KUWAIT CITY, Aug 15: Kuwait Club eagerly awaits the draw for the inaugural edition of the AFC Champions League 2, set to take place today in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Kuwait Club has been placed in the fourth tier of the East region, alongside Al-Wehdat (Jordan), Ravshan (Tajikistan), and Altyn Asyr (Turkmenistan).

The first tier features Sepahan (Iran), Shabab Al-Ahli (UAE), Al-Taawoun (Saudi Arabia), and Al-Wakrah (Qatar). The second tier includes Tractor (Iran), Sharjah (UAE), Nasaf (Uzbekistan), and Al-Quwa Al-Askari (Iraq). The third tier is comprised of Al-Hussein (Jordan), Esteghlal (Tajikistan), Mohun Bagan (India), and Al-Khaldiya (Bahrain).

The AFC Champions League 2 is the second-tier tournament organized by the Asian Football Confederation for men’s teams, boasting the largest number of participating teams. The tournament will be divided into eight groups, with four in the West and four in the East. Teams in the group stage will each receive $300,000, doubling the amount for those advancing to the later stages. The tournament winner will be awarded $3.28 million.

Kuwait Club, which secured its spot by defeating Al-Ahli of Bahrain 1-0 at Khalifa International Stadium. Bahraini professional Mohammed Marhoon scored Kuwait’s winning goal in the 83rd minute. The home team struggled after two of its players were sent off, affecting their performance. The club has a strong history in AFC competitions, having won the AFC Cup title three times.

Hassan Musa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff