Sydney FC stands on the brink of advancing to the semifinals of the AFC Champions League Two, following a decisive 2-0 victory over Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in Yongin, South Korea. This triumph places the Australian team in a formidable position as they prepare to host the second leg of the quarterfinals on home turf. With only the need to avoid defeat in the upcoming match, Sydney FC is a strong contender to reach the final four of the tournament.
The team’s path to the semifinals could see them facing either Sanfrecce Hiroshima or Lion City Sailors. Sanfrecce Hiroshima, despite an initial 6-1 win, faced a setback as their victory was nullified due to the inclusion of an ineligible player. Consequently, Lion City Sailors were awarded a 3-0 win for the first leg. Sydney FC's journey through the AFC Champions League has already taken them to various countries, including the Philippines, Japan, Hong Kong, and Thailand, showcasing their adaptability and resilience on foreign soil.
Sydney FC's chief executive, Mark Aubrey, has highlighted the broader significance of their continental journey. He believes that football has the unique ability to strengthen Australia's ties with Asia and sees great potential for growth in this area.
"Football just has a power that other codes can't replicate." – Aubrey
The Australian government and Football Australia have shown their commitment to enhancing these ties by investing over AU$600 million to establish an NRL side in Papua New Guinea. Additionally, Football Australia’s collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through the PacificAus Sports program underscores their strategic engagement with the Pacific region.
As part of this broader regional engagement, the introduction of the AFC Women's Champions League offers Australian teams a pathway to participate in FIFA's new Women's Club World Cup and Women's Champions Cup. This aligns with Australia's hosting of the Women's Asian Cup in 2026, further solidifying its role as a key player in promoting women's football across Asia.
Aubrey sees this as a pivotal opportunity for Australian women's football to take a leadership role in Asia.
"There's a real opportunity for women's football in Australia to be real leaders in Asia," – Aubrey
"Really lead the way in terms of what the opportunity is to grow women's football" – Aubrey
He emphasizes the responsibility that comes with this opportunity, urging Australian teams to showcase their capabilities on the Asian stage.
"We even have more responsibility to actually showcase our teams in Asia." – Aubrey
The experiences and successes of Sydney FC in the AFC Champions League Two not only highlight their prowess on the field but also underscore the role of football in fostering diplomatic and cultural connections across Southeast Asia and beyond.
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