AFC Cup Wednesday Review

Uzbekistan's Nasaf maintained a 100% AFC Cup record with a 2-1 comeback win over Syria's Al Jaish at Central Stadium.

Al Jaish had taken the lead inside the opening 20 minutes through Abdulrazzak Al Husain's free-kick only for Kamoliddin Murzoev to pull the home side level from the penalty spot 11 minutes after half-time.

And Ilhom Shamuradov sealed the comeback just five minutes later to see Nasaf top Group C alongside Kuwait's Kazma, who edged out Lebanon's Al Ahed 1-0.

Tareq Al Shemeri's ninth-minute penalty proved the difference at the Peace and Friendship Stadium in Kuwait City.

In Group H, Vietnam's Da Nang recorded a second consecutive 3-2 win as substitute Doan Hung Son capitalised on a last-minute goalmouth scramble to down Singapore's Geylang United.

With Thai Port bouncing back from their home defeat by Da Nang as Pitipong Kuldilok's deft chip just after half-time secured a 1-0 win over Tai Po in Hong Kong, Da Nang top the table three points clear of the Thai Premier League outfit.

With the other Group G meeting between Muang Thong and Indonesia's Persiwa postponed due to due to the political unrest in Thailand, VB maintained their 100% start with a 1-0 win over last year's beaten semi-finalists South China in Male.

Ali Afshaq took advantage of a goalkeeping error from South China's Ho Kwok Cheun midway through the first half to settle the contest at the National Stadium to leave the Hong Kong side winless after two games and VB five points clear.

Finally in Group D, Lebanon's Al Nejmeh recorded a first win with a 3-0 home triumph over India's East Bengal, who suffered a second straight defeat.

Senegalese striker Makhete Diop opened the scoring for the Lebanon League champions after 19 minutes before Abbas Atwi doubled the lead four minutes later.

And Bilal El Najjarine's 48th-minute penalty sealed a comfortable win for Al Nejmeh.

With Al Ittihad and Al Qadsia playing out a goalless draw at Aleppo International Stadium in Syria, Al Nejmeh joined Al Ittihad at the top of the table with four points two clear of Al Qadsia.

AFC Champions League Group D Review

Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal maintained their 100% start to the Asian Champions League with a 3-1 win over Iran's Mes Kerman in Group D.

Swedish midfielder Christian Wilhelmsson broke the deadlock after just three minutes at the King Fahd International Stadium after beating the Mes Kerman offside trap from Thiago Neves' defence splitting through ball.

And just 12 minutes later Wilhelmsson helped on a near post corner for Osama Hawsawi to head home from close range.

Hawsawi maintained Al Hilal's two-goal lead at the break with a last-gasp clearance off the line to deny Milad Sheikhfakhroddini.

After Thiago missed a penalty for the home side, Yasser Al Qahtani sealed the win with nine minutes remaining before Ali Samereh grabbed a stoppage time consolation for Mes Kerman.

With Qatar's Al Sadd demolishing Al Ahli 5-0, Al Hilal top the table three points clear of Al Sadd and Mes Kerman.

In Dubai, Brazilian striker Leandro scored a hat-trick as Al Sadd eased to victory over Henk ten Cate's hapless Al Ahli at Al Rashid Stadium.

Ali Hassan Yahya opened the scoring nine minutes before the break following Leandro's through ball before the Brazilian scored twice in quick succession to hand Al Sadd a deserved three-goal half-time lead.

The Brazilian was involved in Al Sadd's fourth as the home side worked the ball across the edge of the Al Ahli area before substitute Yusuf Ahmed fired home.

And with 14 minutes remaining Leandro completed his hat-trick with a close range finish.

AFC Champions League Group C Review

Angolan striker Flavio scored twice as Saudi Arabia's Al Shahab recorded a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan's Pakhtakor.

Flavio came close to opening the scoring midway through the first half after linking up with Camacho but could only fire straight at goalkeeper Temur Juraev.

Ahmed Ateef worked an opening on the edge of the Pakhtakor area just after the half-hour mark but blazed well wide.

After a tight first half at Pakhtakor Stadium Milorad Janjus headed onto top of the crossbar for the home side, but it was Al Shahab who broke the deadlock a minute after the hour mark as Flavio headed home Camacho's inviting free-kick.

And the Angolan added a second 12 minutes later with a smart finish after beating the Pakhtakor off-side trap.

Substitute Alisher Azizov headed home with 10 minutes remaining to give Pakhtakor hope, but Al Shahab substitute Ahmed Al Kaabi sealed the win with a breakaway goal in stoppage time as the visitors followed up their opening day draw with Iran's Sepahan to move to the top of Group C.

In Esfahan, Sepahan were held to their second successive draw by UAE's Al Ain at Foolad Shahr Stadium.

Sepahan's Ahmad Jamshidian wasted the best chance of a poor contest as Al Ain picked up a first point of the campaign after losing 1-0 at home to Pakhtakor at the end of last month.

AFC Champions League Group G Review

Suwon Bluewings moved to the top of Group G at the 2010 Asian Champions League after beating ten-man Singapore Armed Forces 2-0.

Brazilian Juninho opened the scoring shortly before the break at Jalan Besar Stadium when he drove home a powerful free-kick before SAF were reduced to 10 men in the 57th minute when defender Ivan Loric was shown his second yellow card.

Jose Mota then sealed the win with 17 minutes remaining when he curled a left-foot shot into the roof of the net.

"It was a tough match today," said Suwon coach Cha Bum-kun.

"The opponents showed great improvement from last year. They are more organised with players getting into dangerous positions."

SAF coach Richard Bok had no qualms with the result but felt his side good have perhaps got something from the game had they not conceded before the break.

"I was quite happy with our performance today," he said. "We defended well until they scored that very good goal in injury time of the first half. If we had gone into the break 0-0, it could have been a different game."

Meanwhile, Gamba Osaka were left searching for their first win at the tournament after being hold to a 1-1 draw by Henan Jianye at Expo '70 Commemoration Park Stadium.

Zhang Lu put the Chinese visitors ahead in the fourth minute when he pounced on a loose ball after goalkeeper Atsushi Kimra had failed to hold Daillo Amadou's attempt.

Gamba secured a point though when Lucas scored from the spot in the 35th minute after the Brazilian had been fouled in the area.

Lucas and Ze Carlos had chances late on but Henan goalkeeper Zeng Cheng denied them both.

"We gave away the first goal and that made the game hard to us," said Gamba coach Akira Nishino.

"We played at a good tempo and tried various things in the final third, but their defence was solid. When they played defensively it was hard for us to break through."

Henan manager Tang Yaodong was thrilled with the result as his side maintained their unbeaten start to the tournament.

"I'm really excited," he said. "Our team and I are all satisfied with this result.

"The points we have collected so far are different as we played against a different opponent and one was played at home and the other one was away, but so far we are on the right track."

AFC Champions League Group H Review

Adelaide United secured their second successive Asian Champions League win with a 2-0 victory over Chinese side Shandong Luneng at Shandong Sports Centre.

Sergio van Dijk opened the scoring midway through the first half, heading home from Lucas Pantelis' cross.

The Australians then wrapped up the victory with 20 minutes remaining when Matthew Leckie's powerful header rattled the underside of the crossbar and bounced over the line.

The victory means Adelaide top Group H and are in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stage.

"It was a great win," said Reds coach Aurelio Vidmar. "I think it was really important that we backed up from our good win against Pohang Steelers.

"The group's mentality has been fantastic. The confidence amongst the players and within the group is very good at this point of time and winning does that.

Shandong coach Branko Ivankovic was disappointed his side could not make the most of home advantage.

"I am very disappointed, particularly as it was our first ACL match at home this year," he said.

"The period before the next ACL contest is crucial for Shandong. We have to use the time to prepare well. Some of our players must adapt to the team and the ACL atmosphere."

In the group's other game, Brazilian Almir struck deep into injury time to give Asian Champions League holders Pohang Steelers a 2-1 win over Sanfrecce Hiroshima at the Steelyard.

Hwang Jae-won headed Pohang into the lead early in the second half but the Japanese newcomers thought they had secured a point when Ilian Stoyanov converted a late penalty.

However, Almir headed home from close range to secure the three points for the South Koreans.

"This was a tough game for us but it was good to see that the players had the belief even after they equalised to keep trying to get the winning goal," said Pohang coach Waldemar Lemos. "You never know when a goal will come and you never know who is going to score."

Sanfrecce coach Mihailo Petkovic was disappointed his side were unable to hold on for a point but admitted it was always going to be tough against the defending champions.

"Both teams played well," said the Serbian. "We knew that this wasn't going to be an easy game. Both teams have some very good players."

AFC Champions League Group C Review

Pakhtakor secured a 1-0 win over UAE's Al Ain at the Khalifa Stadium in their opening Asian Champions League Group C game.

The Uzbeks are the only team to have competed in every edition of the tournament since 2003 and got this campaign off to the ideal start with Artur Gevorkyan's 59th minute strike settling the encounter.

"The difference between yesterday and tonight is that we have three points," said Pakhtakor coach Miodrag Radulovic.

"It is a very good start and we now hope to carry forward this confidence.

"It is always nice to win an away game, however, it is still a long way."

Al Ain coach Toninho Cerezo was pleased with the performance of his players despite the defeat.

"We played well for most of the game and came back strongly after conceding the goal. But they defended well," said the Brazilian.

Sepahan of Iran drew 1-1 at Saudi side Al Shabab in the group's other game.

Seyed Hosseini put Sepahan ahead in the 13th minute but Al Shabab rescued a point when Faisal Al Sultan levelled in the 69th minute.

"The match was one of the most beautiful games in the first round of the current competition," said Sepahan coach Amir Ghalenoei.

"The players of both teams have shown fine performance with many chances to score."

Al Shabab coach Jaime Pacheco had no qualms with the result, saying: "My players have done what we wanted them to do and I am happy with their performance in this match."

AFC Champions League Group D Review

Al Hilal got their AFC Champions League campaign off to a strong start with a 3-0 win over Al Sadd at Jassem Bin Hamad Stadium.

Yasser Al Qahtani scored a brace while Neves Augusto struck late on to hand the Saudi side all three points in their Group D opener.

"Our plan was to create chances and we did that," said Al Hilal coach Eric Gerets. "When you create chances, you know you will get opportunities to score and that is what we did.

"Three goals, away game, I am happy. We have a break now but we are used to playing even after a long break. I am satisfied with what we achieved today."

Al Sadd coach Aurelian Cosmin felt the difference in quality between the Qatari outfit and Al Hilal was clear to see.

"We couldn't create too many chances. The difference between the two teams was quite obvious," he said.

"When a young team like ours plays an experienced side like Al Hilal, young players get to learn a lot."

In the group's other game, Mes Kerman of Iran announced their credentials with a superb 4-2 win over UAE's Al Ahli at Shahid Bahonar Stadium.

The hosts took the lead through Mostafa Seyfi before Salem Sadir equalised for Al Ahli on the stroke of half-time.

Al Ahli then went ahead through Iranian Mehrzad Madanchi but Mahdi Rajabzade levelled before Mehdi Rajab Zadeh and Ali Samereh secured the win in the last five minutes.

"I'm really glad we have won the game," said Mes coach Luka Bonacic. "The fact that we were playing to defend the reputation of Iranian football made my players fight tooth and nail and that was why they were highly motivated to win."

Al Ahli coach Henk Ten Cate praised Mes and predicted they will do well in the tournament.

"Mes performed well and deserved their win. I believe Iranian sides will do well this year," said the Dutchman.

AFC Champions League Group G Review

Experienced Asian Champions League campaigners Suwon Bluewings and Gamba Osaka played out a goalless draw in their opening game of Group G.

Both sides had chances to come away with all three points at Suwon World Cup Stadium with Reinaldo firing wide for the hosts and Hideo Hashimoto hitting the crossbar for Gamba in the second half.

However, neither side could find a breakthrough, although both coaches came away happy with a point.

"The players who have been away with the national team recently have had little chance to play with the players who didn't," said Suwon coach Cha Bum-keun.

"When you think about our preparations then you can be satisfied with the result."

Gamba perhaps shaded the game overall but coach Akira Nishino, who led the J.League side to the continental title in 2008, acknowledged the importance of a point on the road.

"It was a tough game," he said.

"It was our first game of the season and it was harder than we expected but the players fought well.

"Suwon are a good team. They moved well and didn't give up."

The points were shared in the other game in the group as Henan Jianye drew 0-0 with Singapore Armed Forces at Zhangzhou Hanghai Stadium.

The hosts dominated the encounter but did not have the rub of the green with Amado Diallo, Zhang Lu and Xiao Zhi all hitting the woodwork.

"It was a pity that we failed to secure a victory," said coach Tang Yaodong.

"The result really couldn't make us happy.

"We created a bunch of good chances but we fell victim to bad luck."

In contrast, Warriors coach Richard Bok was delighted with the result.

"I am happy with one point," he said.

"Henan proved they are a strong side but really suffered from bad luck."

AFC Champions League Group H Review

Matthew Leckie's goal on the stroke of half-time gave Adelaide United a 1-0 win over AFC Champions League holders Pohang Steelers with a 1-0 victory at Hindmarsh Stadium.

The hosts put the disappointment of their bottom-placed finish in the A-League behind them to begin their Group H campaign in encouraging fashion.

A fairly even opening 45 minutes saw both sides have chances with Alexandro missing the target from close range with just five minutes gone, while Sergio van Dijk could not convert a couple of headers into goals.

However, with the interval approaching, Adelaide took the lead as Leckie launched a devastating counter attack although was grateful for a slice of fortune that accompanied the goal.

Following a Pohang corner, the teenager won the ball on the edge of his own area before running the length of the pitch and into the opposition box, beating three men in the process.

Leckie's endeavour then instigated a mix-up between keeper Shin Hwa-yong and Park Hee-chul and the defender's attempted clearance came back off the Adelaide player's boot and rolled through the Pohang custodian's legs.

The second-half was much the same story with Travis Dodd forcing Shin into a save with one effort before seeing another fly inches wide, while Pohang substitute Hwan Jin-sung was also narrowly off target as Adelaide claimed the points.

Elsewhere, Han Peng's second-half header saw Shandong Luneng win 1-0 at Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

The Chinese international headed home a corner 13 minutes from time as new coach Branko Ivankovic enjoyed a winning start to his side's Asian adventure at Hiroshima Big Arch Stadium.

Bunyodkor 3-0 Al Ittihad

Bunyodkor lived up to their billing as one of the pre-tournament favourites as they sealed a 3-0 win over finalists Al Ittihad.

The Tashkent giants' heavy investment over the close season paid off as they completely outclassed a poor Al Ittihad side in the Group B clash at JAR Stadium.

Rivaldo opened the scoring just four minutes in after a surging run from fellow Brazilian Denilson.

Denilson forged forward before feeding Victor Karpenko in the box and he laid the ball back first-time for Rivaldo to curl left-footed into the top corner from 25 yards.

Bunyodkor doubled their lead in the 20th minute due to some ordinary defending from the Saudi outfit as goalkeeper Tisir Al Antiaf's weak punch from Karpenko's cross landed at Hasanov's feet on the far side of the box.

The midfielder's mis-hit shot bounced over a prone Denilson and with Al Antiaf slow to regain his feet, the ball evaded Osama Al Harbi on the line and dribbled into the net although the defender should have cleared.

Bunyodkor netted a third in the 66th minute and again slack marking was to blame.

A deflected free-kick looped into the air and Al Harbi stood watching as Denilson - signed from Asian Champions League winners Pohang Steelers - headed his first goal for his new club.

The visitors were awarded a penalty for a foul on Sultan Al Numare in stoppage time but Mohammed Noor saw his effort come back off the inside of the post having sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.

In the group's other game, Igor Castro's second-half header secured a 1-0 win for Zob Ahan over Al Wahda at Foolad Shahr Stadium.

In a game of few chances, the Brazilian broke the deadlock on the hour mark with a fine header to ensure the Iranians got off to a winning start.

Persipura 1-4 Jeonbuk Motors

Kruno Lovrak scored a hat-trick as South Korea's Jeonbuk Motors eased to a 4-1 victory over Indonesia's Persipura.

Kim Seung-yong's 15th minute penalty opened the scoring for the 2007 champions before Lovrak was introduced midway through the first half.

And just two minutes later Lovrak doubled Jeonbuk's lead when he lost his marker and fired home.

Goalkeeper Kwon Sun-tae denied Persipura duo Stevie Bonsapia and Gerard Pangkali at the end of the first half before the home side made an encouraging start after the break.

But Persipura's lack of concentration proved crucial as Lovrak capped off a swift counter-attack six minutes after the hour mark.

Ian Kabes curled home an impressive consolation for the hosts a minute later, but with nine minutes remaining Lovrak completed his hat-trick to seal the win with a close range finish.

In Kashima, J. League champions Kashima Antlers also got their Group F campaign off to a winning start with a 1-0 win over Chinese Super League side Changchun Yatai.

Former Japan international Koji Nakata headed home Takuya Nozawa's free-kick three minutes before half-time at Kashima Soccer Stadium to hand the three-time J. League champions all three points.

Endo is AFC Player of the Year

Yasuhito Endo walked off with the AFC Player of the Year Award on Tuesday night warding off competitors from Syria and Japan.

The 29-year-old Gamba Osaka star, was awarded the most points in terms of MVP awards during the 2009 season's AFC campaign.

Other nominees included Syria's Firas Al Khatib, Kengo Nakamura of Japan, Iranian Hadi Aghily and Sayed Mohamed Adnan of Bahrain.

The number of MVP points awarded to an individual player throughout the season by the by Match Commissioners and the AFC's Technical Study Group officers, is what essentially determines the winner of the award.

Endo's contribution in the AFC Asian Cup 2011 qualifiers, six AFC Champions League matches and three FIFA World Cup qualifiers for Japan eventually garnered him six MVP titles. The 120 points earned from these competitions saw him edge out his nearest competetion, Al Khor's Sayed Mohamed Adnan, by more than 20 points.

Endo expressed his gratitude for the award he received: "I would like to thank the AFC for this award. This is a big honour for me.

"I was here last year but unfortunately, I wasn't able to win. However, I am very happy to win this year.

"I hope I can be a role model for young players everywhere and give hope to others in Asian football."

Endo's brilliant season saw him aiding Japan qualify for the FIFA World Cup finals. However his club contributions where blighted when last year's Asian champions, reached the round of 16 this year before falling narrowly to Kawasaki Frontale 3-2.

Al Kuwait 2-1 South China

Al Kuwait edged out South China 2-1 in Thursday's AFC Cup semi-final first leg.

Although the Hong Kong champions will be boosted by Guy Ambassa's stoppage-time strike.

Second-half goals from Abdulla Marzooqi and Ismail Al Ajmi put the home side into a commanding position.

But, with time running out, defender Ambassa converted from close range to hand South China a lifeline ahead of next week's second leg at Hong Kong Stadium.

Al Kuwait took the game to South China from the start at Al Kuwait Stadium and came close to an opener after 14 minutes as Samer Al Martah headed over.

South China came close after 31 minutes as captain Li Haiqiang drifted a free-kick just wide before Al Kuwait's Jarrah Al Ataiqi was denied by South China goalkeeper Zhang Chunhui just before the break.

Marzooqi headed over from a good position following Husain Hakim's cross just before half-time.

But the Bahrain defender made no mistake three minutes after the restart as he met another delivery from Hakim to open the scoring with a close-range header.

Al Kuwait continued to dominate and second-half substitute Al Ajmi saw his header with 16 minutes remaining saved by Zhang.

But just five minutes later the Oman international rounded off a strong run from Walied Ali with a close-range finish to double the lead.

South China improved in the closing stages and were rewarded in the first minute of stoppage time as Ambassa turned home from close range after Al Kuwait failed to clear Li's corner.

Sleepy Steelers seal win

Pohang Steelers warmed up for the second leg of their AFC Champions League quarter-final against Bunyodkor with a 2-1 win.

Pohang made six changes from the team which lost 3-1 four days previously in Tashkent and took the lead after 26 minutes.

Yoo Chang-hyun burst into the box, his short pass found Steva Ristic in space and the Macedonian made no mistake with a left-foot shot.

Busan drew level from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time as Park hee-do was brought down in the box. Kang Sung-jo stepped up to convert the kick.

Midway through the second half, substitute striker Denilson headed home a Cho Chan-ho free-kick for the winner.

The three points put Pohang just two behind leaders FC Seoul and one behind Jeonbuk Motors, who are second.

"We only arrived home on Friday and from the start of the game, the players were tired," said Pohang boss Sergio Farias.

"It was a really difficult game and I am just happy that we managed to get three points. We won but this is a game we could have lost. We had a bit of luck when it mattered.

"Now we have to get ready for Wednesday."

Elsewhere, champions Suwon Bluewings kept their hopes of a play-off place alive with a 3-1 win over in-form Gyeongnam FC.

Brazilian striker Eduardo opened the scoring from the spot and compatriot Tiago sealed the points in the second half.

Chunnam Dragons did their chances of a top-six finish no harm at all thanks to a 2-0 win over Seongnam Ilhwa. Adrian Chuva got both goals as Chunnam leapfrogged Seongnam into fourth place.