UAE's Al Wasl FC Begins ACL Two Journey Against Iran's Esteghlal FC On September 17

Al Wasl FC, eight-time UAE league champions, are set to face Iran's Esteghlal FC in their opening match of the AFC Champions League Two™ (ACL Two) Group A. This encounter is scheduled for 17th September at 8:00 pm at Zabeel Stadium in Dubai. The tournament's group stage kicks off on 16th September, with 32 teams vying for continental glory in the 2025/26 edition.

The competition, previously known as the AFC Cup™, has undergone a revamp for its 21st season. It now features eight groups divided between East and West Asia, including two teams making their continental debut. In West Asia, Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr Club, who finished third in their league, will play against Tajikistan's FC Istiklol at Riyadh’s King Saud University Stadium at 9:15 pm.

On the same day and time, Al Hussein from Jordan will host Iran’s Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan SC at Amman International Stadium. Al Hussein recently secured their second consecutive Jordanian league title in the 2024/25 season. Meanwhile, Qatar’s Al Ahli SC returns to continental action after a long hiatus. They will face Bahrain’s cup winners Al Khaldiya SC at 7 pm at Doha's Al Thumama Stadium.

Turkmenistan's Arkadag is also set to make its continental debut against Uzbekistan’s Andijon. These matches highlight the diverse representation from various nations aiming for success in this prestigious tournament.

In East Asia, matches are scheduled for 17th and 18th September. Japan’s Gamba Osaka will host Eastern FC from Hong Kong, China, at Suita City Football Stadium. This Group F opener is set for 7 pm. Gamba Osaka finished fourth in their league last season and will aim to start strong against Eastern FC.

Vietnamese league champions Nam Dinh FC begin their second participation in this competition by hosting Ratchaburi FC from Thailand at Thien Troung Stadium. This match is slated for 7 pm. Ratchaburi FC secured fourth place in the Thai league during the 2024/25 season.

Beijing FC will take on Cong An Ha Noi FC at Workers’ Stadium in Beijing at 8:15 pm. Cong An Ha Noi FC won the Vietnamese cup for the first time in the 2024/25 season, becoming the fifteenth club from Vietnam to compete in this tournament – more than any other Member Association.

The ACL Two promises exciting matchups as clubs across Asia strive for continental success. With revamped formats and new participants, fans can expect thrilling football action throughout this season.

With inputs from WAM