Latest news with #AFCChallengeLeague
Belfast Telegraph
a day ago
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Son of former Ballinamallard United boss takes charge of Cambodian champions: ‘This is a huge moment in my career'
The 32-year-old, who is the son of former Ballinamallard United manager Harry, has been promoted from the role of assistant manager and has described the move as a 'huge moment in my career'. McConkey had previously coached at Under-20 level with Ballinamallard before taking his skills abroad. Now comes an opportunity to lead Svay Reing replacing Spaniard Pep Munoz who had been in charge for two years. McConkey knows the club well having been assistant boss since 2021, first working under Irishman Conor Nestor and then Nunez. Announced as the new man at the helm on Tuesday, McConkey said: 'When I was offered the position, I made up my mind in less than three seconds. 'This is a huge moment in my career. I'm grateful to the club and management for their trust, and I look forward to pushing together towards more success. Our goals are ambitious, and I'm ready to give everything to achieve them.' McConkey, who has a UEFA A Licence, takes over a side that have become used to success winning the Cambodian Premier League under Munoz in 2024 and 2025 This season Svay Reing made it to the final of the AFC Challenge League becoming the first from Cambodia to reach the decider of the Asian tournament's third-tier competition losing to FK Arkadag from Turkmenistan. McConkey, renowned for a strong work ethic, will aim to build on what went before having played a significant role in Svay Reing's recent triumphs as a number two. 'Many coaches aspire to lead a team like this. We can't be assistants forever,' said McConkey, a former pupil of Enniskillen Royal Grammar School. The Fermanagh man is not the first person from Northern Ireland to work with Svay Reing. Previously Belfast born Colum Curtis, who is the Sporting Director at Bangkok FC, was assistant boss at the club.
India Gazette
7 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Oscar Bruzon signs one-year extension with East Bengal FC
ANI 29 May 2025, 23:51 GMT+10 New Delhi [India], May 29 (ANI): Indian Super League (ISL) side East Bengal FC, on Thursday, announced that head coach Oscar Bruzon has signed a one-year contract extension, committing his future to the club until the end of the 2025-26 season. Under Bruzon's stewardship, the Red and Gold Brigade topped Group A and reached the quarter-finals of the inaugural AFC Challenge League last season, as per the ISL official website. Since taking charge midway through the season, the Spanish tactician led East Bengal to its highest points tally (28) in an ISL season, despite the club's poor start to the campaign. Fully supportive of Bruzon's vision, Vibhash Vardhan Agarwal of Emami Group said as quoted by the ISL website, 'Coach Oscar has brought a renewed sense of purpose to the team. His dedication to our vision of challenging for titles and ability to inspire both players and fans make him the ideal leader for our club's future.' Commenting on his extension, Bruzon said, 'I am thrilled to extend my journey with East Bengal FC for the upcoming season. While the previous season presented challenges, particularly after a slow start, we have collectively learned from those experiences and are now fully focused on reigniting the winning mentality that defines this great club. Our loyal supporters deserve nothing less than a team that reflects their passion, resilience and unwavering belief in East Bengal's legacy.' (ANI)
Arab Times
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Al-Arabi battles Al-Sulaibikhat as Amir Cup preliminary round concludes
KUWAIT CITY, May 22: The preliminary round of the Amir Cup concludes this evening with a rescheduled encounter between Al-Arabi and Al-Sulaibikhat, set to kick off at 7:10 pm at Ali Sabah Al-Salem Stadium. Originally slated for last April, the match was postponed due to Al-Arabi's involvement in the AFC Challenge League semi-finals. Tonight's match holds critical importance for Al-Arabi, who aim to turn the page on a difficult stretch that saw it miss out on two major titles within just eight days. It lost its chance at the Zain Premier League crown after a 2-1 defeat to Kuwait Club in the decisive round on May 11, followed by a narrow loss in the Crown Prince Cup final to Al-Abyad on Monday. The "Green" side enters the match not just seeking victory, but a fresh start. The team hopes to restore confidence, regain momentum, and launch a serious campaign in Kuwait's most prestigious knockout competition, now its last remaining opportunity for silverware this season. On the other side, Al-Sulaibikhat will be hoping to cause an upset and capitalize on Al-Arabi's recent misfortunes. However, its task is formidable. Al-Sulaibikhat recently missed out on promotion to the Zain Premier League after being held to a 1-1 draw by Al-Jahra in the final round of the Zain First Division League. It needed a win to secure promotion, but the result left it in third place, with Al-Shabab advancing instead. In another rescheduled fixture, Al-Qadsia secured a hard-fought 3-2 win over Burgan, booking a spot in the Amir Cup quarterfinals where it will face Al-Fahaheel this Sunday. Under the watchful eye of Syrian coach Firas Al-Khatib, the 'Yellows' looked in full control after racing to a 3-0 lead, courtesy of goals from Khaled Sabah (19'), Bader Al-Mutawa (22'), and Ismail Khafi (61'). But Burqan mounted a fierce comeback, with Hamoud Al-Sahli scoring twice (63' and 77') to narrow the gap and apply late pressure. Al-Qadsia nearly paid the price for its defensive complacency, but held on until the final whistle to seal the win. A moment of concern for Al-Qadsia came early in the match when defender Khaled Ibrahim collided with Burgan's Isaac James. Ibrahim was taken to the hospital, underwent medical tests, and has since been cleared to play in Sunday's quarterfinal.
Arab Times
17-04-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Al-Arabi's Hassan Hamdan discharged after head injury
KUWAIT CITY, April 17: Al-Arabi will resume training this evening following their return from Turkmenistan. The team was eliminated from the AFC Challenge League after suffering a 3-0 loss to Arkadag in the second leg of the semi-final. Looking ahead, Al-Arabi is preparing to face Al-Salmiya in the second round of the Zain Premier League Championship Group Stage, scheduled for the day after tomorrow. Currently, Al-Arabi sits in second place in the league with 46 points, just four points behind leaders Kuwait Club, with four rounds remaining. In other news, Al-Akhdar defender Hassan Hamdan has been discharged from the hospital after being admitted following a head injury during Al-Arabi's match against Arkadag. Hamdan lost consciousness early in the match and was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. According to Al-Arabi's official website, Hamdan underwent necessary tests, which revealed a mild concussion. By Hassan Mosa
Arab Times
16-04-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Al-Arabi exits the AFC Challenge League after a heavy defeat to Arkadag
ASHGABAT, April 16: Al-Arabi bowed out of the AFC Challenge League after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Turkmenistan's Arkadag in the second leg of the semi-finals, at the latter's home ground. Despite entering the match with a 2-0 lead from the first leg, secured through goals by Hamza Khaba and Salman Al-Awadhi, the "Greens" failed to maintain their advantage. Coach Nasser Al-Shatti fielded a lineup that included Suleiman Abdul Ghafoor in goal, a backline of Hamad Al-Qallaf, Hassan Hamdan, Sofiane Bouchar, and Jumaa Aboud, with Kamil Al-Aswad, Hussein Ashkanani, and Ali Khalaf in midfield, and Hamza Khaba, Wanayo Iwala, and Christopher John up front. Disaster struck early for Al-Arabi when defender Hassan Hamdan suffered an injury in the first minute following a rough challenge. Play was paused for five minutes before Hamdan was stretchered off, and Mohammed Khaled came on as his replacement. Arkadag capitalized on the disruption, scoring its opening goal in the 7th minute through Shenzar Turkishov, who fired a powerful shot into the bottom left corner past Abdul Ghafoor. Al-Arabi tried to respond with attacking efforts, but they struggled to break through Arkadag's organized defense. Meanwhile, the home team continued to threaten with aerial balls and crosses, keeping the pressure on until halftime. In the second half, Arkadag maintained its dominance. They doubled their lead in the 58th minute when substitute Anadiev pounced on a rebound from Turkishov's shot that hit both the post and Abdul Ghafoor before slotting it home. Seven minutes later, Bazgilich Gurbanov nearly made it 3-0, but Abdul Ghafoor produced a crucial save. Al-Shatti then brought on Youssef Majed and Salman Al-Awadhi in an attempt to turn the tide. Al-Arabi's performance improved, and they created several chances, including a clear one-on-one opportunity for Al-Awadhi in the 88th minute, but Rustam Ahaliev blocked the shot. Arkadag sealed the match just before the final whistle, when Anadiev sent in a low cross that Turkishov tapped into the net unmarked, completing his brace and confirming Al-Arabi's elimination from the tournament.
