August 16 – The AFC Champions League swings back into action on Thursday (August 18) with East zone knockout rounds centralised in in Saitama, Japan.
The eight east zone teams in the last 16 round include two former champions.
In an all-Korea Republic clash, Group F winners Daegu FC face familiar rivals and two-time title winners Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, who advanced from the Group Stage as one of the three best second-placed sides, at the Urawa Komaba Stadium.
The other last 16 clash on Thursday is an all-Japan affair with Vissel Kobe, the 2020 Semi-finalists, and Yokohama F. Marinos in action at the Saitama Stadium 2002.
The following day will see new names to the AFC’s Champions League knockout rounds with Kitchee SC of Hong Kong facing Thailand’s BG Pathum United at the Urawa Komaba Stadium.
Another Knockout Stage debutant, Johor Darul Ta’zim of Malaysia, who impressed in the Group Stage, will take on two-time champions Urawa Red Diamonds at the Saitama Stadium 2002.
The winning teams will stay in Japan with a draw to decide the quarter final match-ups on August 20. The quarter finals will be played August 22 with the East Zone semi-final to be played August 25.
The two-legged Finals against the West Zone semi-final winner is scheduled for February 19 and 26, 2023.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1713481631labto1713481631ofdlr1713481631owedi1713481631sni@n1713481631osloh1713481631cin.l1713481631uap1713481631
