AIPS ASIA News:

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has congratulated Sharjah FC on securing their maiden Asian club title after the United Arab Emirates side defeated Lion City Sailors FC 2-1 in the AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 Final at a capacity-filled Bishan Stadium on Sunday.

The visitors broke the deadlock with a quarter of the game left but were hit by an equaliser in added time, only to grab an even later goal in the 97th minute to settle a dramatic final and lay their hands on the coveted trophy.
 
Sunday’s decider marked the conclusion of the inaugural men’s revamped club season, with all three culminating in the crowning of first-time champions following Al Ahli Saudi FC’s victory in the AFC Champions League Elite™ and FC Arkadag’s AFC Challenge League™ triumph earlier this month.
 
Shaikh Salman said: “On behalf of the entire Asian football community, I extend my warmest congratulations to Sharjah FC on this remarkable achievement. Their outstanding campaign, as well as Lion City Sailors FC’s commendable performances, underscore the vibrant domestic football ecosystems cultivated by the Football Association of Singapore and the United Arab Emirates Football Association, which have been instrumental in this success.”
 
The AFC President was also quick to recognise the dedication of the AFC’s Member Associations (MAs) and Participating Clubs in what proved to be a watershed nine months for Asian club football.
 
“With the most transformative reforms ever to be introduced in the history of the Asian club game, the AFC ushered an exciting new chapter focused on collectively elevating our technical quality and I am proud to say that our MAs and Participating Clubs have delivered well beyond our expectations,” added Shaikh Salman.
 
“The fact that we have witnessed three new first-time champions across all three men’s competitions clearly demonstrates the rising standards of the Continental club game. It is a wholehearted endorsement and a clear indication of the eagerness of our Asian clubs in embracing the landmark reforms and enhancing their efforts to not only compete, but to strive for success on the biggest stages.
 
“Looking ahead, I am filled with optimism for the future of Asian club football, and the AFC remains steadfast towards working in close partnership with our MAs, our clubs, and all our valued stakeholders to continuously push the boundaries and achieve new benchmarks with each passing season.”

Courtesy AFC