2021 AFC Cup groups revealed

Avatar

The groups for the 2021 AFC Cup have been revealed at a group stage draw in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

After the 2020 AFC Cup was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 edition is set to begin with preliminary stage and play-off matches in April and May.

Group stage matches are then scheduled to kick off on May 14 – while the final of the tournament will be played on November 26.

“The 2021 AFC Cup Group Stage will see 39 clubs competing – an increase of three from 2019 – with a newly-introduced Group for the Central Zone,” the AFC said.

“This edition will also award the winning team a place in the preliminary stage of the 2022 AFC Champions League.”

Group A (West Zone) features 2019 AFC Cup Champions Al Ahed FC from Lebanon alongside Al Hidd from Bahrain, Al Wahda from Syria and Al Nasr of Oman.

Jordan’s Al Salt, Palestine’s Balata Center, Lebanon’s Al Ansar and Jordan’s Muharraq make up Group B (West Zone).

Group C (West Zone) includes Tishreen from Syria, Al Seeb of Oman, Al Faisaly from Jordan and a play-off winner.

Group D (South Zone) is made up of ATK Mohun Bagan of India, Bangladesh’s Bashundhara Kings, Maziya S&RC of the Maldives and a winner from the play-offs.

Tajikistan’s Ravshan, FC Dordoi of Kyrgyz Republic and Ahal FC of Turkmenistan are in Group E (Central Zone).

The second central zone group, Group F, features FC AGMK or FC Nasaf from Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan’s Altyn Aysr, FC Khujand of Tajikistan and Kyrgyz Republic’s FC Alay.

Group G (ASEAN Zone) comprises of Hanoi FC of Vietnam, Indonesia’s Bali United, Boeung Ket of Cambodia plus a play-off winner.

Malaysia’s Kedah Darul Aman, Lion City Sailors of Singapore, Vietnam’s Saigon FC and a play-off winner will be placed into Group H (ASEAN Zone).

The third ASEAN Zone – Group I, features Kaya FC-Iloilo of the Philippines, Myanmar’s Shan United or Ayeyawady United, Terengganu FC of Malaysia and Geylang International FC of Singapore.

Eastern Long Lions of Hong Kong, Tainan City of Chinese Taipei, Mongolia’s Athletic 220 and Hong Kong’s Lee Man will play against each in Group J (East Zone).

Previous ArticleNext Article

Mitre Appointed FV’s Sole Ball Supplier Across All Competitions

Avatar
Image credit: Football Victoria

Football Victoria has unveiled Mitre as its exclusive official ball partner in a significant new three-year deal.

As part of the agreement, Mitre will also serve as a Bronze Partner of the FV Business League, an exclusive networking community created to support members in expanding their connections, elevating their brand, and engaging with like-minded professionals who share a passion for both football and business.

From the 2026 NPL Victoria season, clubs will play with the Mitre Ultimax Pro 26, the latest iteration of Mitre’s iconic match ball. The new Ultimax Pro features cutting-edge technology, enhanced performance, and a contemporary design inspired by the original 1995 model.

The ball incorporates a completely redesigned panel layout, engineered to deliver greater control, more accurate flight, and increased power with every strike.

The new exclusive deal reinforces the eight-year relationship between Mitre and Football Victoria, marking one of the most enduring partnerships in the industry.

FV Commercial Executive Manager, Chris Speldewinde described the agreement as a “major milestone” ahead of the 2026 season.

“Mitre has been a trusted partner of Football Victoria for many years, and this new agreement reinforces our shared commitment to elevating the game at every level,” he said via FV Official media release.

“As we move into the 2026 season, having a world-class ball partner ensures our clubs and players are equipped with the highest standards in performance.”

Director of Sportsmart Group, Gerrard Woods said Mitre was pleased to build on its long-running collaboration with FV.

“Our goal has always been to support the growth of football across the state by delivering products that players and coaches can trust at every level,” he said via press release.

In addition to Mitre’s established reseller network, clubs will be able to order match balls through a dedicated online platform designed for simple, streamlined purchasing.

Bentleigh Greens Forge Ties with MST Lawyers

Avatar
Image credit: MST Lawyers

Bentleigh Greens confirmed leading mid-tier commercial law firm, MST Lawyers, as their latest sponsor for the 2026 season. Following an announcement last week, the collaboration strengthens Bentleigh Greens’ commitment to working with Victorian businesses and connecting them with the local football community. 

A Partnership Built on Shared Values 

Ranked as a Tier 1 firm in Franchise Law in Best Law Firms 2025 by Best Lawyers and with 60 years of experince, MST Lawyers strives to maintain a client-focused model supported by respect, excellence and dedication.

But it is not only the work which MST Lawyers carries out within the walls of their company which makes a partnership with the Green so exciting. Beyond providing legal counsel and assistance, they support causes across Victoria and beyond to give back to the community who back them. Such causes include the Mayor of Monash Charity Golf Day, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Australia, and Cambodia Rural Students Trust. 

It is ultimately no wonder why an agreement was there to be struck with a club which prides itself on inspiring a supportive environment, fostering young talent, and transforming a business into a family. Going forward, the Greens will no doubt be looking to work with MST Lawyers on matters which concern the team, the club, and the loyal community which supports them. 

Driving Business and Football Forward 

As the Bentleigh Greens look to find success once more in the NPL Victoria after being promoted as champions last season, joining forces with MST Lawyers is a move with positive implications for the club’s future.

“A sincere thank you to the entire MST Lawyers team for their support and belief in our club,” the club said via social media.

“This partnership will play a key role in driving Bentleigh Greens forward both on and off the pitch.”

Given this will be the Green’s first season back in the NPL VIC since 2023, gathering support will be crucial to not just staying in the league next year, but also sustaining its presence in seasons to come.

You can find more about the services provided by MST Lawyers here.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend