Cerezo in top gear for Motors clash

Osaka: Cerezo Osaka head to Korea and the second-leg of their 2011 AFC Champions League quarter-final clash with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors buoyed by a 6-0 win over Montedio Yamagata in their Round 27J.League fixture on Friday.
After the seven-goal first-leg thriller against Jeonbuk, Cerezo put in a tired performance upon their return to domestic duty last Saturday.
But with a place in the final four of Asia's premier club competition at stake, Cerezo gave the 2006 ACL champions a timely reminder of their attacking prowess as six different players got on the score sheet in Friday's romp over Montedio.
Ryuji Bando and Kota Fujimoto gave Levir Culpi's side a two-goal cushion going into the break with goals in the 24^th and 28^th minutes respectively before Noriyuki Sakemoto extended Cerezo's lead a minute after the restart.
Takahiro Ogihara made it 4-0 three minutes later but the goals dried up until final five minutes, with Brazilian midfielder Fabio Lopes grabbing the fifth in the 85^thminute before substitute Yohei Otake sealed the win from the spot sixty seconds later to give Cerezo a massive fillip ahead of Tuesday's meeting with Jeonbuk.

http://www.the-afc.com/en/tournaments/clubs/afc-champions-league/36506-cerezo-in-top-gear-for-motors-clash

Taiwan Power win AFC President's Cup

Kaohsiung: Two goals from He Ming-chan and another from Chen Po-liang saw Taiwan Power Company lift the AFC President's Cup 2011 with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Phnom Penh Crown.
He twice put the home side, who also missed a second-half penalty, in front at the National Stadium and Chen netted what proved to be a crucial third goal as they were reduced to 10 men with 13 minutes to go after Chen Yu-lin was dismissed for a professional foul.
There was controversy just before the end, however, as three Phnom Penh players were sent off for shoving the referee.
Taiwan Power got off to the best possible start when Kuo Yin-hung's cross from the right picked out an unmarked He and he headed home from close range.
Crown settled after that early setback and Sun Sovannarith's dangerous low cross was turned behind by Lee Meng-chian at the far post with Kingsley Njoku lurking.
Chan Chaya then overran the ball in the box when clear, allowing keeper Pan Wei-chih to gather, but the Cambodians did level in the 34^th minute.
A long pass forward was collected by Khim Borey in the box and while the midfielder appeared to dally, Njoku nipped in to fire the ball into the back of the net.
A minute later, Chen Po-liang weaved through a couple of challenges but Peng Bunchay beat away his shot before Kuo curled a free-kick towards the top corner that was clawed away by the Crown keeper as the sides went in even at the break.
It took just two minutes of the second-half for Taiwan Power to re-establish their lead, though, as a swift break ended with Chen Po-liang feeding He and he forged into the box before slotting into the bottom corner.
The hosts then missed a great opportunity to extend their lead in the 64^th minute when a defensive error allowed Chen Po-liang to break into the box before he was brought down by Anthony Obadin but Hung Kai-chun skied the penalty over the bar.
It was not to prove costly, however, as Hung advanced down the left two minutes later and his cross slipped through Bunchay's hands, allowing Chen Po-liang to finish into an empty net.
The hosts, though, were reduced to 10 men in the 77^th minute when Chen Yu-lin pulled back Sok Pheng as he chased a through ball but Sun Sopanha drove the free-kick straight at the wall.
Crown gave themselves hope with eight minutes to go when San Narith headed in Sovannrithy's corner at the back post and with time running out, Kouch Sokumpheak latched onto a ball over the top but his weak shot was straight at keeper Pan.
The game ended on a sour note as Sovannrithy, Chaya and Narith were all sent-off for shoving Saudi referee Mohammed Al Awaji after he denied the Cambodians a penalty.

http://www.the-afc.com/en/tournaments/clubs/afc-presidents-cup/36523-phnom-penh-crown-v-taiwan-power-company

2014 FWCQ action: Coachspeak

Malaysia coach K Rajagopal. (AFP)

Kuala Lumpur: After a dramatic day of 2014 FIFA World Cup Round 1 (first leg) qualifying action, www.the-afc.com presents a round-up of the reactions of some coaches.

Malaysia 2-1 Chinese Taipei

Kuala Lumpur:  Malaysia face an uphill task in the second-leg against Chinese Taipei on Sunday after managing only a narrow 2-1 win yesterday at the Bukit Jalil Stadium in front of 45,000 fans.

“We started sloppily and struggled to play to our tempo against a very committed Chinese Taipei side,” Coach K Rajagopal said at the post-match press conference.

“The introduction of substitute striker Abdul Hadi Yahya injected a much-needed boost to our play and it resulted in our opening goal. There was better penetration on the right flank.

“We played with better pace after the break but our defenders dozed off, causing us to concede a goal late into the game.”

Chinese Taipei coach Lo Chih-tsung, meanwhile, was happy with his men’s performance, especially after picking up a vital away goal.

“We came here with the aim of getting an away goal and we did it. This is the first time my men are playing in front of such a big crowd,” said the coach. “They played to instructions and that was to counter Malaysian game. But it will be different at home.”


Sri Lanka 1-1 Philippines

Colombo: Nate Burkey’s equaliser five minutes into the second-half saw the Azkals neutralise Chathura Gunarathna's 43rd minute lead for Sri Lanka at the Sugathdasa Stadium and the Philippines team manager Dan Palama believes they can win the return leg at home on 3 July.  

“There’s work to be done, but I know we can make the job done in Manila,” Palami said, referring to Sunday’s match-up, which is expected to be attended by a record crowd at the Rizal Football Stadium.


Bangladesh 3-0 Pakistan

Dhaka: Bangladesh put one leg in the second round of qualifiers with a thumping 3-0 win over Pakistan on a rain-soaked Wednesday and the losing coach lamented that the weather did his men in.

“We could have played better,” Pakistan coach Tariq Lutfi told The Express Tribune. “But the weather helped Bangladesh.”

The return leg takes place at the Punjab Stadium. 


Nepal 2 -1 Timor Leste

Kathmandu: A 71st minute Ju Manu Rai goal saw Nepal edge their resilient rivals at the Dashrath Stadium after team mate Anil Gurung's opener was cancelled out by Juvito Da Silva. The hosts were reduced to 10 men in second half when Bharat Kawas was red-carded.

Nepal coach Graham Roberts, however, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance.

"We dominated the field. We had 16 chances on the goal. I think the decision of sending Bharat off was wrong", Roberts said. 

Nepal captain Sagar Thapa admitted that the match was tough against them. 

"It was a tough match but we did it", Thapa said.

Timor coach Carlos Viera said his men “didn’t play that bad”.

"Well, What do i say. We didn't play that bad. We could have won the match, having numerical advantage. However, the result is good for us as we have one more match to prove what we are,” said Viera. 

“Nepal are no different from us. We played same football.”

http://www.the-afc.com

Japan, Uzbekistan's QF appearance expected: Selby

Japan's Takumi Minamino (L) celebrates his goal with Hideki Ishige after scoring against New Zealand in the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Photo by Jeff Mitchell - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Kuala Lumpur: AFC’s Director of Coach Education Jim Selby is convinced that Japan, Australia and Uzbekistan’s advancing to the Round of 16 of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Mexico is an expected outcome.

Selby believes that a combination of important factors present consistently over years or decades increases the chances of doing well at youth world tournaments and sets a foundation for future World Cups. 

“In fact the same combination exists in the nations that have gone far in the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar this year which again included Japan, Australia, Uzbekistan and the likes of them,” the Australian told the-afc.com.

Uzbekistan tamed fellow Asians Australia 4-0 while the Samurai Blue juniors thrashed New Zealand 6-0 to punch their tickets to the last eight of the youth tournament whose matches will take place on July 3 and 4. Uzbekistan is set to face Uruguay and Japan will clash with Brazil in the quarterfinal.

The experienced coach educator and team coach has said a long-term and contestant’s success does not happen by chance – in fact countries who regularly perform well on the international stage have several common factors that lead to a better on-field performance:

Selby listed the following combination of factors:  

- Well-Structured and Funded Technical Plan For Football Development Within Their Country (domestic and international programs): Supported by an effective Technical Department and expert staff.

- Talented Player Identification as well as Selection Methods and Criteria: Bench-marked against world standards and future requirements.

- Talented Player Development and Competition Programmes: Again bench-marked against world standards and future requirements.

- Grassroots Football Structure: Development of future stars and their foundation

- High Performance Department focusing on the international stage as well as technical and tactical needs.

- Pathways for the development and exposure of talented players and coaches at the international level. 

Abbosbek Makhstaliev (R) celebrates after scoring against Australia in the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Photo by Ian Walton - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

 

- Sports science and sports medicine personnel for players’ welfare and health.

- A national commitment to funds, people, resources, time and a strong desire to implement a systematic plan to be successful at international tournaments.

Selby has said that there is no 100-percent guarantee that the above factors will clinch the crown but the chances of doing so are much higher.

“There is no guarantee, but then if AFC member associations structure their technical development framework taking into account these factors, their chances will go much higher and vice versa. 

“I can see that Japan and Australia have such a combination in place while Uzbekistan is developing such a system and has the advantage of a European influence on their football. 

“Many established youth teams such as Spain, France, Germany, Holland and Argentina have had long implementation phases with a combination of these important factors and they have been highly successful,” he said.

Selby has also commended Japan and Uzbekistan in terms of team performance on the group stage.

“Japan and Uzbekistan emerge top in their groups. The Central Asians have humbled powerhouses the USA and Czech Republic while Japan have conquered the big teams, France and Argentina. 

“So, they have produced very good results. These are very significant achievements that will 


http://www.the-afc.com

AFC Cup MD3 match officials

Kuala Lumpur: AFC has appointed following match officials for third match day of the 2011 AFC Cup to be played on April 12 and 13. GROUP A Al Tilal (YEM) vs Al Ansar (LIB) Referee: Kadhoum Odah Lazeem Al-Saedi (IRQ) AR1: Luay Subhi Adib Al-Azawi (IRQ) AR2: Ahmed Abdulhussein Saeed Al-Mayali (IRQ) Fourth official: Haitham Mohammed Ali Al-Tameemi (IRQ) Dempo SC (IND) vs Nasaf (UZB) Referee: Mohammad Mousa Khalaf Abu Loum (JOR) AR1: Fawwaz Mohammad Issa Alnaimat (JOR) AR2: Waleed Abdelrahman A. Abuhashish (JOR) Fourth official: Suleiman Salameh Dalgham Jaber (JOR) GROUP B Al Qadsia (KUW) vs Al Saqr (YEM)  Referee:  Ali Sabbagh (LIB) AR1: Adi Ali (LIB) AR2: Hadi El Kassar (LIB) Fourth official: Yasser Naseeb Saleem Al Rawahi (OMA) Shurtan (UZB) vs Al Ittihad (SYR) Referee: Charymurat Kurbanov (TKM) AR1: Begench Allaberdiyev (TKM) AR2: Igor Barabash  (TKM) Fourth official: Ravshan Ishmatov (TJK) GROUP C Al Faisaly (JOR) vs Al Nasr (KUW) Referee: Aonruk Apisit (THA) AR1: Inkaew Thaweep (THA) AR2:  Kangram Preecha (THA) Fourth official: Fahad Adwan Al Mirdasi (KSA) Al Jaish (SYR) vs Duhok (IRQ) Referee: Kim Sang Woo (KOR) AR1: Kang Do Joon (KOR) AR2: Yoon Kwangyeol (KOR) Fourth official: Hamad Ahmed Abdullah H A Bin Alshaikh Hashmi (UAE) GROUP D Al Suwaiq (OMA) vs Al Talaba (IRQ) Referee: Liu Kwok Man (HKG) AR1: Chan Shui Hung (HKG) AR2: Chung Ming Sang (HKG) Fourth official: Abdulshaheed Abdulameer Hasan Abbas Mohamed (BHR) Kuwait SC (KUW) vs Al Wehdat (JOR) Referee: Sato Ryuji (JPN) AR1: Toshiyuki Nagi (JPN) AR2: Mhd Jawdat Nehlawi (SYR) Fourth official: Masoud Tufaylieh (SYR) GROUP E Arbil (IRQ) vs Al Arouba (OMA) Referee: Muokhtar Saleh Ali Al-Yarimi (YEM) AR1: Anaam Ahmed Qiad Saif (YEM) AR2: Shqran Hussein Omer Abdullah (YEM) Fourth official: Ali Gawf Ali Bary (YEM) Al Ahed FC (LIB) vs Al Karamah (SYR) Referee: Mahapab Chaiya (THA) AR1: Saiwaew Sumate (THA) AR2: Manop Pansakorn (THA) Fourth official: Mohammad Salem Abdallah Alrshaidat (JOR) GROUP F Sriwijaya (IDN) vs Song Lam Nghe An (VIE) Referee: Ko Hyung Jin (KOR) AR1: Jang Junmo (KOR) AR2: Kim Youngha (KOR) Fourth official: Abdul Hannan Miron (BAN) V.B. (MDV) vs TSW Pegasus (HKG) Referee: Ali M H M T Shaban (KUW) AR1: Yaser A. M. A. A. Marad (KUW) AR2: Sulaiman S S F Alshammari (KIUW) Fourth official: Mahmoud A H A Blooshi (KUW) GROUP G   Hanoi T&T (VIE) vs Tampines Rovers FC (SIN) Referee: Pratap Singh (IND) AR1: Dinesh Madhavan Nair (IND) AR2: Cheruvathur Kurian Shaji (IND) Fourth official: Rowan Arumughan (IND) Muang Thong United (THA) vs Victory SC (MDV) Referee: Mohd Nafeez Bin Abdul Wahab (MAS) AR1: Azman Bin Ismail (MAS) AR2: Mohammad Hanif Bin Abdul Rahman (MAS) Fourth official: Gamini Nivon Robesh (SRI) GROUP H   Persipura Jayapura (IDN) vs Chonburi Football Club (THA) Referee: Yu Ming Hsun (TPE) AR1: Hsu Min Yu (TPE) AR2: Han Wei (CHN) Fourth official: Ma Ning (CHN) South China (HKG) vs East Bengal (IND) Referee: Sgt Win Cho (MYA) AR1: Myo Win (MYA) AR2: Aung Moe (MYA) Fourth official: Win Htut (MYA) http://www.the-afc.com/

Sepahan, Nagoya go for Fair Play

Sepahan team.

Kuala Lumpur: Iran’s Sepahan and Japanese outfit Nagoya Grampus are jointly on top in the disciplinary stakes with the least number of cautions in the AFC Champions League 2011. 

Sepahan, the 2007 continental runners-up, and Nagoya have received only one caution each.

Sepahan have won all their three matches to top Group A with nine points while Nagoya are languishing at the bottom of Group F with one point from two games. 
They will play their third match on April 12 against UAE’s Al Ain.

Korea Republic’s Jeju United, Al Ain and Japan’s Kashima Antlers are following the leaders with two cautions each while three players each from Melbourne Victory (Australia), FC Seoul (Korea Republic), Hangzhou Greentown (China) and Sydney FC (Australia) picked up yellow cards.

Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr have the most yellow cards with their tally reaching 13 apart from one red card. Chinese side Shandong Luneng have 12 yellow and one red card.


http://www.the-afc.com/

Pace of professionalisation hailed

AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam making a point during the Workshop for CEOs of Professional Leagues in Bangkok on Saturday. Bangkok: AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam has hailed the pace at which professionalisation was sweeping Asian club football, calling upon the Chief Executives of Asian leagues to keep up the momentum. The AFC President was addressing the Chief Executives of 12 top Asian Leagues here in the capital of Thailand on Saturday at the first Workshop for CEOs of Professional Leagues in Asia. Football Association of Thailand (FAT) President Dato Worawi Makudi, who is also a FIFA Executive Committee member, also attended the workshop. “Two or three years ago a meeting of Chief Executives of Asian leagues like this was unthinkable. But today you are all here and this is proof of the progress we are making,” said Bin Hammam in his opening speech. “The reports of the Special Mission Teams have been very positive and very encouraging and we have moved forward in the last two years. But we need to go further. “Success doesn’t come by coincidence. It comes through planning, hard efforts and patience. We need to gauge our strengths and weaknesses and work on the latter,” said Bin Hammam. “AFC is not less than any confederation. Today Asia has the economy, the potential and the passion for football. We (Asian football) have everything to be No 1 in the world. Don’t underestimate your potential. “You are the architects of your leagues but don’t stop at thinking only about your own leagues. Dream big…of spreading your football and professional practices to other countries.  Only planning can make this happen,” added the AFC chief. FAT President Makudi said the workshop enabled the participants to come together and brainstorm for the good of the game. “You as the CEO are very important for the development of the game in Asia. Today you can meet each other and exchange ideas,” said Makudi, who also praised the AFC President’s initiative in ushering in an era of professionalism in the continent. UAE Football League CEO Carlo Nohra pointed out the vast changes in attitude brought about by the changes on professional lines AFC was insisting upon. “In the UAE the intention is to create a commercial base for clubs so that in the long run they can survive on their own without depending on government grants,” said Nohra.  “The benefits of the professional  leagues project is the formation of the UAE League and an organization that is legally empowered by the FA to run its affairs, and the income that is being generated by the league is going to the clubs.” AFC Tournament Director Tokuaki Suzuki said he was looking forward to more similar workshops in the future. “The key person for us is the league CEO and all the CEOs contributed their ideas in lifting the standards of the game in Asian and taking it outside the continent,” said Suzuki. “There are many more important topics and issues to be discussed and, considering that this was only our first meeting, I think the outcome was quite productive. http://www.the-afc.com/

Asian refs focus in AFC conference

Toshio Utsumi Kuala Lumpur: FIFA / AFC referee fitness instructor Toshio Utsumi will shed light on the physical prowess of Asian referees when he delivers his talk as one of the main speakers at the 4th AFC Conference 2011 on Science and Football Medicine here in the capital of Malaysia on 18-20 March 2011. His main presentation will be a lecture entitled “2010 FIFA World Cup: The Referee’s Fitness Preparation - An In-Depth Explanation of Protocol and Methodologies” which will take place on March 18. The Japanese expert will also make two symposium appearances to present his findings entitled “2008-2010 Referees’ Fitness Data Analysis: Physical Data Summary Comparing FIFA and AFC” and “2010 FIFA World Cup Match Data Analysis: Physical Data Summary Comparing AFC and Other Confederations”. Utsumi is currently working in FIFA as a Refereeing Assistance Program (RAP) Physical Fitness Instructor and AFC Elite Referee Fitness Instructor. He has vast experience in conducting physical conditioning training programmes and holds a Master Degree in Physical Education Exercise and Sports Science specialising as an Athletic Trainer and a Bachelor of Science in Physiology from the University of North Carolina, USA. The AFC’s world-renowned conference has drawn the participation of some 400 delegates from around the world who are experts in health science and football medicine. http://www.the-afc.com/

Japan cancel friendly, plan charity tie

Tokyo: Japan have cancelled a home international friendly scheduled for next week but said it would host a charity match to lift spirits after the devastating earthquake and tsunami. Japanese football bosses scrapped the tie against Montenegro on March 25 but said they hoped to go ahead with a planned fixture against another quake-hit nation, New Zealand, on March 29 and turn it into a charity event. The Samurai Blue, who won a record fourth AFC Asian Cup in January, had been due to play Montenegro in Shizuoka in central Japan and New Zealand at Tokyo's National Stadium. "We have made the decision by taking into account such factors as the unfolding extent of enormous damage, fears over 'lifeline' necessities including electricity, confusion in public transportation and the safety of the stadiums and the visitors," the Japan Football Association (JFA) said. The association said it was negotiating with New Zealand to stage the match on March 29 as planned but in Japan's second city of Osaka, far away from the devastated coast where a nuclear emergency is unfolding. "We hope to play New Zealand, which like Japan has also suffered damage from a big earthquake," said JFA president Junji Ogura. Ogura said that a domestic team would play the Samurai Blue if the All Whites opted out. National football coach Alberto Zaccheroni said he wanted to use the match in Osaka to lift spirits. "I want to encourage people in the affected areas as much as possible," the 57-year-old Italian said in a message from Italy. "I want to use this event as my first step to assist the affected people in their reconstruction drive." Japan captain and Wolfsburg midfielder Makoto Hasebe said he was willing to come home for the charity match. "We could unite as one and give full play to our potential at the World Cup and the Asian Cup because all of Japan cheered for us. I want to repay them," he said. A 9.0-magnitude quake and monster tsunami waves on Friday devastated the coastal area northeast of Tokyo, and triggered a major emergency at the Fukushima No.1 nuclear power plant. Many high-profile sporting events including J-League matches and two AFC Champions League games this week, involving J-League sides Kashima Antlers and Nagoya Grampus, were also postponed. The J-League has decided to shut the first and second divisions for the rest of the month, with an extension of that suspension seen as likely. Meanwhile, Japan are still planning to take part in the Copa America, the South American championship, in July despite a possible clash with rescheduled J-League games. "Our plan to take part in the Copa America remains as it is now. We have not touched it," an FA official said. http://www.the-afc.com/

Rajevac is new Qatar coach

Doha: Serbian Milovan Rajevac has signed a three-year deal to become the new coach of AFC Asian Cup 2011 hosts Qatar.

Frenchman Bruno Metsu was sacked following Qatar's exit at the quarter-final stage of premier Asian competition in Doha last month.

Rajevac had a successful international stint with Ghana, whom he led to the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations and to the quarter-finals of last year's World Cup.

Qatar Football Association president, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, has expressed his delight at his appointment.

"We wanted to have a good coach to replace (Bruno) Metsu and we know that (Milovan) Rajevac is a great coach," he said.

"He has previous experience of working in Qatar as his compatriot Bora Milutinovic's assistant at the Al Sadd Club (2004-05) and this should help him a lot."

The 57-year-old quit Ghana after the World Cup and joined Saudi Arabian outfit Al Ahli before moving to Qatar.

http://www.the-afc.com/

Bunyodkor unveil 11 new players

Tashkent: Uzbekistan champions Bunyodkor have unveiled 11 new players for the new season, three days before starting their AFC Champions League campaign away against UAE’s Al Wahda.

Coach Mirdjalal Kasimov expressed hope that the players will make every effort to achieve higher goals this season.

“A group of players left the team last season but their places have been taken by worthy replacements. I believe the team will now make every effort to achieve higher goals this season,” he said.

Milos Trifunovic, Slavoljub Djordjevic, Sasa Dordevic (all Serbia), Karim Izrailov (Kyrgyzstan), Javlon Ibragimov, Akmal Shorakhmedov, Islom Inomov, Ivan Nagaev, Kamoliddin Murzoev, Umidbek Tajimov and Askar Jadigerov (all Uzbekistan) have joined the ACL Group C hopefuls.

Kasimov’s charges had a training camp in Antalya, Turkey, from February 4-22 and travelled to Dubai on Friday for the final stage of preparations before meeting Al Wahda in Abu Dhabi.

“We played five friendly games in Turkey which helped in coordination and team building. Our players are now willing to fight for the honour of the club and justify the confidence of the fans.”

www.afc.com

Suzuki hopes for more clubs in ACL 2012

Tokuaki Suzuki

Kuala Lumpur: AFC Competitions Director Tokuaki Suzuki is hoping to see more countries qualify for the AFC Champions League 2012 through the Special Mission Team projects for this year, which kicked off in China on February 25, 2011.

Last year, Suzuki’s team visited 11 countries to inspect their FAs, leagues, clubs and stadiums to verify whether they met the AFC Champions League criteria, however, only Japan met the stipulated conditions.

Suzuki told the-afc.com: “This year, we will inspect again the other 10 countries and Singapore to see if they can meet the criteria by improving the situations mainly around their leagues, clubs and stadiums."

"After all the inspections in 2010, we produced a very good assessment report. I believe that it may be the first report on professional football in AFC history. It shall provide a better understanding of the current situations around the clubs and leagues in the ACL participating countries."

Suzuki has promised this year’s SMT visit to be different from the previous one and emphasised on its importance.

He said: "The main difference of the inspections between 2010 and 2011 is that we will conduct a workshop in each country to help clubs and leagues understand each element for building a professional football platform.

“We may touch on items such as competition, marketing, media, legal and finance if necessary. I am sure that the workshop will give a clear idea to the clubs and help them meet the criteria in the end."

"The inspections this year will be critical for us to decide the participating number of clubs in 2012. We will strictly apply our criteria for an entry to the AFC Champions League 2012 and I look forward to seeing improvements in those countries."

Suzuki has expressed satisfaction for the results of the efforts made by the member associations involved in the professional football project.

"After an inception of the professional project, we reckon that the infrastructure and systems of those countries have made a significant improvement. For example, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have put a lot of efforts to meet the AFC Champions League criteria and it does help the leagues and clubs become more professional and healthier organisations. It would take more time, but I am sure that the clubs and leagues will be rewarded for their hard work in the near future."

"Our goal is very clear. Through this project, we will produce more professional leagues and clubs in Asia, which can compete in the world’s football stage in the end. If we succeed in this project, it won't take that long to see World Champions from Asia."


http://www.the-afc.com/

Bonanza for AFF Cup heroes

FAM president Sultan Ahmad Shah with players and officials of the national team at Wisma FAM yesterday. — Picture by Osman Adnan

THE AFF Suzuki Cup-winning team received a whopping RM1.24 million reward from the FA of Malaysia (FAM) yesterday. The 22-member squad, together with national coach K. Rajagobal, received RM50,000 each while nine support staff will each get RM10,000 from FAM president Sultan Ahmad Shah.

The national players, however, upon receiving their rewards, were reminded by Sultan Ahmad to use their AFF Suzuki Cup success as a stepping stone for greater achievements.

"I am the happiest man as far as football is concerned. We are the best team in this region but we need to build upon it to attain greater heights," Sultan Ahmad told reporters at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya yesterday.
"We are now in a new era of local football. But all of us need to work hand-in-hand in order to succeed. The team must commit and dedicate themselves, like they did in the AFF Cup, from now.

"And to achieve that, our players must also play regular friendly matches to maintain their momentum for priority competitions."

According to Sultan Ahmad, the federal government has promised to financially assist the national team in their preparation for major tournaments.

"We are thinking of sending the team abroad for at least once a month for friendlies in Europe, East Asia and the Middle East. Our team will definitely improve playing against tougher opponents like Japan and South Korea.

"However, our players need to commit themselves to the game and be careful about how they conduct themselves as they carry the nation's hopes in competitions," said Sultan Ahmad.

He also wants the Young Tigers 'A' team, under coach Ong Kim Swee, to make an impact on the 2012 Olympic Asian Zone Qualifiers.

"I want the team to go for it. It is not an impossible dream to qualify for the Olympics as we have done it before," said the former Asian Football Confederation president.

The Olympic squad open their campaign against Pakistan in the two-leg Qualifiers. The first leg is on Feb 23 at the Shah Alam Stadium and the return leg in Lahore on March 9.

On whether Rajagobal or Kim Swee will coach the Under-23 team bound for the Indonesia Sea Games, Sultan Ahmad said it will be decided next week.

"The preparation for the Sea Games is continuous as those eligible are with either the national team or the Olympic squad."

Read more: Bonanza for AFF Cup heroes http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/39ajitreward/Article#ixzz1DwqH4w1A

Elite women's refs praised

On the seated row, Touati (2R), Denoncourt (3R) and Hunt (2L) with their course partiicipants.

Kuala Lumpur: The instructors at the AFC Elite Women’s Referees' Course going on here from February 9 to 13, 2011, are impressed with the level of confidence, courage and leadership their course participants have displayed during the course.

They said these characteristics are very important and a must in order for one to become a good and effective referee especially in times of particularly challenging matches.

The course is attended by 20 top Asian women’s referees and is held as one of the programmes in the second part of the AFC Elite Education Seminar 2011 carried out from February 9 to 23, the largest football educational fair in the continent.

Instructor from Canada Sonia Denoncourt praised her participants: “The referees have displayed strong courage and leadership traits by coming clean before their fellow course participants with the mistakes they have committed in the past. Admitting our mistakes is the first humble step towards learning and growing.”

Sandra Hunt, an instructor from the USA, said: “It’s OK to make mistakes as long as the participants learn from the mistakes and never repeat them. It’s oftentimes through mistakes that we have the chance to make self analysis.

“Sometimes, the best teacher is the tough match where you made mistakes,” she said.

Kader Touati, fitness instructor from Tahiti, also commended the participants for their selfless and open accounts of their experiences, saying: “The participants’ accounts of their mistakes will be great learning opportunities for their colleagues.”

One of the modules in the course involves the participants sharing their good and bad experiences during the matches they officiated in 2010.

http://www.the-afc.com/

Sriwijaya 2-2 Muang Thong United. aet (7-6 pens)

Palembang: Sriwijaya defeated Muang Thong United 7-6 on penalties following a 2-2 draw after extra time in a thrilling AFC Champions League East Zone playoff at Jakabaring Stadium on Saturday.

The two sides shared one goal each in normal time and both scored another in extra time to ensure the encounter had to be settled by spot kicks.

There it was hosts Sriwijaya who came out on top, winning the shootout with Supardi converting the decisive effort after Weerawut Khayem’s penalty was saved by Ferry Rotinsulu.

Muang Thong were quick out of the blocks and forced Sriwijaya to defend in the first 20 minutes, with Pichitphong Choeichiu and Datsakorn Thonglao both having chances.

But Sriwijaya finally came to life when captain Keith Gumbs, who was surprisingly benched by coach Ivan Kolev, replaced Rudi Widodo in 36th minute.

Gumbs made an immediate impression and was distributing the ball all over the area and with the 38-year-old playing upfront, Ponaryo Astaman received more freedom to roam.

It was Ponaryo who sent a glorious long pass to free Arif Suyono just before the break and the Indonesia international delivered a perfect cross to Rendy Siregar, who connected with a volley that was superbly saved superbly by Muang Thong keeper Kawin Thamsatchanan.

But the hosts were not to be denied drawing first blood in the 49th minute when Gumbs’ free-kick took a deflection off a defender and went beyond Kawin’s reach.

Gumbs almost had a second in the 75th minute when he was sent through on goal but Kawin produced another fine save to keep his side in the game.

It was to prove a crucial intervention as the Thais equalised with nine minutes remaining when Datsakorn hit a wonderful curling free-kick into the back of the net.

Things took a turn for the worse minutes later though when Muang Thong were reduced to 10 men after Panupong Wongsa was shown his second yellow card for a foul on Gumbs, but the score-line remained the same after 90 minutes and the match went to extra time.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Muang Thong went ahead in the 93rd minute after Teerasil Dangda sent a delightful lob over Rotinsulu.

It seemed like lady luck was not with Sriwijaya after series of wasted chances, but the Indonesian side finally pulled level after Thierry Gautessi connected to Budi Sudarsono’s 113th minute cross with a powerful header.

Sriwijaya had the chance to clinch the match after Ponaryo jinked past the keeper in the 124th minute but Gumbs failed to apply the finish and the match went to penalties.

http://www.the-afc.com/

Lookout Indonesia! Here comes Safee

Safee Sali poses with the Pelita Jaya club jersey at the FAS head office in Kelana Jaya yesterday. — Picture by Osman Adnan

SAFEE Sali has agreed to a one year contract with Indonesian Super League (ISL) side Pelita Jaya FC for an undisclosed sum. The striker hopes the stint will be a stepping stone for him to get recognised as a respectable footballer.

The 27-year-old, who plays his last Super League match for Selangor on Saturday, will pen his signature with his new club, based in Kerawang in Jawa, on Feb 14.

"I have been dreaming of this since 2007, the year, I earned my first national cap. I thank Selangor for giving me this chance to play abroad. I won't waste this opportunity," Safee told reporters at the FA of Selangor (FAS) head office in Kelana Jaya yesterday.
"It will be a challenging experience as the league in Indonesia is competitive. I hope to help my new club achieve greatness and at the same time, help raise my profile as a player. My dream is to play in better leagues after my stint in Indonesia."

According to the yet-be-signed deal, Safee will re-join Selangor after his contract with Pelita Jaya expires on Jan 31, 2012.

If Pelita, in any case, want to extend his contract, they will need to renegotiate with the FA of Selangor (FAS). It is learnt that Safee has been offered an attractive deal, believed to be in the region of US$10,000 (RM30,360)-a-month, which is much higher than what he's getting with Selangor.

Safee, who wears No 10 for Selangor and the national team, will also wear the same number for his new club.

"I first wore No 10 when I was with the Sarawak team. The team manager felt I should wear No 10 as I reminded him of Mokhtar Dahari.

"Ever since then I've been wearing No 10 and, somehow, it has made me a better player. I hope it will also bring me luck in Indonesia," added Safee, who made his debut in the M-League with Kuala Lumpur.

The striker is aware that he will be a marked man, from both the fans and rival teams, after his exploits in the AFC Cup where he helped the national team lift the trophy for the first time.

"I will need to keep a low profile in Indonesia as the fans and media are passionate about their football. But I am confident I will be well taken care of by my club," said Safee, who has won everything except the Malaysia Cup in the M-League.

He also stressed that his commitment to the national team will continue. "I have discussed this with national coach K. Rajagobal and he has also given his blessing. We do not have many international assignments except for the World Cup Qualifiers. I will definitely be available," he said.

On his expectations in Indonesia, Safee hopes to help Pelita Jaya make impact in ISL's second round which starts early next month.

"Pelita wanted me because they do not have a goal-poacher in their squad. I hope to contribute significantly to help them achieve something in the second round," he said.

Safee's deal with Pelita was negotiated by FAS and according to its secretary general Datuk Hamidin Amin, three other Selangor players had also received offers from Indonesian clubs.

"We rejected other offers as we had already released Safee. However, I informed these clubs to make another offer after the M-League season ends in October," said Hamidin, adding that the other offers were also for players, who donned national colours in the AFC Cup.

Read more: Football: Lookout Indonesia! Here comes Safee http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/l_2ke1/Article#ixzz1DNlo4HVv

All set for ACL play-offs

Kuala Lumpur: Less than a fortnight after the conclusion of a highly entertaining AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011™, Asian club football moves into gear with the AFC Champions League play-offs kicking off on Saturday, 12 February.
Six teams are vying for two spots in the 2011 edition of the AFC Champions League, Asia’s richest club tournament.

From the West are three sides: AFC Cup 2010 champions Al Ittihad of Syria, Dempo SC of India, and Qatari heavyweights Al Sadd.

On the Eastern front the UAE’s Al Ain, who won the inaugural title in 2002-03, Thailand’s rising power Muang Thong United, and Indonesian club Sriwijaya.

The first leg of action will see Al Sadd clash with Al Ittihad at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium while Sriwijaya will host Muang Thong at their Jaka Baring Stadium stronghold.

In the decisive second leg on 19 February, the winners of the Al Sadd-Al Itthad match will play Dempo with the victors joining Al Nasr (Saudi Arabia), Esteghlal (Iran), and Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor in Group B of the AFC Champions League.

On the other side of the continent, Al Ain will play the winners of the Sriwijaya-Muang Thong encounter on 19 February with the side which comes out on top progressing to Group F where FC Seoul (Korea Republic), Hangzhou Greentown (China) and Nagoya Grampus (Japan) are waiting.

The losers will play in the second-tier AFC Cup.

The group phase of the continental showcase kicks off on 1 and 2 March and winds up on 10 and 11 May, setting the stage for the Round of 16.

http://www.the-afc.com/