Chengdu and Al-Duhail secure spots in Asian Champions League Elite
Brazilian striker Felipe scored twice after Yang Ming-yang's header had given Chengdu a 68th minute lead to see off the Thai side, ensuring coach Seo Jung-won and his team will be included in Friday's draw for the league phase in Kuala Lumpur.
Yang met Romulo's corner to put Chengdu in front and Felipe doubled the lead three minutes later as he latched onto a ball over the top of the Bangkok United defence.
Felipe added the third with six minutes remaining at the end of another incisive counterattack.
Al-Duhail, meanwhile, came back from going behind to a third minute close-range strike by Amin Hazbavi to progress.
Ibrahima Bamba powered his header into the top corner in the 11th minute to level the scores and Adil Boulbina put his side in front 13 minutes later with a stunning strike past Seyed Hossein Hosseini.
Krzysztof Piatek hit Al-Duhail's third in the 33rd minute at the end of a rapid break and the Qatari side held on despite conceding in the 93rd minute, when Milan Zakipour netted from close range.
Twenty-four clubs will compete in the league phase of the Asian Champions League Elite when it returns in September, with the participants split evenly into western and eastern leagues.
The top eight finishers on each side of the confederation will advance to the knockout rounds with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final due to be played centrally in Saudi Arabia next April and May.-REUTERS
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
Guardiola aims to keep Savinho amid Tottenham interest
PEP GUARDIOLA has expressed his desire to keep Manchester City winger Savinho at the club for 'many years.' The City manager acknowledged Tottenham's interest in the Brazilian following Son Heung-min's exit and James Maddison's injury. Guardiola confirmed neither Savinho nor goalkeeper Ederson has requested a transfer. 'If they want to leave, they will come to me,' he stated during Friday's press conference. Savinho featured in 48 matches last season but faced criticism for inconsistent finishing. Guardiola praised his potential but refused to guarantee his stay beyond the transfer window. 'I don't know. Tottenham or any other club should call the club,' Guardiola said. He emphasised Savinho's importance while admitting player wishes ultimately decide transfers. The 21-year-old is currently injured and will miss the season opener against Wolves. Guardiola expects midfielder Rodri to travel despite recent fitness concerns. Rodri's knee issues have raised questions over his long-term durability. Guardiola stressed the need for caution, saying, 'He needs to play minutes in training sessions.' City recently sold Jack Grealish to Everton, with James McAtee also nearing a move to Nottingham Forest. Guardiola cited squad balance as the reason, stating, 'I have too many players.' Ederson has been linked with Galatasaray after City re-signed James Trafford. Guardiola reiterated his policy of not blocking departures if players seek new challenges. The transfer window closes in September, leaving uncertainty over Savinho's future. Guardiola remains hopeful but pragmatic about potential exits. - AFP
The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
Former Everton midfielder Doucoure joins Neom
FORMER Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure has joined Neom on a free transfer, the Saudi top-flight club said on Friday. The 32-year-old Doucoure has moved to Neom, who will play in the Saudi Pro League for the first time this season, after his contract with Everton expired in June after a five-year spell. 'Football was not just a game, it was my dream, my heartbeat, my whole life,' Doucoure said in a video posted on his new club's X account. 'And today, it's time for my new journey with Neom. The story isn't over, this is just the beginning', he added. Doucoure made 166 appearances for Everton in all competitions, scoring 21 goals. Neom have signed several players in the clsoe season, including French striker Alexandre Lacazette, Polish goalkeeper Marcin Bulka and Ivorian midfielder Amadou Kone. Neom begin their Saudi Pro League campaign against Al-Ahli on August 28. - Reuters
The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
France forward Coman joins Al-Nassr from Bayern
FRANCE forward Kingsley Coman has joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr from Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich on a three-year deal, the two clubs said on Friday. 'Al-Nassr ... officially signed a contract with the French star Kingsley Coman', Al-Nassr said in a statement on X. 'Coman's contract will be valid until 2028.' The 29-year-old forward joined Bayern on loan from Juventus in 2015 before the transfer was made permanent two years later. 'Ten years after first joining Bayern, Kingsley Coman has left Munich to join Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia,' the Bavarian club said on its website. Coman won nine Bundesliga titles, the Champions League and Club World Cup at Bayern. He got the winner in the 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the 2020 Champions League final. - Reuters
