Pune FC to face Vietnam Champions in AFC Champions League play-off

Pune FC play Vietnam champions Hanoi T&T in
their AFC Champions League Round-1 play-off

Pune FC will host Vietnam champions Hanoi T&T in their AFC Champions League Round-1 play-off competition on February 2.

Next up for the I-League runners up will be Muangthong United of Thailand, which will be an away leg to be played in Bangkok on February 8.

Pune FC play Hanoi T&T in ACL Play off

The tough qualifying process of the play off will have Pune FC face off with Melbourne Victory in Melbourne on February 15 to earn a berth in the AFC Champions League.

Interestingly, if Pune FC enter the group stage they would be clubbed alongside defeding champions Guangzhou Evergrande (China), Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (Korea Republic) and the Emperor's Cup champion from Japan.

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.

With India being allocated 2 AFC Cup slots with a caveat that should Pune FC fail to qualify for the main round of the ACL via the play-offs, they will take up one AFC Cup slot with I-League champions Churchill Brothers being the other, the draw placed Pune FC in Group H of the competition.

Group H:
1.      Tampine Rovers or Balestier Khalsa (Singapore)
2.      Nay Pyi Taw FC (Myanmar)
3.      Pune FC or East Bengal (India)
4.      Kitchee SC (Hong Kong)

However, if Pune FC make it to the 2014 AFC Champions League, the door will be open for East Bengal who finished third in the I-League last season.

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About Debraj Banerjee

Hi, I am Debraj Banerjee from Adra, West Bengal. A keen follower of Indian football and always an optimist that the game will get the recognition it truely deserves. What we ask from you is your support and one day the dream might turn true. Fingers crossed for Indian football. Cheers!

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