The Central Coast Mariners, representing Australian football with pride, have been drawn into an intriguing group for the AFC Champions League Elite 2024-25 season. The draw, conducted on Friday, places the A-League club in the East region alongside some of the top teams from Asia.
In this prestigious tournament, the Mariners will face a challenging roster of opponents, including three top clubs from China—Shanghai Port FC, Shandong Taishan FC, and Shanghai Shenhua FC—and three formidable teams from Japan—Vissel Kobe, Yokohama F. Marinos, and Kawasaki Frontale. Additionally, they will compete against Thailand’s Buriram United and Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim.
The Mariners, who earned their spot in the competition by clinching the A-League Premiership, will host Johor Darul Ta’zim, Buriram United, Yokohama F. Marinos, and Shanghai Shenhua at their home ground in Gosford, New South Wales. Matches against Shanghai Port, Shandong Taishan, Vissel Kobe, and Kawasaki Frontale will be played away in China and Japan, respectively.
The club’s entry into this elite competition marks their second appearance in the AFC Champions League Elite, with their qualification underscoring a significant achievement. Their previous accolades include a potential spot from winning the AFC Cup 2023-24, emphasizing their strength and capability on the continental stage.
Revamped AFC Champions League Elite Format and Key Contenders
The upcoming season features a revamped format for the AFC Champions League Elite. Unlike the previous group-stage setup where teams played each other home and away, the new format introduces a league phase. Each of the East and West regions will comprise 12 teams, with each team playing eight matches—four at home and four away. The top eight teams from each region will advance to the knockout stage, which commences in March.
Notable competitors in the tournament include Yokohama F. Marinos, who were runners-up in the AFC Champions League 2023-24 after a two-legged final defeat to Al Ain FC of the UAE. Pohang Steelers of South Korea, who have won the title three times, and Western Sydney Wanderers, the only Australian team to have won the AFC Champions League title in 2014, are also significant contenders.
The knockout rounds, including the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final, will be held in Saudi Arabia between April and May 2025, with the final match scheduled for May 4. This season promises to be a thrilling one, with potential high-profile teams like Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr and Neymar’s Al-Hilal making their mark in the later stages of the competition.
For the Central Coast Mariners, this season represents a tremendous opportunity to showcase their talent on the Asian stage, with the hopes of advancing further and making a significant impact in the AFC Champions League Elite. Fans and followers of Australian football can look forward to an exciting and competitive campaign ahead.
