The A-League’s AFC Champions League 2021 representatives – Sydney FC, Melbourne City and Brisbane Roar – have found out who they are matched up against in this year’s competition.
Patrick Kisnorbo will lead City into their continental debut against Myanmar outfit Shan United, while Warren Moon’s Roar will square off against Philippines Football League runners-up Kaya F.C.-Iloilo, both in preliminary qualifiers on Wednesday, 7 April.
Should the Aussie sides progress, the Bundoora outfit will face Japan’s Cerezo Osaka and the Queenslanders would go up against Chinese powerhouse Beijing Guoan to playoff for a place in the group stage.
As Premiers Plate winners, Sydney FC advance straight to the group stage and Steve Corica’s side will compete with Korea’s K-League champions Jeonbuk Motors, Japan’s J-League runners-up Gamba Osaka and Tampines Rovers of Singapore.
“I think last year was a lot tougher,“ Corica told sydneyfc.com, following Wednesday's draw in Kuala Lumpur.
“Knowing we played Jeonbuk last year, I think we can get points in those games. We deserved more from them last year.
“Gamba is going to be a tough challenge, and realistically the Singapore team, we’ve got to try and take maximum points from those games if you want to go through.”
This year’s group stage is expanded to 40 teams so only group winners are guaranteed a place in the knockout phase, while six pool runners-up will also advance to the Round of 16.
Further information regarding dates and venues will be confirmed by the Asian Football Confederation.
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