In these ongoing qualification matches for the Qatar World Cup 2022, different football associations are hosting their respective tournaments. From AFC, South Korea successfully qualified for the Qatar World Cup for the 10th time in a row.

South Koreans ensured their berth after comfortably winning 2-0 over Syria in their Group A - AFC Qualifiers at Rashid Stadium in Dubai. This means that South Korea has qualified for the FIFA World Cup 10 times in a row and 11 in their allover participation.

Qatar World Cup 2022: The progression of the match

The match started with the South Koreans getting the early chances of the game; After Lee, Jae-Sung laid off a smart through ball for Jeong Woo-Yeung. However, the shot took a deflection and went for a corner.

But, it was the Syrians who opened the scoresheet after a brilliant assist from Mahmoud Al Mawas. Unfortunately, Omar Kharbin on the receiving end was guilty of being in an offside position as per VAR. 

After a few intense minutes, it was again the Taeguk Warriors who found a double golden opportunity to take the lead through Lee and Kim Jin-Su. However, the shot from Kim skimmed past the side netting. 

After some relentless attacks from both sides, both South Korea and Syria failed to break the chain in the first half of the match.

The second half:

South Korea finally struck in the 53rd minute of the match; Kim Tae-Hwan delivered a beautiful cross which was well converted by Kim Jin-Su to give the Koreans the lead.

However, in the 71st minute of the match, the substitute Kwon Chang-Hoon cut inside the Syrian half to shoot it past the helpless goalkeeper.

With this defeat, Syria is now out of the World Cup run but they still have 2 games in hand. On the others hand, South Korea will go on to play with Iran in their next match. And also the first place is still up for grabs.

The AFC Champions League (ACL), Asia’s premier club football competition, has been a stage for unforgettable moments and fierce rivalries since its inception in 1967. From Hapoel Tel Aviv’s inaugural triumph to Al-Ahli’s recent success in 2024-25, the tournament has crowned champions from diverse nations, showcasing Asia's footballing prowess. Here is an overview of the ACL winners from 1967 to 2025.

CAPTAIN ROBERTO FIRMINO!!!

Bobby Firmino lifts the AFC Champions League with Al-Alhi after assisting both goals in the Final. He also won Player of the Tournament registering 13 G/A in 10 starts!

🇧🇷🏆❤️ pic.twitter.com/apBaRtCaKR

— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) May 3, 2025

AFC Champions League Winners List

Early Years: Israeli and Iranian Dominance (1967–1971)

The ACL, initially known as the Asian Champion Club Tournament, saw Israeli clubs dominate early on, with Hapoel Tel Aviv (1967) and Maccabi Tel Aviv (1969, 1971) winning three of the first four titles. Taj Tehran (1970) marked Iran’s first success in the tournament.

• 1967: Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel) defeated Selangor (Malaysia)
• 1969: Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel) defeated Yangzee FC (South Korea)
• 1970: Taj Tehran (Iran) defeated Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel)
• 1971: Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel) defeated Aliyat Al-Shorta (Iraq)

The tournament was cancelled in the 1972 season for various reasons, and till 1985, the tournament did not take place. In the 1985 season, the tournament returned with a rebranded name, "Asian Club Championship".

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Resurgence and East Asian Rise (1985–1999)

When the competition resumed in 1985, South Korean and Japanese clubs emerged as powerhouses. Daewoo Royals (1985–86), Furukawa Electric (1986), and Yomiuri FC (1987) set the tone, while Pohang Steelers (1996–97, 1997–98) and Jubilo Iwata (1998–99) solidified East Asia’s dominance.

• 1985–86: Daewoo Royals (South Korea) defeated Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia)
• 1986: Furukawa Electric (Japan) defeated Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
• 1987: Yomiuri FC (Japan) defeated Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
• 1988–89: Al-Sadd (Qatar) defeated Al-Rasheed (Iraq)
• 1989–90: Liaoning (China) defeated Nissan Yokohama FC (Japan)
• 1990–91: Esteghlal (Iran) defeated Liaoning (China)
• 1991: Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) defeated Esteghlal (Iran)
• 1992–93: PAS Tehran (Iran) defeated Al-Shabab (Saudi Arabia)
• 1993–94: Thai Farmers Bank (Thailand) defeated Oman Club (Oman)
• 1994–95: Thai Farmers Bank (Thailand) defeated Al-Arabi (Qatar)
• 1995: Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea) defeated Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia)
• 1996–97: Pohang Steelers (South Korea) defeated Cheonan Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea)
• 1997–98: Pohang Steelers (South Korea) defeated Dalian Wanda (China)
• 1998–99: Jubilo Iwata (Japan) defeated Esteghlal (Iran)
• 1999–2000: Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) defeated Jubilo Iwata (Japan)

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Modern Era: South Korea, Japan, and Saudi Arabia Shine (2000–2022)

The 21st century saw South Korean clubs like Suwon Samsung Bluewings (2000–01, 2001–02), Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (2006, 2016), and Ulsan Hyundai (2012, 2020) dominate, alongside Japanese giants Urawa Red Diamonds (2007, 2017, 2022).

Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad (2004, 2005) and Al-Hilal (2019, 2021) also claimed multiple titles, while Al-Ain (2002–03, 2023–24) and Guangzhou Evergrande (2013, 2015) added to the UAE and China’s tally.

• 2000–01: Suwon Samsung Bluewings (South Korea) defeated Jubilo Iwata (Japan)
• 2001–02: Suwon Samsung Bluewings (South Korea) defeated Anyang LG Cheetahs (South Korea)
• 2002–03: Al-Ain (UAE) defeated BEC Tero Sasana (Thailand)
• 2004: Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia) defeated Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea)
• 2005: Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia) defeated Al-Ain (UAE)
• 2006: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (South Korea) defeated Al-Karamah (Syria)
• 2007: Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) defeated Sepahan (Iran)
• 2008: Gamba Osaka (Japan) defeated Adelaide United (Australia)
• 2009: Pohang Steelers (South Korea) defeated Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)
• 2010: Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea) defeated Zob Ahan (Iran)
• 2011: Al-Sadd (Qatar) defeated Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (South Korea)
• 2012: Ulsan Hyundai (South Korea) defeated Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia)
• 2013: Guangzhou Evergrande (China) defeated FC Seoul (South Korea)
• 2014: Western Sydney Wanderers (Australia) defeated Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
• 2015: Guangzhou Evergrande (China) defeated Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia)
• 2016: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (South Korea) defeated Al-Ain (UAE)
• 2017: Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) defeated Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
• 2018: Kashima Antlers (Japan) defeated Persepolis (Iran)
• 2019: Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) defeated Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)
• 2020: Ulsan Hyundai (South Korea) defeated Persepolis (Iran)
• 2021: Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) defeated Pohang Steelers (South Korea)
• 2022: Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) defeated Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

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Recent Glory: UAE and Saudi Arabia Triumph (2023–2025)

Al-Ain in the 2023–24 reclaimed glory for the UAE, defeating Yokohama F. Marinos. Al-Ahli in the 2024–25 season ended Saudi Arabia’s title drought with a victory over Kawasaki Frontale, reinforcing the region’s competitive edge.

• 2023–24: Al-Ain (UAE) defeated Yokohama F. Marinos (Japan)
• 2024–25: Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia) defeated Kawasaki Frontale (Japan)

Dominant Clubs and Nations

1. South Korea: They lead with 12 titles. Pohang Steelers (3), Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (2), Ulsan Hyundai (2), and Suwon Samsung Bluewings (2) are the most successful clubs from South Korea.
2. Japan: Japan have 8 titles, with Urawa Red Diamonds (3) and single wins from Jubilo Iwata, Gamba Osaka, Kashima Antlers, and others.
3. Saudi Arabia: Saudi have 7 titles, with Al-Hilal (4), Al-Ittihad (2), and Al-Ahli (1) winning the most for them
4. Iran, UAE, China: Each has 4 titles, with notable contributions from Esteghlal, Al-Ain, and Guangzhou Evergrande.
5. Thailand, Qatar, Israel: Each secured 2 titles, with Thai Farmers Bank, Al-Sadd, and Maccabi Tel Aviv standing out.

Most successful clubs in AFC Champions League History

Mohun Bagan Super Giant is drawn alongside Al-Wakrah SC (Qatar), Tractor FC (IR Iran), and FC Ravshan (Tajikistan) in Group A of the 2024-25 AFC Champions League Two. Mohun Bagan SG qualified for the newly rebranded second-tier men's AFC club competition by winning the 2023-24 Indian Super League Shield. The Mariners finished third in the 2023-24 AFC Cup Group Stage and failed to qualify for the knockout stage.

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Mohun Bagan Super Giant's opposition teams and the format

Al-Wakrah SC qualified for the AFC Champions League Two by finishing fourth in the 2023-24 Qatar Stars League. This is the Qatari side's first appearance in Asia since the 2001-02 Asian Club Championship. Iranian side Tractor FC also qualified with a fourth-place finish in the 2023-24 Persian Gulf Pro League. FC Ravshan booked their spot in the tournament as the 2023 Tajikistan Higher League runners-up.

The AFC Champions League Two features 32 clubs divided into eight groups of four teams each for the Group Stage. The group stages will be played in a home-and-away round-robin format from September 17 to December 5, 2024.

The top two finishers from each group will advance to the Round of 16, which will be played in February 2025. The Quarter-finals will be played in March 2025 and the Semi-finals in April 2025. The Final of the tournament will be played on May 17, 2025.

India will get two spots in the AFC Champions League 2 2024/2025, the second-tier club football tournament organized by AFC. Based on the latest AFC Club Competitions Ranking, India is ranked 17th in West Asia with only 22.806 points. Saudi Arabia is at the top with a total of 103.148 points. Due to the low ranking, the Indian Football Federation won't have any representation in the top-tier competition AFC Champions League Elite (formerly known as AFC Champions League). 

India lost the tier 1 spot last year after a poor performance from Indian clubs in the tournament and a low co-efficient rating. Mumbai City FC became the last Indian club to feature in the tournament. Last year, the AFC renamed both tournaments to name AFC Champions League Elite and AFC Champions League 2.

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Japanese clubs performed continuously well in the Knockout Stages of the ACL as they collectively contributed to the East Asians claiming the second spot on the rankings with 96.999 points. Korea Republic have been yet another prime contender for the throne as they are third with 93.600 points. The UAE earned a total of 74.873 points and is fourth in this ranking.

The UAE and Qatar follow, each securing two direct spots and one indirect place in the ACL Elite, along with a direct spot each in the ACL Two. On the other side, Japan have the highest number of allocated places with three direct ACL Elite spots with one club gaining entry to the Group Stage of ACL Two.

India's slots 

Slot 1 - AFC Champions League 2 Group Stage: 

The season winners of the Indian Super League 2023/24 will take direct entry to the group stage. Mohun Bagan Super Giant will take the Group Stage spot as they beat Mumbai City FC to win the regular season. 

Slot 2 - AFC Champions League 2 Qualifying round Playoffs: 

The second spot has been offered to India in the qualifying playoffs. East Bengal will take the playoff spot after winning the Super Cup last season. India won't have any other slot in the AFC Champions League Elite or AFC Challenge League (the third-tier tournament).

A busy December kicks off for Mumbai City as the hosts gear up for the final game of Group D of the 2023-24 AFC Champions League. The Islanders welcome Uzbek side PFC Navbahor Namangan as action returns to the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi, Pune with the game kicking off at 9:30 PM IST.

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Mumbai City traveled to Iran in challenging conditions with an all-Indian squad to take on Nassaji Mazandaran in the penultimate group stage game. An early blinder from Mohammed Reza Azadi and an unfortunate own goal from young Halen Nongtdu set the Islanders back early on. The hosts went down to 10-men in the second half as Mumbai City kept piling on the pressure but could not break down the Iranian's resolute defence. A 2-0 loss on the road meant Mumbai City have five losses on the trot and will play for pride in Group D in tomorrow's outing against Navbahor.

PFC Navbahor Namangan have enjoyed their maiden AFC Champions League campaign with a neck to neck battle for top spot in Group D. The Uzbek side hosted the four-time AFCCL winners on matchday 5 as the two sides were locked on the same points at the top of the table. However, Al Hilal got the best of the hosts as goals from Malcom and Salem Al Dawsari helped their side to a 2-0 win to open up a three-point gap at the top of Group D.

With the Islanders set to participate one final time in the 2023-24 AFC Champions League, coach Anthony Fernandes addressed the media in Pune and highlighted his side's intention to finish their continental campaign on a positive note. "We would like to finish our campaign on a positive note. Even in the last two training sessions, the positiveness and eagerness to play this match is as high as as any other match. We need to get into that winning momentum going into the ISL games," said Fernandes.

Lallianzuala Chhangte accompanied Fernandes to the customary pre-match media briefing and echoed the important of the final ACL challenge. "I think it's an important game, it will be a challenging game, but we approach this game very seriously because we want to win this game. Since the last few days, we have been doing everything possible to do well in this game and the preparation is well and the atmosphere in the team is very good and we are ready to go give our best," said the Islanders' forward.

Team News

Mumbai City will welcome back JPD and Mehtab who return from suspension as the Islanders reported their full squad available for selection.

PFC Navbahor will be without the services of defenders Filip Ivanović and Ibrokhim Yuldoshev who serve suspensions.

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Where To Watch

The game will kick off at 9:30 PM IST on 4th of December 2023 and will be broadcasted on Sports 18 and Fancode. For their global fans, you can find your broadcaster here (https://gtly.to/hu4_hoOGI) or follow all the action LIVE on their official Twitter account - @MumbaiCityFC.