HCM City's striker Nguyen Cong Phuong (left) competes in the AFC Champions League qualification last week. Phuong and his team will play in the AFC Cup's Group F this season. Photo courtesy of Buriram United

The V.League 1’s 2019 runners-up were disqualified from the AFC Champions League after losing 2-1 to Buriram United of Thailand in the qualification round last week.

In Group F, they will face Hougang United (Singapore), Lao Toyota (Laos) and Yangon United (Myanmar).

HCM City will play their first-ever AFC Cup match on home turf, hosting Yangon United at the Thong Nhat Stadium on February 11.

Another Vietnamese team, Quang Ninh, will also compete in the competition. They will meet Bali United (Indonesia), Ceres Negros (Philippines) and Svay Rieng (Cambodia) in Group G.
Quang Ninh will first clash Bali United on February 11.

Quang Ninh finished third in the V.League 1 last season but will play in the AFC Cup as champions Ha Noi FC were disqualified because they did not have an U15 squad competing nationally, which is part of continent-level competition's rules.

Both Vietnamese clubs are said to be easy groups and are expected to advance to the next round. VNS

HCM City FC set to compete in AFC Cup 2020

V-League runners-up Ho Chi Minh City FC are to represent Vietnam as they compete in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup 2020, which is scheduled to take place from February 1- November 7.