2024–25 AFC Champions League Two group stage
The 2024–25 AFC Champions League Two group stage was played from 17 September to 5 December 2024. The top two teams from each group qualified for the knockout stage.[1]
Draw
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 | 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
In the group stage, each group was played in a double round-robin format on home and away basis. The winners and runners-up of each group advanced to the round of 16 of the knockout stage.
Tiebreakers
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
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
The detailed schedule was announced on 16 August 2024 after the draw ceremony.[5][3]
West Region
Group A
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | TRA | WAK | RAV | MBSG | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tractor | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 4 | +12 | 10 | Advance to round of 16 | — | 3–3 | 7–0 | ||
| 2 | Al-Wakrah | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 8 | −4 | 4 | 0–3 | — | 0–2 | |||
| 3 | Ravshan Kulob | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 11 | −8 | 3 | 1–3 | 0–1 | — | |||
| 4 | Mohun Bagan SG | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Withdrew, record expunged[a] | — |
| 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 | Dala 45' |
Attendance: 7,643
Referee: Majed Al-Shamrani (Saudi Arabia)
| Tractor | Cancelled[note 3] | Mohun Bagan SG |
|---|---|---|
Referee: Mahmood Al-Majarafi (Oman)
| Ravshan Kulob | 1–3 | Tractor |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
|
| Tractor | 7–0 | Ravshan Kulob |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
| Al-Wakrah | Cancelled | Mohun Bagan SG |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor | 3–3 | Al-Wakrah |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
|
| Al-Wakrah | 0–2 | Ravshan Kulob |
|---|---|---|
| Report |
|
Group B
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | TAA | KHA | AFC | ALT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Al-Taawoun | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 13 | 6 | +7 | 15 | Advance to round of 16 | — | 2–1 | 1–2 | 2–1 | |
| 2 | Al-Khaldiya | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 14 | 7 | +7 | 12 | 2–3 | — | 4–1 | 4–0 | ||
| 3 | Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 8 | 9 | −1 | 9 | 0–1 | 1–2 | — | 2–1 | ||
| 4 | Altyn Asyr | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 15 | −13 | 0 | 0–4 | 0–1 | 0–2 | — |
| 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 | 2–1 | Al-Khaldiya |
|---|---|---|
| Report |
|
| Al-Khaldiya | 4–0 | Altyn Asyr |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
| Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya | 0–1 | Al Taawoun |
|---|---|---|
| Report |
|
Group C
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | SHJ | WHD | SEP | IST | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sharjah | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 13 | 8 | +5 | 13 | Advance to round of 16 | — | 2–2 | 3–1 | 3–1 | |
| 2 | Al-Wehdat | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 7 | +1 | 11 | 1–3 | — | 2–1 | 1–0 | ||
| 3 | Sepahan | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 12 | 7 | +5 | 10 | 3–1 | 1–1 | — | 4–0 | ||
| 4 | Istiklol | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 12 | −11 | 0 | 0–1 | 0–1 | 0–2 | — |
| Al-Wehdat | 1–0 | Istiklol |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
Attendance: 1,124
Referee: Majed Al-Shamrani (Saudi Arabia)
Group D
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | SAH | HUS | KSC | NAS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shabab Al-Ahli | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 17 | 11 | +6 | 13 | Advance to round of 16 | — | 3–1 | 4–1 | 3–2 | |
| 2 | Al-Hussein | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 11 | 11 | 0 | 10 | 2–3 | — | 2–1 | 2–1 | ||
| 3 | Al-Kuwait | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 9 | 12 | −3 | 6 | 3–3 | 2–2 | — | 0–0 | ||
| 4 | Nasaf Qarshi | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 10 | −3 | 4 | 2–1 | 1–2 | 1–2 | — |
| Shabab Al Ahli | 3–1 | Al-Hussein |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | 2–1 | Nasaf |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
|
| Nasaf | 1–2 | Al-Hussein |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
|
| Al-Kuwait | 3–3 | Shabab Al Ahli |
|---|---|---|
| Report |
|
| Al-Hussein | 2–3 | Shabab Al Ahli |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
| Al-Kuwait | 2–2 | Al-Hussein |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
East Region
Group E
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | SFR | SYD | KAY | EAS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 5 | +9 | 16 | Advance to round of 16 | — | 2–1 | 3–0 | 4–1 | |
| 2 | Sydney FC | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 17 | 6 | +11 | 12 | 0–1 | — | 3–1 | 5–0 | ||
| 3 | Kaya–Iloilo | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 14 | −8 | 4 | 1–1 | 1–4 | — | 1–2 | ||
| 4 | Eastern | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 7 | 19 | −12 | 3 | 2–3 | 1–4 | 1–2 | — |
| Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 3–0 | Kaya–Iloilo |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
| Sydney FC | 5–0 | Eastern |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
| Kaya–Iloilo | 1–4 | Sydney FC |
|---|---|---|
| Horikoshi 3' | Report |
|
| Eastern | 2–3 | Sanfrecce Hiroshima |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
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| Eastern | 1–4 | Sydney FC |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
| Kaya–Iloilo | 1–1 | Sanfrecce Hiroshima |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
|
| Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 4–1 | Eastern |
|---|---|---|
| Report |
|
| Sydney FC | 3–1 | Kaya–Iloilo |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
|
Group F
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | LCS | POR | ZHP | PSB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lion City Sailors | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 15 | 11 | +4 | 10 | Advance to round of 16 | — | 5–2 | 2–0 | 2–3 | |
| 2 | Port | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 11 | −2 | 10 | 1–3 | — | 1–0 | 2–2 | ||
| 3 | Zhejiang | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 9 | 4–2 | 1–2 | — | 1–0 | ||
| 4 | Persib | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 9 | 11 | −2 | 5 | 1–1 | 0–1 | 3–4 | — |
| Persib Bandung | 0–1 | Port |
|---|---|---|
| Report |
|
| Lion City Sailors | 2–0 | Zhejiang |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
| Zhejiang | 1–0 | Persib Bandung |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
| Port | 1–0 | Zhejiang |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
| Persib Bandung | 1–1 | Lion City Sailors |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
|
| Port | 1–3 | Lion City Sailors |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
|
| Lion City Sailors | 2–3 | Persib Bandung |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
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| Zhejiang | 1–2 | Port |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
|
| Zhejiang | 4–2 | Lion City Sailors |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
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| Port | 2–2 | Persib Bandung |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
|
| Persib Bandung | 3–4 | Zhejiang |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
|
| Lion City Sailors | 5–2 | Port |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
|
Group G
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | BKU | NDI | TAM | LMC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bangkok United | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 6 | +6 | 13 | Advance to round of 16 | — | 3–2 | 4–2 | 4–1 | |
| 2 | Nam Định | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 13 | 8 | +5 | 11 | 0–0 | — | 3–2 | 3–0 | ||
| 3 | Tampines Rovers | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 11 | 11 | 0 | 8 | 1–0 | 3–3 | — | 3–1 | ||
| 4 | Lee Man | 6 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 13 | −11 | 1 | 0–1 | 0–2 | 0–0 | — |
| 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 |
|
| Tampines Rovers | 1–0 | Bangkok United |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
| Bangkok United | 3–2 | Nam Định |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
Group H
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | JBH | MTU | SEL | DHC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 16 | 4 | +12 | 12 | Advance to round of 16 | — | 4–1 | 1–0 | 4–0 | |
| 2 | Muangthong United | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 16 | 10 | +6 | 11 | 1–0 | — | 1–1 | 2–2 | ||
| 3 | Selangor | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 5 | +4 | 10 | 2–1 | 1–2 | — | 1–0 | ||
| 4 | DH Cebu | 6 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 26 | −22 | 1 | 0–6 | 2–9 | 0–4 | — |
| Muangthong United | 1–1 | Selangor |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
|
| DH Cebu | 0–6 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors |
|---|---|---|
| Report |
|
| Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | 4–1 | Muangthong United |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
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| Selangor | 1–0 | DH Cebu |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
| Selangor | 2–1 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
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| Muangthong United | 2–2 | DH Cebu |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
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| DH Cebu | 2–9 | Muangthong United |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
|
| Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | 4–0 | DH Cebu |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
| Selangor | 1–2 | Muangthong United |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
| DH Cebu | 0–4 | Selangor |
|---|---|---|
| Report |
|
Attendance: 326
Referee: Sultan Mohamed Yousif (United Arab Emirates)
Notes
- ^ 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 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]
- ^ The match was delayed a day due to adverse weather conditions and safety reasons,[12] associated with the impacts from 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 delayed from 3 October 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, Singapore, instead of their regular home stadium Our Tampines Hub, Singapore.
- ^ a b c Muangthong United played their home matches at Rajamangala Stadium, instead of their regular home stadium Thunderdome Stadium, Nonthaburi.[15]
References
- ^ 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.