AFC Champions League Two Preliminary Round: All You Need To Know As East Bengal Face Altyn Asyr on August 14

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The 2024-25 AFC Champions League Two marks the 21st edition of Asia's second-tier club football tournament, transitioning from the former AFC Cup to a new format under the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

This revamped competition features 32 teams in the group stage, battling for continental glory. Unlike its predecessor, the AFC Champions League Two follows a more streamlined structure, closely resembling the format of the elite AFC Champions League.

The competition begins with preliminary stages on August 14, leading into group stages, followed by knockout rounds, culminating in the final on May 17, 2025. The tournament attracts Indian fans' interest with both the Kolkata Giants -- Mohun Bagan Super Giants and East Bengal -- participating. East Bengal, first, will have to clear the preliminary stages to enter group stages.

Participating Nations

The tournament brings together clubs from across Asia, featuring representatives from both West and East regions. Nations with a strong football tradition such as Japan, South Korea, Iran, and Saudi Arabia are well-represented, alongside emerging footballing nations like India, Tajikistan, and the Philippines. This broad participation underscores the growing football culture across Asia, offering clubs from diverse backgrounds a platform to compete at a higher level.

Participating Nations and Clubs

Teams Qualified for Playoff Stages

East Bengal, the 2024 Indian Super Cup winners, return to continental competition after a decade-long gap. The club has made significant foreign signings, including Madih Talal and Dimitri Diamantakos, bolstering their squad in preparation for the tournament. With the tournament rules allowing up to six foreign players in the lineup, East Bengal is aiming to make a strong impact.

Mohun Bagan, on the other hand, enters the group stage directly, thanks to their status as the 2023-24 Indian Super League champions. Both clubs carry the hopes of Kolkata's passionate football fans, who are eagerly anticipating their performances on the continental stage.

Schedule for Play-off Stages

The play-off stages of the AFC Champions League Two are set to kick off on August 14, 2024. East Bengal will face Turkmenistan's Altyn Asyr at Kolkata's iconic Salt Lake Stadium, a match that has already generated significant buzz among local supporters. The winners of these play-offs will advance to the group stage, joining the 30 direct entrants in the main draw of the competition.

The group stage matches will commence on September 17, 2024, with fixtures scheduled across six matchdays, followed by the knockout rounds. The tournament will culminate in a final on May 17, 2025, where the champions will be crowned.

Play-off Schedule

AFC Champions League 2 Schedule

History of the Competition

The AFC Champions League Two, previously known as the AFC Cup, has a rich history dating back to 2004. Originally established as a second-tier competition to provide a platform for clubs from developing football nations, the tournament has grown in stature over the years. Notable winners include Jordan's Al-Faisaly, Iraq's Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, and more recently, Australia's Central Coast Mariners in the 2023-24 season.

The rebranding and restructuring of the competition in 2024 reflect the AFC's commitment to enhancing the competitiveness and visibility of Asian club football. The tournament's integration with the statistics and records of the former AFC Cup ensures continuity while embracing a new era.