Melbourne City will be back in the AFC Champions League for the second time, after being drawn in Group H at the 2023/24 Official Draw in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday evening.
| 2023/24 AFC Champions League Group H |
|---|
| 🇹🇭 Buriram United FC (Thailand) |
| 🇯🇵 Ventforet Kofu (Japan) |
| 🇦🇺 Melbourne City FC (Australia) |
| 🇨🇳 Zhejiang FC (China) |
The most exciting news for City fans is that the 2023/24 edition of the AFC Champions League sees the return of the traditional home and away match days, following a few years COVID affect scheduling.
City’s maiden Champions League campaign in 2022 was played out in the Bangkok hub, hosted by one of their Group Stage opponents, BG Pathum United, who enjoyed home ground advantage for all 6 of their group stage matches.
With each team playing each other both home and away, we’ll host three exciting home games as well as venturing on three long distance away days in Asia.
Who are we playing?
Buriram United FC
The Thai giants, who won a second consecutive domestic treble in 2022/23, will make their 11th Champions League appearance after being drawn as the top seed in Group H.
Leading the line for Buriram United is Thai attacker Supachai Chaided who claimed his sides golden boot award for the last two seasons. He scored 23 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions in 2022/23.
Following the departure of their head coach, their current caretaker coach is former Newcastle Jets head coach, Arthur Papas, who joined the Thai champions as Technical Director in June 2023.
Stadium: Chang Arena
Located in Buriram, Thailand, the stadium has a capacity of 32,600. Known for its energetic atmosphere and modern facilities, it often hosts national team matches as well.
Ventforet Kōfu
Hailing from Kōfu, the capital city of Yamanashi Prefecture in Japan, Ventforet Kōfu currently sit 9th on the table in Japan’s second division, the J.League 2.
Although they haven’t competed in Japan’s top flight since 2017, Kōfu qualified for their maiden Champions League campaign after winning the 2022 Emperor’s Cup despite finishing 18th in J.League 2.
Their top scorer is 39-year-old Peter Utaka, a Nigerian centre forward who’s scored 12 times in 34 appearances for Ventforet Kōfu.
Stadium: Yamanashi Chuo Bank Stadium
Situated in Kōfu, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, the stadium holds 17,000 fans at capacity. It’s noted for its beautiful surrounding landscape and intimate setting that provides City fans a unique away trip experience.
Zhejiang FC
Rounding out Group H is the Hangzhou based Chinese Super League outfit, Zhejiang FC. They make their second Champions League appearance after taking part in the 2011 edition while named Hangzhou Greentown.
Currently sitting in 5th place on the league table, Zheijiang qualified for this year’s tournament thanks to a third place finish in 2022, their first season back in China’s top flight after five years in the second division.
Nyasha Mushekwi poses a the biggest goal threat for Zhejiang, with the Zimbabwean attacking top scoring with 13 goals in 22 matches so far in the 2023 season.
Stadium: Hangzhou Huanglong Stadium
Located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, the stadium holds around 50,000 fans. Known for its modern design and amenities, it offers an impressive environment for both players and fans alike.
Fixtures and Ticketing
We’ll have more information regarding fixtures and ticketing for our home matches soon. Stay tuned to our social channels and Club website for all the news as it drops as we prepare for our second Asian Champions League campaign.
2023/24 MEMBERSHIPS ON SALE
Memberships for the 2023/24 A-Leagues season are now on sale, and with more football than ever before, there’s plenty to get excited about.
- Our first Asian Champions League campaign played on home soil
- Two massive home Melbourne Derbies
- The chance to claim an unprecedented fourth A-League Men’s Premiers Plate
- An extended A-League Women’s season
- Plus, loads more
Click the button below to secure your membership, or call our friendly membership team during business hours on 1300 255 432.
