AFC Champions League Two
Fixtures
| Date | R | Home vs Away | - |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11/26 14:00 | 5 |
Sharjah SCC vs FK Istiqlol Dushanbe
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View |
| 11/26 16:00 | 5 |
Sepahan vs Al-Wehdat
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View |
| 11/27 12:00 | 5 |
Tampines Rovers FC vs Bangkok United
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View |
| 11/27 12:00 | 5 |
Nam Dinh vs Lee Man FC
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View |
| 11/27 14:00 | 5 |
Nasaf Qarshi vs Al Kuwait SC
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View |
| 11/27 14:00 | 5 |
Altyn Asyr FK vs Al Quwa Al Jawiya
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View |
| 11/27 16:00 | 5 |
Al Hussein SC vs Shabab Al Ahli Dubai
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View |
| 11/27 16:00 | 5 |
Tractor Sazi vs Al-Wakrah SC
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View |
| 11/27 18:00 | 5 |
Al Taawon Buraidah vs Al Khalidiyah
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View |
| 11/28 10:00 | 5 |
Eastern SC vs Sydney FC
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View |
| 11/28 10:00 | 5 |
Jeonbuk Motors vs Dynamic Herb Cebu FC
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View |
| 11/28 12:00 | 5 |
Zhejiang vs Lion City Sailors FC
|
View |
Results
| Date | R | Home vs Away | - |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11/07 12:00 | 4 |
Eastern Football Team vs Kaya FC
|
1-2 |
| 11/07 12:00 | 4 |
Lion City Sailors FC vs Persib Bandung
|
2-3 |
| 11/07 12:00 | 4 |
Zhejiang vs Port FC
|
1-2 |
| 11/07 10:00 | 4 |
Dynamic Herb Cebu FC vs Muang Thong United
|
2-9 |
| 11/07 10:00 | 4 |
Jeonbuk Motors vs Selangor
|
1-0 |
| 11/07 08:00 | 4 |
Sydney FC vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima
|
0-1 |
| 11/06 16:00 | 4 |
Tractor Sazi vs FK Ravshan
|
7-0 |
| 11/06 16:00 | 4 |
Al Khalidiyah vs Al Quwa Al Jawiya
|
4-1 |
| 11/06 16:00 | 4 |
Al-Wakrah SC vs Mohun Bagan SG
|
CANC |
| 11/06 16:00 | 4 |
Al Kuwait SC vs Shabab Al Ahli Dubai
|
3-3 |
| 11/06 14:00 | 4 |
Altyn Asyr FK vs Al Taawon Buraidah
|
0-4 |
| 11/06 14:00 | 4 |
Nasaf Qarshi vs Al-Hussein SC
|
1-2 |
Teams
Al Ahed
Al-Wehdat
Tampines Rovers FC
Johor Darul Takzim
Al-Riffa
Kaya FC
Kitchee
PSM Makassar
South China AA
Al-Muharraq
Al-Faisaly Amman
Global FC
Mohun Bagan
Boeung Ket FC
Selangor
Central Coast Mariners
Persib Bandung
Malkiya
Balestier Khalsa FC
Binh Duong
Persipura Jayapura
Fanja
Manama
Than Quang Ninh
Naga World FC
Al-Najma Manama
Terengganu
Ahli Al Khalil
Shabab Al Khaleel
Shabab Al Ordon
Song Lam Nghe An
Sepahan
Jeonbuk Motors
Saham
Hai Phong
Felda United FC
Colombo FC
Sharjah SCC
Bangkok United
East Bengal Club
Nam Dinh
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Sydney FC
Aizawl FC
Thanh Hoa
East Riffa
Kedah
Tractor Sazi
Blue Star
Kelantan FC
Wikipedia - AFC Champions League Two
The AFC Champions League Two (previously known as the AFC Cup, abbreviated as the ACL Two) is an annual continental club football competition organised by the Asian Football Confederation. It is the second-tier competition of Asian club football, ranked below the AFC Champions League Elite and above the AFC Challenge League.
The tournament was founded in 2004 as the AFC Cup, which was played primarily among clubs from nations that did not receive direct qualifying slots to the top-tier AFC Champions League. In 2024, the AFC introduced a revamped second-tier club competition under the name AFC Champions League Two, with the records and statistics of the AFC Cup transferring to the new competition.
Clubs qualify for the competition based on their performance in national leagues and cup competitions. Participation in the competition is open to clubs from the top 12 nations in the East and the West region based on the AFC club competitions ranking. The participant from each nation ranked 1–6 in each region is the highest-placed club in that nation that did not qualify for the AFC Champions League Elite. The nations ranked 7–12 in each region enter their top club(s) directly to the AFC Champions League Two.
The current champions are Central Coast Mariners, who defeated Al-Ahed in the 2024 final. Al-Kuwait and Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya are the most successful clubs in the competition's history, having won three titles each. Clubs from Kuwait have won four titles, making them the most successful nation in the competition.
The winner of the AFC Champions League Two will be allocated an indirect preliminary stage slot for the next AFC Champions League Elite season, if they have not qualified through domestic competition.
History
| Season | Winners |
|---|---|
| AFC Cup | |
| 2004 | Al-Jaish |
| 2005 | Al-Faisaly |
| 2006 | Al-Faisaly (2) |
| 2007 | Shabab Al-Ordon |
| 2008 | Al-Muharraq |
| 2009 | Kuwait SC |
| 2010 | Al-Ittihad |
| 2011 | Nasaf |
| 2012 | Kuwait SC (2) |
| 2013 | Kuwait SC (3) |
| 2014 | Al-Qadsia |
| 2015 | Johor Darul Ta'zim |
| 2016 | Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya |
| 2017 | Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (2) |
| 2018 | Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (3) |
| 2019 | Al Ahed |
| 2020 | Cancelled |
| 2021 | Al-Muharraq (2) |
| 2022 | Al-Seeb |
| 2023–24 | Central Coast Mariners |
| AFC Champions League Two | |
| 2024–25 | |
The AFC Cup began in 2004 as a second-tier competition to relate back to the AFC Champions League, as 14 countries that had developing status competed in the first competition, with 18 teams being nominated. The winners and three runners-up would then head to the knock-out stage. Al-Jaish took the first AFC Cup after they defeated fellow Syrian opponents Al-Wahda on away goals.
In 2005, 18 teams competed from nine nations with the nations still being allowed to choose from one or two teams entering. After Syrian teams left the AFC Cup to try at the AFC Champions League for four years, Al-Faisaly defeated Nejmeh in the final. With it, Jordanian teams would win the next two AFC Cup seasons with Bahrain joining the league while Bangladesh was relegated to the AFC President's Cup until the tournament's abolition in 2014.
Al-Muharraq would break the trend in 2008 as they competed in the last two-legged final before it headed back into a one-leg system, a rule that was never changed till the termination of this tournament.
On 23 December 2022, it was announced that the AFC competition structure would change from the established formats from the 2024–25 season. A new second-tier tournament called the AFC Champions League Two would be introduced. Meanwhile, a new third-tier competition was also launched under the name AFC Challenge League.
On 24 May 2024, AFC announced that the records and statistics of the preceding AFC club competitions will be recognised and integrated within the revamped club competitions, with the data from the AFC Cup transferring to the AFC Champions League Two.
The AFC Champions League Two is an exhilarating annual soccer tournament that showcases the best of Asian club football, providing a platform for emerging teams to compete at a high level. Established to complement the prestigious AFC Champions League, this tournament aims to elevate the profile of clubs from developing football nations and offer them a chance to shine on the continental stage.
**Format and Structure:**
The tournament features a diverse array of clubs from across Asia, including those from the AFC's member associations. Teams compete in a series of group stages followed by knockout rounds, culminating in a thrilling final that determines the champion. The format is designed to ensure competitive balance, allowing clubs of varying experience and resources to vie for glory.
**Objectives:**
AFC Champions League Two serves multiple purposes:
- **Development:** It provides a vital opportunity for clubs to gain international experience and exposure, helping to nurture talent and improve the overall standard of football in the region.
- **Inclusion:** The tournament emphasizes inclusivity, allowing clubs from less prominent footballing nations to participate and showcase their skills on a larger stage.
- **Pathway to Success:** The champion of AFC Champions League Two earns a coveted spot in the following season's AFC Champions League, offering a pathway for clubs to ascend to the highest levels of Asian football.
**Fan Engagement:**
With passionate supporters and vibrant fan cultures, the tournament promises thrilling matches and unforgettable moments. Fans can expect to see emerging stars, intense rivalries, and the spirit of competition that defines soccer in Asia. The tournament also emphasizes community engagement, with initiatives aimed at bringing fans closer to the action and fostering a love for the game.
**Conclusion:**
The AFC Champions League Two is more than just a tournament; it is a celebration of football's growth in Asia. By providing a stage for clubs to compete, develop, and inspire, it plays a crucial role in the evolution of the sport across the continent. Join us as we witness the rise of new footballing heroes and the passion that unites fans from all walks of life!