We are at the draw for obvious reason, because two of our local league teams, Kitchee and Citizen will be participating in AFC Cup 2012. After hearing a lot of A1, C2, B4, and quite a number of clubs that we never heard of (sorry about that!), the groups are as shown in the picture (You can click to enlarge).
So let’s just focus on Group F and Group G for now.
Group F: Kitchee (HKG), Terengganu (MAS), Song Lam Nghe An (VIE), and Tampines Rovers (SIN)
Terengganu is from Malaysia, cup champion, qualified for AFC group stage after winning in AFC Cup play-off. They finished 2nd in the M-League last season. They are not in AFC Cup 2011.
Song Lam Nghe An is from Vietnam, league champion. They were in the same group as TSW Pegasus in AFC Cup 2011, and finished 1st in the group. However, they lost in the round of 16 to Persipura Jayapura.
Tampines Rovers is from Singapore, league champion. They finished 2nd in their group in AFC Cup 2011. But was out after they lost to Iraq club Arbil at extra time. Their top scorer in AFC Cup 2011, as well as their captain, Aleksandra Duric will be a player who Kitchee would wants to look out for. He scored 7 goals in the tournament, which was the 5th highest in the whole tournament.
Winner of Group F will play Runner-up of Group H. Runner-up of Group F will play winner of Group H.
Group G: Yangon United (MYA), Citizen (HKG), Home United (SIN), and Pohang Steelers (KOR)/Thai Knock-out Cup champion (Loser of ACL play-off).
Yangon United is from Myanmar, league champion. They did not participate in AFC Cup 2011.
Home United is from Singapore, Cup champion. They did not qualify for AFC Cup 2011.
The loser of AFC Champions League play-off will join this group, which as they are qualified for ACL, should be stronger. It will either be Pohang Steelers from Korea Republic which finished 3rd in K-League last season; won the ACL in 2009 season and finished in quarter-finals in 2011. Or the cup champion from Thailand. As the tournament is still on going, we do not know which Thai team will join the play-off. It looks like the Thai club has a higher chance to group with Citizen.
Winner of Group G will play Runner-up of Group E (from the West zone) and Runner-up of Group G will play winner of Group E.
The first game will be on 6/7 March. Away game for Citizen and Home game for Kitchee.
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