Hanoi FC to play defending AFC Champions League champions
VOV.VN - V-League champions Hanoi FC of Vietnam will play alongside regional powerhouses of Japan, the Republic of Korea (RoK), and China in the same group at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League 2023.
The fixtures for the group stage were announced at a draw held on August 24 at the AFC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.
As the only Vietnamese representative in the tournament, Hanoi FC will play in Group J the likes of Wuhan Three Towns of China, Pohang Steelers of the RoK, and Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan - the defending champions of the AFC Champions League.
Hanoi FC were placed in Pot 3 alongside other clubs such as Kaya FC-Iloilo of the Philippines, Johor Darul Ta'zim of Malaysia, Melbourne City FC of Australia, and Lion City Sailors of Singapore.
A total of 40 teams, have been divided into 10 groups of four and will compete in this year’s AFC Champions League.
Out of the 10 groups, five will comprise of teams from West Zone (groups A to E), whilst five will see teams from East Zone (groups F to J).
Group winners along with the three best second-placed teams from each zone, will progress to the knockouts, which will run from February to April, before the two-legged Champions League finals take place from May 11 to 18, 2024.
Meanwhile, Vietnam’s Hai Phong FC have been drawn in Group H for the AFC Cup where they are to compete against Hougang United of Singapore, Sabah FC of Malaysia, and Central Cost Mariners of Australia.
Group matches are scheduled to take place from September to early December.
