The AFC Champions League Two is set to deliver thrilling action as the Knockout Stage begins next Tuesday, marking the continuation of the quest for continental glory.
With eight Round of 16 clashes—four each in the West and East regions—scheduled between February 11 and 13, clubs are gearing up for decisive battles following the conclusion of the Group Stage in December.
A significant addition to this year’s competition is the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, reinforcing the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) commitment to maintaining top-tier officiating standards.
West Region Showdowns
The West region features clubs from various Member Associations, with several teams making history by reaching this stage for the first time.
The action kicks off in Bahrain, where Al Khaldiya SC—making their continental debut—will face Tractor FC of Iran at the Bahrain National Stadium. Al Khaldiya secured their place by finishing second in Group B, while Tractor FC, making their third Knockout Stage appearance, topped Group A.
Meanwhile, Al Hussein SC of Jordan, returning to continental competition after 19 years, will face Sharjah FC of the UAE at the Amman International Stadium. Al Hussein advanced as Group D runners-up, while Sharjah, six-time UAE Pro League champions, dominated Group C.
Another Jordanian club, Al Wehdat, a 17-time league champion, will clash with Shabab Al Ahli of the UAE in Amman. Al Wehdat, who finished second in Group C, have a strong history in AFC tournaments, while Shabab Al Ahli, 2015 ACL finalists, emerged as Group D winners.
Completing the West region fixtures, Al Wakrah SC of Qatar will take on Saudi Arabia’s Al Taawoun FC at Khalifa International Stadium. Al Wakrah, returning to AFC competition for the first time since 2002, finished as Group A runners-up, while Al Taawoun, Group B winners, are in the Knockout Stage for the second time.
Eastern Region Battles
The East region will see intense clashes featuring seasoned teams and new contenders.
On February 12, Sydney FC of Australia, five-time A-League Men champions, will host Thailand’s Bangkok United at Sydney Football Stadium. Sydney FC finished second in Group E, while Bangkok United, winners of Group G, are making their second consecutive Knockout Stage appearance.
Vietnam’s Nam Dinh FC, returning to AFC competition after a long absence, will face Sanfrecce Hiroshima of Japan at Thien Truong Stadium. Nam Dinh, champions of the 2023/24 V League 1, finished second in Group G, while Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Group E winners, have twice reached the ACL Round of 16.
On February 13, Thailand’s Port FC will battle South Korea’s Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC at Pathum Thani Stadium. Port FC, making their second Knockout Stage appearance, finished second in Group F, while Jeonbuk, two-time ACL champions, topped Group H.
Lastly, Muangthong United of Thailand will take on Lion City Sailors FC of Singapore at the Thunderdome Stadium. Muangthong, Group H runners-up, seek their fourth Knockout Stage appearance, while Lion City Sailors, Group F winners, make history with their first entry into this phase.
With second-leg ties scheduled between February 18 and 20, the winners will progress to the Quarter-finals in March, the Semi-finals in April, and ultimately, the Final on May 18, 2025. The stage is set for an electrifying continuation of the tournament.
Gwangju stuns Vissel Kobe with a 3-0 comeback win after extra time, overturning a 2-0 deficit to reach the AFC Champions League quarters.