Hee Chan Hwang, Boubacar Traore and Justin Hubner progressed into the knockout stages of their respective international competitions this week, but Rayan Ait-Nouri will now return to Wolverhampton.
Ait-Nouri and Algeria exited AFCON earlier this week, but Traore and Mali finished top of their group and their journey continues.
Hwang returned to fitness as South Korea progressed further in the Asian Cup, likewise Indonesia and Hubner, who finished as one of the better third-placed teams.
Rayan Ait-Nouri | Algeria 0-1 Mauritania
Prior to the tournament, few expected Algeria to exit at the group stage, but Tuesday’s loss to Mauritania saw them finish last in the group. Rayan Ait-Nouri once again played the 90, but the Algerians couldn’t turn around Yali Dellahi’s first half goal for Mauritania. The result meant Algeria finished the campaign with two draws and no victory, in a group which was eventually topped by Angola. It means Ait-Nouri returns to Compton Park, ahead of Sunday’s Black Country derby.
Hee Chan Hwang | South Korea 3-3 Malaysia
Having missed the opening two group matches due to injury, Hee Chan Hwang was back on the bench for South Korea’s group concluder with Malaysia. The Wolves man came on with 28 minutes remaining and his country 2-1 down. He helped South Korea flip the score, so they led 3-2 heading into the 15th minute of added time when Malaysia struck a late equaliser. The result meant Jurgen Klinsmann finished second in the group, setting them up with a last 16 clash against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday afternoon, where Hwang will hope to step up his return with a start.
Next up: South Korea vs Saudi Arabia | Tuesday 30th January, 4pm
Boubacar Traore | Mali 0-0 Namibia
Mali progressed to the knockout stage of AFCON this week, but Boubacar Traore missed their draw with Namibia. The point left Mali as group winners and they were grateful to see Namibia’s Prins Tjiueza strike the post, rather than the back of the net. Traore featured in just one game but will hope to be involved as Mali’s campaign progresses. Next up for them is Burkina Faso in the round of 16 on Tuesday evening.
Next up: Mali vs Burkina Faso | Tuesday 30th January, 5pm
Justin Hubner | Indonesia 1-3 Japan
Justin Hubner once again started for Indonesia, as they lost to Japan on matchday three, but still progressed to the knockout stages of the Asian Cup. The Japanese won 3-1, and benefited from an unfortunate Hubner own goal, leaving Indonesia waiting on other results in third place. With Oman only drawing with Kyrgyzstan, it left Indonesia as one of the better placed third sides. Once the group stages concluded, it left Indonesia and Hubner with a meeting with Australia this weekend.
Next up: Indonesia vs Australia | Sunday 28th January, 11.30am
