Melbourne City learn Quarter-Final opponents in pursuit of Women’s Champions League history

Reigning Ninja A-League Premiers Melbourne City are set to face Taichung Blue Whale Women’s Football Team to begin the knockout phase of of the inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League.

The official draw for the competition’s Quarter-Finals took place at AFC House in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. Michael Matricciani’s side went unbeaten through the group stage, defeating Bam Khatoon 2-1, BG College of Asian Scholars 3-0 and ending Kaya FC-Iloilo 4-0 to top Group B and progress to the final eight.

Taichung Blue Whale finished third in Group C but qualified for the Quarter-Finals along with fellow Group C teams Uwara Red Diamonds Ladies and Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC.

City have been confirmed as the host club for the quarter-final, but the venue, date and kick-off time for the fixture are yet to be confirmed.

QUARTER-FINAL DRAW

Melbourne City FC (AUS) v Taichung Blue Whale (TPE)

Hyundai Steel Red Angels Women’s FC (KOR) v Bam Khatoon FC (IRN)

Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC (VIE) v Abu Dhabi Country Club (UAE)

Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies (JPN) v Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC (CHN)

The knockout stage will follow the Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals and Final format.

The four Quarter-Final matchups will be confirmed via a draw, with the higher-ranked team of each tie to serve as the home side. The Quarter-Finals will be single-leg encounters and take place between March 22 and 23.

Then comes the Finals: between May 21 and 24, the four Semi-Finalists will assemble in a centralised location (TBC) for both of the single-leg Semis as well as the Final.

Image: AFC.