Asian Football Summary: Auckland Increases A-League Advantage as Vissel Kobe Seeks First Win

Here are the key highlights from another eventful week of action in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), featuring the latest clash in the New Zealand derby.

MORRISON’S HAT-TRICK PROPELS AUCKLAND TO A-LEAGUE LEAD

Auckland FC has surged ahead in Australia’s A-League, now boasting an eight-point advantage after demolishing Wellington Phoenix 6-1, while second-placed Adelaide United suffered a 3-0 defeat to Western United.

Neyder Moreno netted three goals, and Logan Rogerson contributed two as Auckland celebrated their 12th win of the season.

Goals from Noah Botic, Hiroshi Ibusuki, and Riku Danzaki led Western United to a 3-0 victory over Adelaide, positioning them third with 29 points, level with fourth-placed Melbourne Victory.

GUSTAVO SHINES WITH TWO GOALS AS SHANGHAI PORT STARTS CSL CAMPAIGN STRONGLY

The defending champions of the Chinese Super League, Shanghai Port, started their title defence with a convincing 3-1 win over Shenzhen Peng City on Sunday, managed by Kevin Muscat.

Matheus Jussa opened the scoring in the third minute, and Gustavo quickly doubled the advantage. Although Matt Orr managed to pull one back for Shen Zheng, Gustavo’s penalty in stoppage time secured the victory.

Meanwhile, Beijing Guoan triumphed over Yunnan Yukun 2-0, and there were further victories for Shanghai Shenhua against Changchun Yatai and Chengdu Rongcheng over former champions Wuhan Three Towns.

SHIMIZU TAKES TOP SPOT IN J-LEAGUE WITH WIN OVER NIIGATA

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

Hiroshima, last season’s runners-up, secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Yokohama F Marinos on Sunday, while Shonan edged past Cerezo Osaka with a 2-1 win the previous day.

Defending champions Vissel Kobe are yet to secure a win this season, managing only their second point from a 2-2 draw against Nagoya Grampus.

DAEGU FC MAINTAINS PERFECT START IN SOUTH KOREA

Daegu FC defeated Suwon 3-1 at home on Saturday, creating a two-point cushion in the K-League and preserving their flawless record after two matches.

Bruno Lamas converted a penalty to give Daegu the lead, followed by an own goal from Lee Yong and a strike from Caio Marcelo, extending the score to 3-0. Suwon found the net during stoppage time.

Jeonbuk Motors sit on four points after a 2-2 draw with Gwangju, whereas champions Ulsan HD joined seven other clubs on three points with their 2-0 win against Daejeon Citizen.

UAE SEEKS TO HOST ASIAN CUP FINALS IN 2031

The United Arab Emirates Football Association announced on Friday that it has submitted a bid to host the 2031 edition of the Asian Cup, marking 12 years since the Gulf nation last hosted the tournament.

The past two editions have taken place in the Middle East, with Qatar successfully organising—and winning—the 2023 tournament, while Saudi Arabia is set to host the finals in 2027.

BERGWIJN’S BRACE PUTS AL-ITTIHAD SEVEN POINTS AHEAD

In a thrilling clash, Al-Ittihad claimed a 4-1 victory over defending champions Al-Hilal on Saturday, moving seven points clear at the summit of the Saudi Pro League.