afc-magazine11

PREVIEW: AFC CUP
AFC CUP
HUNT
HEATS UP
DEFENDING CHAMPIONS QADSIA SC WILL LOOK TO
WIN BACK-TO-BACK AFC CUP TITLES AND EXTEND
KUWAIT’S RECORD OF A REPRESENTATIVE IN EACH OF
THE LAST SIX FINALS. WILL KUWAITI DOMINANCE OF
THE TOURNAMENT ENDURE OR WILL A NEW CHAMPION
ARISE? AFC QUARTERLY LOOKS AT THE EIGHT SIDES
WHO WILL COMPRISE THE QUARTER-FINALS.
Since 2009, there has
been one constant in
the AFC Cup final: the
presence of a team
from Kuwait. Three
times Kuwait SC have
lifted the continental
title in 2009, 2012 and
2013, after an all-Kuwait final victory over
domestic rivals Qadsia SC. The runners-up
did not to have to wait long to overcome
their championship disappointment,
though, as Qadsia SC secured a penalty
shootout success over Arbil of Iraq to claim
last year’s title.
Qadsia SC are on course to defend the
AFC Cup this year, while Kuwait SC are
also in the mix along with debutants FC
Istiklol from Tajikistan, who are enjoying a
historic maiden campaign, and inaugural
champions Al Jaish of Syria who lifted the
title in 2004.
From the East, last year’s semi-finalists
Kitchee of Hong Kong come into the last
eight as domestic treble winners, while
local rivals South China have cruised into
the quarter-finals with a 100% record and
boast the tournament’s leading goalscorer
in their ranks.
Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim also
showed their attacking prowess en route
to the last eight with countrymen Pahang
FA likewise looking to make a mark in their
first appearance in the quarter-finals.
With a place in October’s final the
ultimate goal, the first legs will take place
at the end of August and the second legs
in mid-September.
AFC QUARTERLY 29