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| Women''s soccer on a high as new Asian Champions League launches | | | Agencies
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1: Women's soccer is on a high in Asia after some World Cup performances that captivated nations, raising expectations for the new AFC Champions League.
North Korea's win over Japan in the women's Under-20 World Cup last month has the women's game back in focus across the continent.
Australia's run to the semi-finals at the Women's World Cup it co-hosted last year with New Zealand drew record crowds and attention to the talent in the region.
Now, the continental club championship has been revamped and the group stage of the Women's Asian Champions League launches this week with the Urawa Red Diamond Ladies flying the flag for Japan.
The Reds defeated South Korea's Incheon Red Angels in the final of the Women's Club Championship in May, a pilot tournament for the AFC's Women's Champions League, and would like nothing more than to repeat that success.
"To have two Asian nations in the (under-20) World Cup final is good for Asia and good for us, too, as we have rivals to compete with," Urawa coach Naoki Kusunose said.
"We are grateful for this new challenge in club soccer - and we want to move on to the next step and win the Women's AFC Champions League."
The 12-team tournament, including four teams that advanced through a preliminary stage, is divided into three groups of four.
Urawa kicks off against India's Odisha on Thursday and will go on to face Ho Chi Minh City and Taiwanese team Taichung Blue Whale.
The Group C games will take place in Vietnam as each group is played in a single venue over nine days, with the top two advancing to the quarter-finals next March along with the two best third-placed teams. The semi-finals and final will be held in May of 2025.
Australia's Melbourne City is in Group B and kicks off against Iran's Bam Khatoon in Thailand. Melbourne City who will also face Kaya-Iloilo of the Philippines and Thailand's College of Asian Scholars.
"For women's football in general in Asia, it's a great opportunity," Melbourne City coach Michael Matricciani said.
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