2024–25 AFC Champions League Two group stage
The 2024–25 AFC Champions League Two group stage will be played from 17 September to 5 December 2024. Top two teams from each group qualify for the knockout stage.[1]
Draw
[edit]The draw for the group stage took place on 16 August at the InterContinental Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.[2] The 32 teams were drawn into eight groups of four: four groups each in the West Region (Groups A–D) and the East Region (Groups E–H).[3] For each region, teams were seeded into four pots and drawn into the relevant positions within each group, based on their association ranking and their seeding within their association. Teams from the same association could not be drawn into the same group.
The following 32 teams entered the group-stage draw, which included the 27 direct entrants, three losers from the AFC Champions League Elite qualifying play-offs and the two winners of the preliminary stage.
| Region | Groups | Pot 1 | Pot 2 | Pot 3 | Pot 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Region | A–D |  SepahanACLE
|
Tractor
|
 Al-Hussein Irbid
|
Al-Wehdat
|
 Shabab Al AhliACLE
|
Sharjah
|
 Istiklol
|
Ravshan Kulob
| ||
 Al Taawoun
|
 Nasaf
|
 Mohun Bagan SG
|
 Altyn AsyrPS
| ||
 Al-Wakrah
|
 Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya
|
 Al-Khaldiya
|
 Al-KuwaitPS
| ||
| East Region | E–H |  Bangkok UnitedACLE
|
Port
|
 Lee Man
|
Eastern
|
 Sanfrecce Hiroshima
|
 Sydney FC
|
 Kaya–Iloilo
|
DH Cebu
| ||
 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors
|
 Selangor
|
 Lion City Sailors
|
Tampines Rovers
| ||
 Zhejiang
|
 Nam Định
|
Muangthong United
|
 Persib
| ||
- Legend
- ACLE: AFC Champions League Elite qualifying play-off losers
- PS: Preliminary stage winners
Format
[edit]In the group stage, each group will be played in a double round-robin format on home and away basis. The winners and runners-up of each group advance to the round of 16 of the knockout stage.
Tiebreakers
[edit]The teams were ranked according to points (3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, 0 points for a loss). If tied on points, tiebreakers were applied in the following order (Regulations Article 8.3):[4]
- Points in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
- Goal difference in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
- Goals scored in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
- If more than two teams were tied, and after applying all head-to-head criteria above, a subset of teams were still tied, all head-to-head criteria above were reapplied exclusively to this subset of teams;
- Goal difference in all group matches;
- Goals scored in all group matches;
- Penalty shoot-out if only two teams playing each other in the last round of the group are tied;
- Disciplinary points (yellow card = 1 point, red card as a result of two yellow cards = 3 points, direct red card = 3 points, yellow card followed by direct red card = 4 points);
- Drawing of lots.
Schedule
[edit]The schedule of the group stage was as follows.[1]
| Round | Dates (West region) | Dates (East region) |
|---|---|---|
| Matchday 1 | 17–18 September 2024 | 18–19 September 2024 |
| Matchday 2 | 1–2 October 2024 | 2–3 October 2024 |
| Matchday 3 | 22–23 October 2024 | 23–24 October 2024 |
| Matchday 4 | 5–6 November 2024 | 6–7 November 2024 |
| Matchday 5 | 26–27 November 2024 | 27–28 November 2024 |
| Matchday 6 | 3–4 December 2024 | 4–5 December 2024 |
Groups
[edit]The detailed schedule was announced on 16 August 2024 after the draw ceremony.[5][3]
West Region
[edit]Group A
[edit]| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | TRA | WAK | RAV | MBSG | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tractor (A)
|
3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 1 | +12 | 9 | Advance to round of 16 | — | 27 Nov | 7–0 | ||
| 2 | Al-Wakrah
|
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | −2 | 3 | 0–3 | — | 4 Dec | |||
| 3 | Ravshan Kulob
|
3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 11 | −10 | 0 | 1–3 | 0–1 | — | |||
| 4 | Mohun Bagan SG
|
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Withdrawn[a] | — |
Updated to match(es) played on 6 November 2024. Source: AFC
Rules for classification: Tiebreakers
(A) Advance to a further round
Notes:
Rules for classification: Tiebreakers
(A) Advance to a further round
Notes:
| Mohun Bagan SG | Voided (0–0) | Ravshan Kulob |
|---|---|---|
| Report |
Attendance: 18,908
Referee: Ahmed Issa (United Arab Emirates)
| Ravshan Kulob | 0–1 | Al-Wakrah |
|---|---|---|
| Report | Gelson Dala  45' |
Attendance: 7,643
Referee: Majed Al-Shamrani (Saudi Arabia)
| Ravshan Kulob | 1–3 | Tractor |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
|
| Tractor | 7–0 | Ravshan Kulob |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
| Al-Wakrah | Cancelled | Mohun Bagan SG |
|---|---|---|
Group B
[edit]| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | TAA | KHA | AFC | ALT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Al-Taawoun
|
4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 5 | +5 | 9 | Advance to round of 16 | — | 27 Nov | 1–2 | 2–1 | |
| 2 | Al-Khaldiya
|
4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 5 | +4 | 9 | 2–3 | — | 4–1 | 4 Dec | ||
| 3 | Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya
|
4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 8 | −2 | 6 | 4 Dec | 1–2 | — | 2–1 | ||
| 4 | Altyn Asyr (E)
|
4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 9 | −7 | 0 | 0–4 | 0–1 | 27 Nov | — |
Updated to match(es) played on 6 November 2024. Source: AFC
Rules for classification: Tiebreakers
(E) Eliminated
Rules for classification: Tiebreakers
(E) Eliminated
| Al-Khaldiya | 2–3 | Al Taawoun |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
| Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya | 2–1 | Altyn Asyr |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
|
| Altyn Asyr | 0–1 | Al-Khaldiya |
|---|---|---|
| Report | Bellatreche 45+4' |
| Al Taawoun | 1–2 | Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya |
|---|---|---|
| João Pedro 62' |
Report |
|
| Al Taawoun | 2–1 | Altyn Asyr |
|---|---|---|
| Report |
|
| Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya | 1–2 | Al-Khaldiya |
|---|---|---|
| Report |
|
| Al-Khaldiya | 4–1 | Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya |
|---|---|---|
| Report |
|
| Al Taawoun | v | Al-Khaldiya |
|---|---|---|
Al-Taawoun Club Stadium, Buraidah
Group C
[edit]| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | WHD | SHJ | SEP | IST | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Al-Wehdat
|
4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 3 | +3 | 10 | Advance to round of 16 | — | 3 Dec | 2–1 | 1–0 | |
| 2 | Sharjah
|
4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 6 | +1 | 7 | 2–2 | — | 3–1 | 26 Nov | ||
| 3 | Sepahan
|
4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 6 | +3 | 6 | 26 Nov | 3–1 | — | 4–0 | ||
| 4 | Istiklol (E)
|
4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 7 | −7 | 0 | 0–1 | 0–1 | 3 Dec | — |
Updated to match(es) played on 5 November 2024. Source: AFC
Rules for classification: Tiebreakers
(E) Eliminated
Rules for classification: Tiebreakers
(E) Eliminated
| Al-Wehdat | 1–0 | Istiklol |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
Attendance: 1,124
Referee: Majed Al-Shamrani (Saudi Arabia)
Group D
[edit]| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | HUS | SAH | NAS | KSC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Al-Hussein Irbid
|
4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 6 | +1 | 9 | Advance to round of 16 | — | 27 Nov | 2–1 | 2–1 | |
| 2 | Shabab Al-Ahli
|
4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 7 | +4 | 7 | 3–1 | — | 4 Dec | 4–1 | ||
| 3 | Nasaf Qarshi
|
4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | −1 | 4 | 1–2 | 2–1 | — | 27 Nov | ||
| 4 | Al-Kuwait
|
4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 9 | −4 | 2 | 4 Dec | 3–3 | 0–0 | — |
| Shabab Al Ahli | 3–1 | Al-Hussein Irbid |
|---|---|---|
| Report |
|
| Al-Kuwait | 0–0 | Nasaf |
|---|---|---|
| Report |
Attendance: 950
Referee: Majed Al-Shamrani (Saudi Arabia)
| Nasaf | 2–1 | Shabab Al Ahli |
|---|---|---|
| Marušić 83', 90+2' |
Report | Mateusão 19' |
| Al-Hussein Irbid | 2–1 | Al-Kuwait |
|---|---|---|
| Report | Marhoon 6' |
Attendance: 2,255
Referee: Ammar Ebrahim Mahfoodh (Bahrain)
| Shabab Al Ahli | 4–1 | Al-Kuwait |
|---|---|---|
| Report |
|
| Al-Hussein Irbid | 2–1 | Nasaf |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
|
| Nasaf | 1–2 | Al-Hussein Irbid |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
|
| Al-Kuwait | 3–3 | Shabab Al Ahli |
|---|---|---|
| Report |
|
East Region
[edit]Group E
[edit]| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | SFR | SYD | EAS | KAY | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sanfrecce Hiroshima (A)
|
4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 3 | +6 | 12 | Advance to round of 16 | — | 2–1 | 5 Dec | 3–0 | |
| 2 | Sydney FC
|
4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 4 | +6 | 6 | 0–1 | — | 5–0 | 5 Dec | ||
| 3 | Eastern
|
4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 11 | −6 | 3 | 2–3 | 28 Nov | — | 1–2 | ||
| 4 | Kaya–Iloilo
|
4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 10 | −6 | 3 | 28 Nov | 1–4 | 1–2 | — |
Updated to match(es) played on 7 November 2024. Source: AFC
Rules for classification: Tiebreakers
(A) Advance to a further round
Rules for classification: Tiebreakers
(A) Advance to a further round
| Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 3–0 | Kaya–Iloilo |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
| Kaya–Iloilo | 1–4 | Sydney FC |
|---|---|---|
| Horikoshi 3' |
Report |
|
| Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 2–1 | Sydney FC |
|---|---|---|
| Report |
|
Attendance: 12,209
Referee: Yahya Al-Mulla (United Arab Emirates)
| Kaya–Iloilo | 1–2 | Eastern |
|---|---|---|
| Report |
| Sydney FC | 0–1 | Sanfrecce Hiroshima |
|---|---|---|
| Report |
|
| Eastern | 1–2 | Kaya–Iloilo |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
Group F
[edit]| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | POR | LCS | PSB | ZHP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Port
|
4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 4 | +1 | 9 | Advance to round of 16 | — | 1–3 | 28 Nov | 1–0 | |
| 2 | Lion City Sailors
|
4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 5 | +3 | 7 | 5 Dec | — | 2–3 | 2–0 | ||
| 3 | Persib
|
4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | −1 | 4 | 0–1 | 1–1 | — | 5 Dec | ||
| 4 | Zhejiang
|
4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 5 | −3 | 3 | 1–2 | 28 Nov | 1–0 | — |
| Persib Bandung | 0–1 | Port |
|---|---|---|
| Report |
|
| Zhejiang | 1–0 | Persib Bandung |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
| Persib Bandung | 1–1 | Lion City Sailors |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
|
| Port | 1–3 | Lion City Sailors |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
|
| Zhejiang | 1–2 | Port |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
Group G
[edit]| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | BKU | NDI | TAM | LMC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bangkok United
|
4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 3 | +6 | 10 | Advance to round of 16 | — | 4 Dec | 4–2 | 4–1 | |
| 2 | Nam Định
|
4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 5 | +3 | 8 | 0–0 | — | 3–2 | 27 Nov | ||
| 3 | Tampines Rovers
|
4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 11 | −1 | 4 | 27 Nov | 3–3 | — | 3–1 | ||
| 4 | Lee Man (E)
|
4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 10 | −8 | 0 | 0–1 | 0–2 | 4 Dec | — |
Updated to match(es) played on 6 November 2024. Source: AFC
Rules for classification: Tiebreakers
(E) Eliminated
Rules for classification: Tiebreakers
(E) Eliminated
| Lee Man | 0–2 | Nam Định |
|---|---|---|
| Report |
|
| Bangkok United | 4–2 | Tampines Rovers |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
|
| Tampines Rovers | 3–1 | Lee Man |
|---|---|---|
| Report | Li Ngai Hoi 4' |
| Lee Man | 0–1 | Bangkok United |
|---|---|---|
| Report |
|
| Tampines Rovers | 3–3 | Nam Định |
|---|---|---|
| Report |
|
| Nam Định | 3–2 | Tampines Rovers |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
| Bangkok United | 4–1 | Lee Man |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
|
Group H
[edit]| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | JBH | SEL | MTU | DHC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors
|
4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 3 | +9 | 9 | Advance to round of 16 | — | 1–0 | 4–1 | 28 Nov | |
| 2 | Selangor
|
4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | +1 | 7 | 2–1 | — | 28 Nov | 2–0 | ||
| 3 | Muangthong United
|
4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 13 | 9 | +4 | 5 | 5 Dec | 1–1 | — | 2–2 | ||
| 4 | DH Cebu (E)
|
4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 18 | −14 | 1 | 0–6 | 5 Dec | 2–9 | — |
Updated to match(es) played on 7 November 2024. Source: AFC
Rules for classification: Tiebreakers
(E) Eliminated
Rules for classification: Tiebreakers
(E) Eliminated
| Muangthong United | 1–1 | Selangor |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
|
| DH Cebu | 0–6 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors |
|---|---|---|
| Report |
|
| Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | 4–1 | Muangthong United |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
|
| DH Cebu | 2–9 | Muangthong United |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
| Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | 1–0 | Selangor |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
Notes
[edit]- ^ On 25 September 2024, the match was declared as a forfeit by the same scoreline after Al-Wakrah fielded an ineligible player currently serving a suspension.[7]
- ^ a b c Ravshan Kulob played their home matches at Central Republican Stadium, Dushanbe, instead of their regular home stadium Kulob Markazii Stadium, Kulob, which did not meet AFC requirements.
- ^ The match was cancelled by Asian Football Confederation (AFC) as Mohan Bagan SG refused to travel to Tabriz, Iran citing security reasons followed by the current advisory by the Embassy of The Republic of India in Tehran, Iran due to the State mourning for Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.[8][9] Consequently on 7 October, AFC announced that Mohun Bagan SG were considered to have withdrawn from the AFC Champions League Two.[10]
- ^ a b c d Iranian clubs are required to play their home matches at neutral venues due to security concerns relating to the October 2024 Israeli strikes on Iran
- ^ a b c Altyn Asyr played their home matches at Ashgabat Stadium, Ashgabat, instead of their regular home stadium Büzmeýin Sport Topulmy, Büzmeýin, which did not meet AFC requirements.
- ^ a b c Al-Wehdat played their home matches at Amman International Stadium, Amman, instead of their regular home stadium King Abdullah II Stadium, Amman.
- ^ Al-Kuwait played their home matches at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, Kuwait City, instead of their regular home stadium Al Kuwait Sports Club Stadium, Kuwait City.
- ^ a b c Al-Hussein Irbid played their home matches at Amman International Stadium, Amman, instead of their regular home stadium Al-Hassan Stadium, Irbid, which did not meet AFC requirements.
- ^ a b c Sydney FC played their home matches at Jubilee Oval, Sydney, instead of their regular home stadium Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney.
- ^ a b c d e f Kaya–Iloilo and DH Cebu played their home matches at Rizal Memorial Stadium, Manila, instead of their regular home stadium Campo Alcantara Stadium, Iloilo City and Dynamic Herb Sports Complex, Talisay respectively, which did not meet AFC requirements.[11][failed verification]
- ^ The match was originally scheduled to be played on October 24, but the match was could not take place due to adverse weather conditions and safety reasons.[12] The Philippines have been impacted by Tropical Storm Trami.[13]
- ^ a b c Persib Bandung played their home matches at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung, instead of their regular home stadium Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium, Bandung.
- ^ a b c Port played their home matches at Pathum Thani Stadium, Pathum Thani, instead of their regular home stadium PAT Stadium, Bangkok, which did not meet AFC requirements.
- ^ The match was originally scheduled to be played on October 3, but the match was could not take place due to adverse weather conditions and safety reasons.[14]
- ^ a b c Lee Man played their home matches at Mong Kok Stadium, Hong Kong, instead of their regular home stadium Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground, Hong Kong.
- ^ a b c Tampines Rovers played their home matches at Jalan Besar Stadium, Kallang, instead of their regular home stadium Our Tampines Hub, Tampines.
- ^ a b c Muangthong United played their home matches at Rajamangala Stadium, instead of their regular home stadium Thunderdome Stadium, Nonthaburi.[15]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "AFC Competitions Calendar (Jul 2024 - Jun 2025)" (PDF). the-AFC.com. Asian Football Confederation. 20 June 2024.
- ^ "AFC Champions League Two: #ACLTwo contenders to discover Group Stage fate". the-AFC. 12 August 2024.
- ^ a b "#ACLTwo group stage draw finalised". Asian Football Confederation. 16 August 2024. Retrieved 17 August 2024.
- ^ "AFC Champions League Two 2024/25 Competition Regulations" (PDF). Asian Football Confederation. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
- ^ "2024–25 AFC Champions League Two Group Stage Draw Results & Match Schedule" (PDF). Asian Football Confederation. 16 August 2024. Retrieved 17 August 2024.
- ^ "Latest update on AFC Champions League Two™". Asian Football Confederation. 7 October 2024.
- ^ "List of the AFC DEC decisions 25 September 2024" (PDF). the-afc.com. Asian Football Confederation. 25 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ "Mohun Bagan skips AFC Champions League Two match vs Tractor SC in Iran over safety concerns". Olympics.
- ^ "Travel Advisory for Indian nationals regarding Iran". Ministry of External Affairs, India.
- ^ "Latest update on AFC Champions League Two™". Asian Football Confederation. 7 October 2024.
- ^ Rosal, Glendale (14 September 2024). "Cebu FC 'forced' to play ACL 2 home games in Manila". Cebu Daily News. Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 17 September 2024.
- ^ "Latest update on AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25". the-AFC.com. Asian Football Confederation. 24 October 2024. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
- ^ Saldajeno, Ivan Stewart (24 October 2024). "Kaya Iloilo-HK Eastern match washed out by 'Kristine'". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved 25 October 2024.
- ^ "Latest update on AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25". the-AFC.com. Asian Football Confederation. 23 October 2024. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
- ^ "โปรแกรม เมืองทองฯ โยกใช้ราชมังคลาฯ รังเหย้า ACL2". siamsport.co.th. 10 Sep 2024. Retrieved 12 Sep 2024.