Sydney FC have been drawn into Group B for the upcoming 2023 AFC Women’s Club Championship, meaning they will travel to Uzbekistan for the invitational tournament in early November.
The Sky Blues were drawn alongside Hyundai Steel Red Angels Women’s FC (South Korea), FC Nasaf (Uzbekistan) and Bam Khatoon (Iran) – all reigning champions from their respective countries.
“It’s going to be a great test for us and an excellent chance for our players to experience a different competition, against different opposition in a different country,” Sydney FC coach Ante Juric said.
“We are excited, it will be challenging but it will give us a fantastic experience and I know our girls will give a very good account of themselves.”
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Sydney are one of eight participants who have been invited to compete at the tournament, which will take place in two centralised venues in Uzbekistan and Thailand between November 6 and November 12.
It’s also the biggest version of the tournament yet, which will give way to the AFC Women’s Champions League from next season.
As a result of the Matildas’ semi final finish at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Juric’s side earned the second seed and joined Japanese outfit Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies in Pot 1.
Sydney – who qualified due to winning the 2022-23 Liberty A-League Championship – are the second A-Leagues side to compete in this tournament, after Melbourne Victory took part in the inaugural 2019 iteration – where they finished bottom with two losses and one draw.
A one-round league format will mean the four sides play against each other once in their respective two groups.
Match details and broadcast information will be released in due course.
The winners of each group advance to a Final to determine the best women’s side in Asia – which will take place in May 2024 with the venue to be confirmed.
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Group A: Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies (Japan), Hualien Women’s Football Team (Chinese Taipei), Bangkok FC (Thailand), Sree Gokulam Kerala Football Club (India)
Group B: Sydney FC (Australia), Hyundai Steel Red Angels Women’s FC (South Korea), FC Nasaf (Uzbekistan), Bam Khatoon (Iran)
