Asian Football Review: Highlights from February 17-23

Here’s a roundup of the key talking points from another action-packed week of matches in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), featuring the latest chapter in the New Zealand derby.

MORGEN HAT-TRICK BOOSTS AUCKLAND’S A-LEAGUE LEAD

Auckland FC has increased their advantage in Australia’s A-League to eight points following a dominant 6-1 victory over Wellington Phoenix, while second-placed Adelaide United suffered a setback, losing 3-0 to Western United.

Neyder Moreno starred with a hat-trick, and Logan Rogerson contributed with two goals, leading Auckland to their 12th win of the season.

In the other match, goals from Noah Botic, Hiroshi Ibusuki, and Riku Danzaki secured a 3-0 victory for Western United against Adelaide, lifting them to third place and equal on 29 points with fourth-placed Melbourne Victory.

GUSTAVO’S BRACE GIVES SHANGHAI PORT A STRONG START IN CSL

Defending champions Shanghai Port began their title defence with a solid 3-1 win over Shenzhen Peng City on Sunday, guided by Kevin Muscat’s side.

Matheus Jussa opened the scoring in the third minute, followed by Gustavo, who netted twice, including a penalty in stoppage time, ensuring the three points despite Matt Orr’s earlier response for the visitors.

Beijing Guoan also claimed a 2-0 victory over Yunnan Yukun, while Shanghai Shenhua prevailed against Changchun Yatai and Chengdu Rongcheng defeated former champions Wuhan Three Towns.

SHIMIZU S-PULSE LEAD J-LEAGUE TABLE AFTER DEFEATING NIIGATA

Shimizu S-Pulse continued their undefeated start to the J-League season with a 2-0 win over Albirex Niigata. Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Shonan Bellmare also celebrated their second wins of the campaign.

Hiroshima, last season’s runners-up, edged past Yokohama F Marinos 1-0, while Shonan secured a 2-1 triumph against Cerezo Osaka the previous day.

Defending champions Vissel Kobe are still searching for their first win, managing only a 2-2 draw with Nagoya Grampus for their second point of the season.

DAEGU FC ON A PERFECT RUN IN K-LEAGUE

Daegu FC defeated Suwon 3-1 at home on Saturday, establishing a two-point lead in the K-League and remaining the only team with a flawless record after two matches.

Bruno Lamas converted a penalty to put Daegu ahead, followed by an own goal from Lee Yong and a strike from Caio Marcelo, making it 3-0. Suwon managed a consolation goal in stoppage time.

Jeonbuk Motors currently sit on four points after a 2-2 draw with Gwangju, while champions Ulsan HD are among seven clubs on three points after defeating Daejeon Citizen 2-0.

UAE SUBMITS BID TO HOST 2031 ASIAN CUP FINALS

On Friday, the United Arab Emirates Football Association announced its proposal to host the 2031 Asian Cup, twelve years after the country last hosted the continental tournament.

The last two editions have been staged in the Middle East, with Qatar organising and winning the 2023 tournament, and Saudi Arabia set to host the finals in 2027.

BERGWIJN’S DOUBLE PROPELS AL-ITTIHAD CLEAR AT THE TOP

Al-Ittihad secured a convincing 4-1 win over defending champions Al-Hilal on Saturday, extending their lead to seven points atop the Saudi Pro League.