HK Teams Learn AFC Champions League 2 Group Stage Opponents
On.cc · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago1 MIN
Summary
The AFC Champions League 2 group stage draw was held in Malaysia on Tuesday, June 18, determining the paths for Hong Kong's two representatives: Kitchee and Tai Po.
Key Points
- Kitchee, seeded in Tier 3, will compete in Group H against K-League club FC Gangwon, Malaysia's Kuching City, and Cambodia's Phnom Penh Crown
- Kitchee head coach Carrie Diaz expressed satisfaction with the draw, noting opponents have achieved domestic league success and travel distances are manageable
- Tai Po has been placed in Group F alongside Australian side Adelaide United, Thai club Buriram United, and Singapore's Lions City FC
- The Green Warriors face Australian opposition for the second consecutive season and will also contend with 2025 runners-up Lions City FC
- Tai Po head coach Li Zhijian described the group as extremely difficult but emphasized the team will fight hard as Hong Kong representatives
- East Asia region matches are scheduled to begin on September 16-17
Why It Matters
The draw sets the stage for Hong Kong clubs to prove themselves against top Asian competition, with Kitchee facing the challenge of taking on a K-League opponent while Tai Po must navigate what promises to be the most competitive group in the East Asia region.
The draw sets the stage for Hong Kong clubs to prove themselves against top Asian competition, with Kitchee facing the challenge of taking on a K-League opponent while Tai Po must navigate what promises to be the most competitive group in the East Asia region.