained their perfect start with a 2-0 win over Beoungket Rubber.

Alquds Hilal Club, meanwhile, boosted their qualifications hopes with an empathic 10-0 win over Sri Lanka Army Sports Club.

And with Balkan wrapping up their successful campaign with a 5-0 win over Sri Lanka Army Sports Club, Iyad Gharqoud struck with three minutes remaining as Alquds Hilal Club edged out Beoungket Rubber 1-0 to qualify ahead of the hosts.

P W D L GF GA GD PtsGroup A

Three Star Club (NEP) 3 1 2 0 5 3 2 5

Erchim FC (MGL) 3 1 1 1 1 2 -1 4

Taiwan Power Company (TPE) 3 0 3 0 3 3 0 3

Abahani Limited (BAN) 3 0 2 1 2 3 -1 2

07/05/13Taiwan Power Company 0 Erchim FC 0Three Star Club 1 (Shrestha Jagajeet 15) Abahani Limited 1 (Towhidul Alam Towhid 38)

09/05/13Abahani Limited 1 (Mohammed Rony 5) Taiwan Power Company 1 (Hung Kai-Chun 14)Erchim FC 0 Three Star Club 2 (Zikahi Leonce Dodoz 10, Femi Joshua Adewumi 64)

11/05/13Erchim FC 1 (Batbilguun Ganbaatar 59) Abahani Limited 0Three Star Club 2 (Zikahi Leonce Dodoz 7, Prakash Budhathoki 15) Taiwan Power Company 2 (Kuo Yin-Hung 20, Hung Kai-Chun 45+1)

Group B P W D L GF GA GD Pts

Dordoi (KGZ) 3 2 1 0 16 2 14 7

KRL Football Club (PAK) 3 2 1 0 11 1 10 7

Global FC (PHI) 3 1 0 2 6 8 -2 3

Yeedzin FC (BHU) 3 0 0 3 0 22 -22 0

08/05/13Dordoi 1 (Vadim Kharchenko 23) KRL Football Club 1 (Samar Ishaq 50)Global FC 5 (Patrick Reichelt 5, Martinez De Murga 9, Misagh Babadoran 15, 20, Janver Angeles 64) Yeedzin FC 010/05/13Yeedzin FC 0 Dordoi 9 (Mirlan Murzaev 9, 41, 50, 72, 80, Tursunali Rustamov 30, 84, Islam Shamshiev 54, Sergey Kaleutin 62)KRL Football Club 2 (Mahmood Khan 12, Muhammad Adil 77) Global FC 012/05/13KRL Football Club 8 (Kaleemullah 4, 71, 75, 83, 90+1, Abid Khan 37, Zia-Us-Salam 44, Saadullah 45+1) Yeedzin FC 0Global FC 1 (Martinez De Murga 9) Dordoi 6 (Mirlan Murzaev 14, 25, 55, 64, Islam Shamshiev 77, David Tetteh 90+3)

P W D L GF GA GD Pts

Balkan (TKM) 3 3 0 0 10 2 8 9

Alquds Hilal Club (PLE) 3 2 0 1 13 3 10 6

Beoungket Rubber FC (CAM) 3 1 0 2 6 3 3 3

Sri Lanka Army Sports Club (SRI) 3 0 0 3 0 21 -21 0

Group C06/05/13Alquds Hilal Club 2 (Adham Aburawees 39, Roberto Ket-tlun 73) Balkan 3 (Mamedaly 5, Amir Gurbani 79, 89)Beoungket Rubber FC 6 (Chan Vathanaka 8, 27, 61, 89, Keo Sokngon 72, Keo Sokpheng 85) Sri Lanka Army Sports Club 008/05/13Sri Lanka Army Sports Club 0 Alquds Hilal Club 10 (Roberto Kettlun 13, 48, 79, Iyad Gharqoud 35, 49, Maen Obaid 66, Fadi Abdulatifa 68, 86, Mousa Abujazar 90, Adham Aburawees 90+2)Balkan 2 (Mamedaly Karadanov 8, Rahmet Shermetov 85) Beoungket Rubber FC 010/05/13Balkan 5 (Gahryman Chonkayev 2, Vladimir Bayramov 13, Rahmet Shermetov 56, Batyr Atamammedov 74, Lakshitha Yamanalage 79) Sri Lanka Army Sports Club 0Beoungket Rubber FC 0 Alquds Hilal Club 1 (Iyad Gharqoud 87)

Jordan secured a first-ever appearance at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup after advancing through the qualifiers for the 2014 edition alongside Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar.

The quartet joined defending champions Australia, Japan, China and Korea Republic in the 2014 finals which will take place in Ho Chi Minh City next year.

The 2014 AFC Women’s Asian Cup serves as the qualifiers for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the top five teams earning qualification.

“Jordan’s qualification to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup finals for the first time is a testament to all those who have enthusiastically and proactively worked towards the development of the women’s game in the country and on behalf of the Asian football family I would like to extend my congratulations for this significant

achievement,” said AFC President Shaikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa.

“It will take time, hard work and dedication for West Asian nations to close the gap between them and their counterparts from ASEAN and in particular East Asia but it is refreshing to see how they are embracing the challenge.”

In Group A, Stephanie Al Naber and Sama’a Khraisat each scored twice as hosts Jordan opened the centralised qualifying tournament in Amman with a 5-0 win over Lebanon, while Zebo Juraeva scored seven as Uzbekistan recorded an 18-0 victory over Kuwait.

The pair then set up a decider as Maysa Jbarah scored eight as Jordan beat Kuwait 21-0, while Uzbekistan recorded a 4-0 win over Lebanon.

And while Lebanon rounded off their campaign on a high with a 12-1 win over Kuwait, Khraisat scored twice as Jordan beat Uzbekistan 4-0 to top Group A.

The Vietnam Football Federation’s bid to host the 2014 finals was ratified at the AFC Executive Committee in April, but was subject to Vietnam sealing their place at the finals through the qualifiers.

And Vietnam impressed in their qualifying campaign following wins over Bahrain, Kyrgyzstan and Hong Kong to top Group C.

Vietnam’s 4-0 win over Hong Kong on the final Matchday proved decisive with Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet netting her fifth goal of the campaign.

Thailand, meanwhile, also posted a 100% record to top Group B ahead of the Philippines with a Nisa Romyen’s 37th minute strike in the meeting between the pair proving crucial with the duo both recording wins over Iran and Bangladesh.

Finally in Group D, Myanmar shared a goalless draw with Chinese Taipei on the final Matchday to qualify for the finals on goal difference.

Jordan Claim Historic Women’s Asian Cup Berth

REVIEW: AFC WOMEN’S ASIAN CUP QUALIFIERS

AFC QUARTERLY 71

Group D P W D L F A +/- PtsMyanmar 3 2 1 0 11 0 11 7Chinese Taipei 3 2 1 0 8 1 7 7India 3 0 1 2 2 5 -3 1Palestine 3 0 1 2 1 16 -15 1

21/05/13Chinese Taipei 6 (Lin Ya-Han 5, 54, 80, Yu Hsiu-Chin 40, Lai Li-Chin 42, Lin Kai-Ling 45+1) Palestine 0Myanmar 2 (Naw Ar Lo Wer Phaw 6, Khin Moe Wai 26) India 023/05/13 Palestine 0 Myanmar 9 (Yee Yee Oo 24, 74, 77, 80, 85, 88, Khin Mow Wai 17, 26, Margret Marri 67)India 1 (Sasmita Malik 54) Chinese Taipei 2 (Yu Shiu-Chin 42, Lai Li-Chin 82)25/05/13Palestine 1 (Caroline Sohgian 46) India 1 (Sasmita Malik 35)Myanmar 0 Chinese Taipei 0

Group A P W D L F A +/- PtsJordan 3 3 0 0 30 0 30 9Uzbekistan 3 2 0 1 22 4 18 6Lebanon 3 1 0 2 12 10 2 3Kuwait 3 0 0 3 1 51 -50 0

05/06/13Uzbekistan 18 (Zebo Juraeva 4, 14, 21, 35, 45+1, 51, 58, 73, Feruza Turdiboeva 6, 42, Kamola Riskieva 23, Makhliyo Sarikova 31, Makhfuza Turapova 34, 36, 65, Moiseeva Mariya 70, Fazilat Bakhromova 72, Tanzilya Zarbieva 78) Kuwait 0Jordan 5 (Luna Al Masri 21, Stephanie Al Naber 33, 40, Sama’a Khraisat 53, 59) Lebanon 007/06/13Lebanon 0 Uzbekistan 4 (Feruza Turdiboeva 2, Zebo Ju-raeva 41, Makhfuza Turapova 45+2, Aziza Ermatova 46)Kuwait 0 Jordan 21 (Shahnaz Jebreen 3, 70, Maysa Jbarah 16, 18, 19, 28, 32, 45+1, 53, 81, Stephanie Al Naber 17, 35, 38, 81, Abeer Al Nahar 20, 43, 56, 71, 84, 90+1, Luna Al Masri 78)09/06/13Lebanon 12 (Sahar Dbouk 12, Nadia Assaf 19, 51, Hiba El Jaafil 27, Nadine Schtakleef 29, 77, Saria Al Sayegh 45+1, 46, Lara Bahlawan 38, 90+3, Taghrid Hamadeh 56, Sara Bakri 80) Kuwait 1 (Amani Haji 86)Uzbekistan 0 Jordan 4 (Sama’a Khraisat 57, 80, Shahnaz Jebreen 59, Stephanie Al Naber 75)

Group C P W D L F A +/- PtsVietnam 3 3 0 0 24 0 24 9Hong Kong 3 2 0 1 5 6 -1 6Bahrain 3 1 0 2 5 12 -7 3Kyrgyzstan 3 0 0 3 2 18 -16 0

22/05/13Vietnam 8 (Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet 3, Tran Thi Kim Hong 20, Nguyen Thi Xuyen 22, Nguyen Thi Muon 38, 58, 70, Nguyen Thi Lieu 45, Nguyen Thi Kim Tien 65) Bahrain 0Hong Kong 2 (Cheung Wai Ki 41, 86) Kyrgyzstan 1 (Svetlana Tynkova 59)24/05/13Bahrain 1 (Reem Al Hashmi 25) Hong Kong 3 (Cheung Wai Ki 52, Fung Kam Mui 65, 69)Kyrgyzstan 0 Vietnam 12 (Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet 3,12, 22, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Anh 6, Nguyen Thi Xuyen 14, Nguyen Thi Noa 23, 71, Nguyen Thi Muoan 35, Nguyen Thi Kim Tien 50, Tran Thi Kim Hong 65, Huynh Nhu 81, 89)26/05/13Vietnam 4 (Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet 5, Le Thi Thuong 7, Cheung Wai Ki 30 OG, Tran Thi Kim Hong 57) Hong Kong 0Kyrgyzstan 1 (Svetlana Tynkova 31) Bahrain 4 (Deena Abdelrahman 3, 33, Reem Al Hashmi 20, 49)

Group B P W D L F A +/- PtsThailand 3 3 0 0 15 1 14 9Philippines 3 2 0 1 10 1 9 6Iran 3 1 0 2 3 11 -8 3Bangladesh 3 0 0 3 0 15 -15 0

21/05/13Iran 0 Philippines 6 (Megan Jurado 3, Sarshin Kaman-gar 34 OG, Joana Houplin 41, Jesse Ahugg 4, 90+2)Thailand 9 (Naphat Seesraum 18, Nisa Romyen 29, 45, 87, 90+3, Trishna Chakma 52 OG, Sunisa Srangthai-song 64, Boontan Anongnat 79) Bangladesh 0 23/05/13Philippines 0 Thailand 1 (Nisa Romyen 37)Bangladesh 0 Iran 2 (Maryam Rahimi 26, 51)25/05/13Thailand 5 (Nisa Romyen 46, 65, 85, Anootsara Maijarern 70, Naphat Seesraum 74) Iran 1 (Sara Marzdashti 79)Philippines 4 (Maria Park 19, 90+5, Christina Reyes 29, Catherine Barnekow 85) Bangladesh 0

24302_A380Onboard_AFC_21x27.indd 1 11/29/12 4:12 PM

Finals Line-Up Complete As Sextet Advance

REVIEW: AFC U-14 CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIERS

AFC QUARTERLY 73

Group A P W D L F A +/- PtsIraq 5 5 0 0 17 1 16 15Syria 5 4 0 1 8 5 3 12Oman 5 3 0 2 6 7 -1 9UAE 5 1 1 3 2 8 -6 4Bahrain 5 1 0 4 3 9 -6 3Lebanon 5 0 1 4 3 9 -6 1

02-03-13Lebanon 1 Oman 3Syria 1 United Arab Emirates 0 Bahrain 0 Iraq 4 HT: 0-2 03-03-13Bahrain 0 Syria 2Oman 0 Iraq 3 Lebanon 1 United Arab Emirates 1 05-03-13 United Arab Emirates 1 Bahrain 0 Iraq 1 Lebanon 0 Oman 1 Syria 3 07-03-13 Syria 1 Iraq 4 United Arab Emirates 0 Oman 1 Bahrain 3 Lebanon 1 08-03-13Iraq 5 United Arab Emirates 0Lebanon 0 Syria 1Oman 1 Bahrain 0

Group B P W D L F A +/- PtsSaudi Arabia 5 3 2 0 14 3 11 11Yemen 5 2 2 1 6 4 2 8Qatar 5 1 4 0 7 3 4 7Kuwait 5 1 2 2 3 4 -1 5Jordan 5 0 4 1 1 2 -1 4Palestine 5 0 2 3 2 17 -5 2

26-02-13 Kuwait 0 Saudi Arabia 1 Jordan 0 Yemen 0Qatar 5 Palestine 1 27-02-13 Saudi Arabia 7 Palestine 0 Qatar 0 Jordan 0Kuwait 1 Yemen 2 01-03-13 Palestine 1 Kuwait 1 Saudi Arabia 1 Jordan 1 Yemen 0 Qatar 003-03-13Jordan 0 Palestine 0Yemen 0 Palestine 3 Qatar 0 Kuwait 004-03-13Palestine 0 Yemen 4 Kuwait 1 Jordan 0 Saudi Arabia 2 Qatar 2

Group G P W D L F A +/- PtsKorea Republic 4 4 0 0 32 0 32 12China PR 4 3 0 1 26 3 23 9Chinese Taipei 4 2 0 2 7 14 -7 6Northern Mariana 4 1 0 3 1 22 -21 3Guam 4 0 0 4 1 28 -27 0

20-04-13 Korea Republic 13 Northern Mariana 0Guam 1 Chinese Taipei 521-04-13Chinese Taipei 0 China PR 5Guam 0 Korea Republic 823-04-13China PR 14 Guam 0Northern Mariana 0 Chinese Taipei 225-04-13 Northern Mariana 1 Guam 0Korea Republic 3 China PR 026-04-13Chinese Taipei 0 Korea Republic 8China PR 7 Northern Mariana 0

Group H P W D L F A +/- PtsDPR Korea 4 4 0 0 31 1 30 12Japan 4 3 0 1 19 3 16 9Hong Kong 4 2 0 2 10 9 1 6Mongolia 4 1 0 3 7 17 -10 3Macau 4 0 0 4 2 39 -37 0

11-04-13 DPR Korea 5 Hong Kong 0Japan 12 Macau 012-04-13Macau 0 Mongolia 7Japan 1 DPR Korea 314-04-13 Mongolia 0 Japan 4Hong Kong 5 Macau 216-04-13 Hong Kong 0 Japan 2DPR Korea 8 Mongolia 017-04-13 Macau 0 DPR Korea 15Mongolia 0 Hong Kong 5

Group C P W D L F A +/- PtsTajikistan 3 2 1 0 18 2 16 7Afghanistan 3 2 0 1 17 3 14 6Nepal 3 1 1 1 15 3 12 4Bhutan 3 0 0 3 0 42 -42 0

02-04-13Bhutan 0 Tajikistan 15Nepal 1 Afghanistan 204-04-13 Afghanistan 14 Bhutan 0Nepal 1 Nepal 106-04-13 Tajikistan 2 Afghanistan 1Nepal 13 Bhutan 0

Group D P W D L F A +/- PtsIran 4 4 0 0 26 2 24 12Pakistan 4 3 0 1 16 3 13 9India 4 2 0 2 8 6 2 6Kyrgyzstan 4 0 1 3 3 22 -19 1Turkmenistan 4 0 1 3 1 21 -20 1

23-04-13 Turkmenistan 1 Kyrgyzstan 1India 1 Iran 324-04-13Pakistan 6 Turkmenistan 0India 4 Kyrgyzstan 126-04-13 Kyrgyzstan 0 Pakistan 8Iran 11 Turkmenistan 028-04-13 Pakistan 2 India 0Kyrgyzstan 1 Iran 929-04-13India 3 Turkmenistan 0Iran 3 Pakistan 0

Group E P W D L F A +/- PtsTimor Leste 5 4 1 0 30 3 27 13Malaysia 5 4 1 0 16 0 16 13Vietnam 5 3 0 2 20 4 16 9Myanmar 5 3 0 3 9 12 -3 6Philippines 5 1 0 4 6 17 -11 3Darussalam 5 0 0 5 0 45 -45 0

28-05-13 Vietnam 1 Timor Leste 2Brunei Darussalam 0 Philippines 4Malaysia 2 Myanmar 029-05-13 Brunei Darussalam 0 Vietnam 11Malaysia 0 Timor Leste 0Myanmar 2 Philippines 131-05-13 Philippines 0 Malaysia 2Timor Leste 14 Brunei Darussalam 0Myanmar 1 Vietnam 302-06-13 Timor Leste 6 Myanmar 1Vietnam 5 Philippines 0Brunei Darussalam 0 Malaysia 1103-06-13Philippines 1 Timor Leste 8Malaysia 1 Vietnam 0Myanmar 5 Brunei Darussalam 0

Group F P W D L F A +/- PtsThailand 5 4 0 1 14 6 8 12Indonesia 5 3 1 1 10 6 4 10Singapore 5 2 2 1 5 4 1 8Laos 5 2 1 2 10 6 4 7Cambodia 5 0 2 3 0 7 -7 2

28-05-13Indonesia 2 Thailand 6Bangladesh 0 Cambodia 0Laos 1 Singapore 329-05-13 Indonesia 5 Cambodia 0Laos 5 Bangladesh 1Thailand 2 Singapore 031-05-13Thailand 4 Bangladesh 0Singapore 0 Indonesia 0Cambodia 0 Laos 002-06-13 Bangladesh 1 Singapore 1Cambodia 0 Thailand 1Laos 0 Indonesia 103-06-13 Singapore 1 Cambodia 0Thailand 1 Laos 4Indonesia 2 Bangladesh 0

The line-up for the finals of the AFC U-14 Championship was completed in early June as Thailand, Timor Leste, Iran, Korea Republic, Tajikistan and DPR Korea joined Saudi Arabia and Iraq in progressing from the group stages.

Tajikistan topped Group C, just one point ahead of Afghanistan, to qualify for the finals, securing their place in the draw with a 2-1 win over the Afghans in the final round of group matches.

Iran, meanwhile, finished on top of Group D, cruising through with an unblemished record of four wins out of four to finish clear of second placed Pakistan with India a further three points

adrift.Timor Leste pipped Malaysia on goal

difference to the one berth in the finals from Group E as both nations finished level on 13 points from their five games, with the Timorese scoring 11 goals more than their Malaysian counterparts.

Thailand held off a spirited challenge by Indonesia to win Group F despite losing their final game to Laos while Group G was won by Korea Republic, who defeated China 3-0 in the penultimate game to seal their spot in the final.

And, finally, Group H was claimed by DPR Korea, who finished ahead of Japan after securing a 3-1 win over their East Asian rivals in Hong Kong.

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AFC QUARTERLY 75

AFC Distinguished Service Award – Gold Star recipient and former referee S. Kathiravale of Malaysia passed away in June aged 83.

Kathiravale was a FIFA International Referee from 1971-1980, an AFC International Referee Instructor from 1975-2000 and a FIFA International Referee Instructor from 1986-2000.

He took charge of the final of the 1972 AFC Asian Cup final between Iran and Korea Republic as well as the inaugural AFC Women’s Asian Cup final between Thailand and New Zealand in 1975.

Kathiravale also umpired the final of the hockey tournament at the 1974 Asian Games before being chosen as a linesman for the

football final between Korea Republic and DPR Korea four years later.

“Mr. S. Kathiravale was the face of Asian refereeing and was a source of pride for us as he made history by officiating in the final match in the first ever AFC Women’s Asian Cup back in 1975,” said AFC General Secretary Dato’ Alex Soosay.

“His refereeing skills and 25 years of contribution as a referee instructor as well as his knowledge and implementation of the laws of the game are an inspiration to us, particularly referees.”

He received the Gold Star award during the 2013 AFC Congress having been inducted into the Olympic Council of Malaysia’s Hall of Fame a year earlier. He was also a recipient of the FIFA 100th Year Special Service Award in 2004.

Professional players in Jordan have been informed how to protect themselves against match fixing during a recent seminar in Ammam.

The 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.

Kathiravale Passes Away

Jordan Seminar Gives Anti-Corruption Guidelines

Inside AFC

AFC President Shaikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa attended the inauguration of the National Training Centre in Cambodia, stating the country

has the potential to improve dramatically in the coming years.

Shaikh Salman was joined at June’s inauguration ceremony by the Prime Minister of Cambodia, HE Hun Sen, ASEAN Football Federation President HM Sultan Ahmad Shah, AFC Vice-President HRH Prince Abdullah Ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah, FIFA Executive Committee member Worawi Makudi and Football Federation of Cambodia President General Sao Sokha

“I believe the beginning of this project also signals the start of a new era for Cambodian football and will boost the federation’s efforts to develop grassroots and youth football,” said Shaikh Salman.

“I would like to assure you that FIFA and AFC are committed to support the Football Federation of Cambodia in their efforts to take Cambodian football to a higher level.”

In collaboration with the Football Federation of Cambodia, the AFC will look to undertake a technical assessment to design a long-term development plan

for key areas including education, grassroots and youth development.

The Football Federation of Cambodia will also look to conduct eight courses this year including coaching, goalkeeping and conditioning, while the AFC’s development programme ‘Kick Off’ can assist with the management and marketing of the Cambodian domestic league.

National Training Centre Inaugurated In Cambodia

AFC QUARTERLY 77

Plans to develop futsal to take the game in Asia to a higher level on the world stage were discussed at the start of June during the four day ‘FIFA/AFC Futsal

Seminar on the FIFA/AFC Futsal World Cup 2012 Legacy for Asia.’

With 48 participants taking part and hearing from Spain national assistant coach Federico Vidal Montaldo, Thailand head coach Victor Hermans and FIFA Technical Study Group member Mico Martic, the seminar analysed the performance of Asian teams at the 2012 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Thailand.

FIFA Beach Soccer and Futsal Coordinator Brent Rahim gave a presentation on FIFA Futsal Development Programmes while AFC Futsal Development Director Ali Targholizadeh compared Asian teams’ performances with that of teams from the other confederations and also conducted a presentation on the Asian Futsal Strategic Plan 2013-2018.

Iran Football Federation representative Shahabeddin Sofalmanesh and Japan Football Association Futsal Committee Chairman Yasuhiro Matsuzakia also outlined the futsal programmes in their respective countries.

“The seminar on the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2012 Thailand, like the name of the event, really left a legacy and a strong mark on us the participants. We learned a lot about the strengths and weaknesses of the participating teams in Asia and also outside the continent,” said Qatar assistant coach Ahmed Almannai.

The Korea Football Association held their first Goalkeeping Conference at the start of June, which was attended by 65 coaches.

The event followed a trip to England in April to attend The Football Association’s Goalkeeping Conference at St. George’s Park.

Former Korea Republic international Lee Woon-jae discussed communication between a player and the manager before, during and after a game, while current KFA goalkeeping coach Shin Bum-chul - who played in the 1992 Olympics and 1994 FIFA World Cup – looked at game management as well as pre-match warm-up routines.

Cha Sang-kwang, who played 13-years at Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma, and Kim Hyun-tae, who was the Korea Republic goalkeeping coach for both the 2002 and 2010 FIFA World Cup, also addressed the participants.

Futsal Seminar Leaves Legacy

Korea In Safe Hands

Inside AFC

The Turkmenistan Football Federation organised their first Grassroots Football Festival at the start of June.

Coaches, referees and volunteers organised the first in a series of festivals on June 1 coinciding with the International Day for the Protection of Children at Kopetdag Stadium in Ashbagat.

The teams, which were made up of 100 participants aged 2-10, performed various football drills including ball juggling and dribbling while also taking part in exercises to improve co-ordination, speed, short and long passing.

“The idea of a football festival was further developed after Turkmenistan representatives participated in the AFC Grassroots Workshop in Kuala Lumpur from May 15 to 17 as well as the AFC/Football Association of Malaysia Grassroots Festival,” said Charymurat Kurbanov of the Turkmenistan Football Federation Technical Division.

All festival participants received souvenirs, small flags bearing the AFC Grassroots Year 2013 logo, caps as well as materials on healthy lifestyle developed by the Health Information Centre under the Turkmenistan Ministry of Health with support from

UN agencies in the country.

Iran legend Mehdi Mahdavikia and China’s Bai Lili were named as AFC Grassroots Ambassadors in May.

The pair were appointed during the opening ceremony of the AFC Grassroots Workshop, which commemorated AFC Grassroots Day.

Former Asian Player of the Year Mahdavikia had only retired a week earlier before quickly switching his attentions to helping Iran’s national team prepare for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

“I would like to thank the AFC for the trust given to me to make contributions to Asian football at the grassroots level in conjunction with the AFC Grassroots Year 2013 and AFC Grassroots Day, which falls on 15 May,” said the former VfL Bochum, Hambuger SV and Eintracht Frankfurt utility-man, who ended his career with Persepolis.

“I still remember how I started football when I was nine years old and, since then, I had been playing at different levels of football right up to the senior national team, where I

was also skipper.”Bai, who helped China win the 2006 AFC Women’s Asian

Cup, is a Chinese Football Association grassroots instructor and also works in grassroots in Shanghai having recently achieved ‘A’ Licence status.

“This opportunity to contribute is not only in words but also in action, to actually do something to develop the game at the grassroots level. I started footballing when I was nine years old, so I have first-hand experience of being a grassroots player and now I’m a grassroots coach, a combination I will be banking on to promote the grassroots game across the continent,” she said.

“Grassroots is important not only as a base for great football for a nation, but it is also an important and perfect developmental aspect to incorporate into boys’ and girls’ overall growth where they will learn the values of teamwork, leadership and social skills. I’m really happy to play a part in this.”

New Grassroots Role For Pair

Turkmenistan Holds First Ever Grassroots Festival

Technology Vital For Referee Development

Asia’s top refereeing instructors have been urged to embrace technology to aid development after two FIFA Futuro III Refereeing Instructor Courses for

technical and fitness instructors from the ASEAN region concluded recently in Vientiane, Laos.

Futuro III focuses on the education of Member Association instructors in the topics of coaching, refereeing, administration and management and sports medicine.

Participants in this programme are expected to be actively teaching in their Member Associations both before and after the course.

“Fitness is not only important but fitness is a must for referees. Fitness is a visa for referees to officiate in any competition of FIFA and AFC. It is your responsibility to 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

to update your knowledge as the use of technology is very important for the development of refereeing.

“The video clip database is an excellent tool and please make use of it to improve your knowledge and to teach referees. Your contribution is very important.”

Great Grounds of Asia

AFC QUARTERLY 78

The 80,000 capacity Gelora Bung Karno Stadium was built to host the 1962 Asian Games and has since become one of the most vibrant and unique sporting venues in the region.

Located in central Jakarta, the majestic Gelora Bung

Karno Main Stadium is the main arena in the Gelora Bung Karno Sports Complex and is named after the first President of Indonesia, Sukarno.

Initially built with a capacity exceeding

against Saudi Arabia. Having been used as the primary venue

for the Group Stage in Indonesia, the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium hosted the quarter-final between Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan before Younus Mahmood’s header handed Iraq a maiden continental title.

Recently, the venue hosted the second leg of the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup final between Indonesia and Malaysia as well as Indonesia’s home games during the qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

100,000, renovations ahead of the 2007 AFC Asian Cup led to a reduction in seating, although that did little to affect the atmosphere created by the throngs of passionate fans who regularly flock to the imposing venue.

It is primarily used for football and is the home stadium for the Indonesia national team although the venue has been used for music concerts as well as large scale religious and political events.

The stadium will always hold a special place in the hearts of Iraqi football fans having hosted the final of the 2007 AFC Asian Cup

GELORA BUNGKARNO STADIUM

Jakarta, Indonesia

“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