FLC Thanh Hoa, the runners-up of the national V.League, will represent Viet Nam at the Asian Football Confederation Champions League 2018.

FLC Thanh Hoa coaches and players receive their silver for their second place at the V.League. They will be Vietnamese representative at the AFC Champions League 2018. — Photo baomoi.com

The club will replace champions, Quang Nam FC, who did not qualify for the tournament based on the AFC regulations

Following the competition schedule, Thanh Hoa will meet Eastern SC of Hong Kong on away ground on January 23.

“We are proud to represent Viet Nam at the continental tournament but also worried about it,” said President Doan Van Phuong.

“The sudden replacement has forced us to change plans for the next season. It brings us many challenges and it is difficult to be fully prepared. However, we will try our best,” he said.

Thanh Hóa are in the process of changing their coaching board and line-up.

Coach Ljupko Petrovic has left and the managers have not found anyone to take his place. Their striker, UcheIheruome, has also said goodbye and some of the key players’ contracts have come to an end. — VNS