Both Hyundai A-League clubs may have suffered unlucky defeats on Matchday Two of the AFC Champions League but that didn’t stop two players receiving recognition for their efforts.
The AFC Champions League Team of the Week was announced on Friday (AEDT) with Sydney FC goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne and Melbourne Victory midfielder Keisuke Honda both named in the side.
REPORT: Sydney FC succumb to late ACL loss against Kawasaki Frontale
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The Sky Blues looked to be on their way to a crucial point on the road against Kawasaki Frontale with Redmayne standing tall to make nine saves before Manabu Saito popped up in the 83rd minute to snatch a win for the hosts.
The night before a passionate crowd had greeted Victory as Honda made his first competitive club appearance in his homeland for over a decade.
Despite conceding to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the third minute through Shunki Higashi, Victory held firm and had their reward in the 71st minute when Honda latched onto a Storm Roux cross and guided his finish into the left-hand corner.
It wasn’t to be however as Daiki Watari headed home with four minutes remaining to earn all three points for the hosts.
Two great individual efforts on Asia’s biggest stage and just reward for their efforts despite the results!
