New Delhi: Pune FC will play against Vietnam champions Hanoi T&T at home in their first round match of the AFC Champions League play-off competition on February 2.
If Pune FC get past the first hurdle, they play against Muangthong United of Thailand in the second round on February 8 in Bangkok.
If the Indian side also win the second round match, they will play against Melbourne Victory of Australia in Melbourne on February 15 for a berth in main round of AFC Champions League, where they will be clubbed alongside defending champions Guangzhou Evergrande (China), Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (Korea Republic) and Emperor’s Cup champions from Japan in Group G.
The schedule of the play-off matches was announced at the draw ceremony of the AFC Champions League as well as AFC Cup in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.
Pune FC were handed the opportunity to feature in the AFC Champions League play-offs as I-League champions Churchill Brothers are yet to fulfil AFC Club Licensing criteria. Pune FC, who finished second in the last season’s I-League, were in fact the lone club in the country to fulfil AFC Club Licensing criteria. (PTI)
