The draw for the ASEAN Club Championship – Shopee Cup 2024/2025 has been concluded, setting the stage for exciting group matches in the upcoming regional club football tournament. The draw ceremony, held in Ho Chi Minh City, unveiled the groups for the 12 participating teams, which have been seeded based on their national rankings in the AFC club competitions ranking of 2022.
Group A features a strong lineup with BG Pathum United FC and Terengganu FC from Thailand, showcasing the depth of Thai club football. They are joined by PSM Makassar from Indonesia and Dong A Thanh Hoa from Vietnam, both formidable teams in their own right. The group is rounded off with the winners of the first and second play-off matches, adding an element of uncertainty and excitement as teams vie for these coveted spots.
Group B is equally competitive and features Buriram United FC from Thailand, another testament to the strength of Thai football at the club level. The group also includes Kuala Lumpur City FC and Borneo FC Samarinda from Malaysia, both teams eager to make their mark on the international stage. Joining them are Kaya FC-Iloilo from the Philippines and Lion City Sailors FC from Singapore, known for their competitive spirit and strong performances in domestic leagues. The Hanoi Police FC from Vietnam completes this group, promising tight contests and high stakes.
The play-off round preceding the group stage will see Shan United FC from Myanmar, Svay Rieng FC from Cambodia, Young Elephant FC from Laos, and Kasuka FC from Brunei competing in home and away matches to determine the last two teams to join the main tournament. This preliminary round is crucial as it offers clubs from developing football nations a chance to advance further and showcase their talent on a larger stage.
The ASEAN Club Championship – Shopee Cup 2024/2025 is gearing up to be a landmark event, especially with the introduction of the Video Assistant Referees (VAR) technology for the first time in an AFF tournament. This addition is expected to enhance the fairness and appeal of the games, aligning the tournament with global football standards. Fans across the region are eagerly anticipating the kick-off and the chance to see their favorite teams compete for the prestigious title.
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