Mariners and Sky Blues Turn Focus to Continental Campaigns

Central Coast Mariners and Sydney FC are gearing up for crucial fixtures in their respective AFC Asian Champions League (ACL) tournaments, following momentum-building victories during the Unite Round.

ACL Challenges Ahead for Australian Clubs

Mariners in the ACL Elite

Central Coast Mariners face an uphill battle as they prepare to take on J1 League champions and current ACL Elite frontrunners Vissel Kobe on Tuesday, November 26, at Noevir Stadium, Kobe. The Mariners sit 11th in the 12-team Eastern League with only one point from four matches. Their knockout phase hopes hinge on closing a five-point gap to eighth-placed Kawasaki Frontale, with just four games remaining.

The challenge intensifies as they encounter a Vissel Kobe side that boasts three wins and one draw in the competition, coupled with their domestic success, including the Emperor’s Cup. Mariners’ head coach Mark Jackson, however, remains optimistic after securing their first win of the season—a 2-1 triumph against Newcastle Jets during Unite Round.

Adding to the Mariners’ arsenal is the return of winger Christian Theoharous, who has been sidelined by injury. Jackson praised Theoharous as a “dynamic attacking player” capable of energizing the squad.

Sydney FC in ACL Two

Sydney FC, competing in ACL Two, are well-positioned to secure a spot in the Round of 16 as they sit second in Group E. They travel to Hong Kong to face Eastern FC on Thursday, November 28, before a concluding group-stage match against Kaya FC Iloilo the following week.

The Sky Blues are brimming with confidence after a 4-2 derby victory over Western Sydney Wanderers, which saw key player Douglas Costa return to action. Playmaker Anas Ouahim, who was instrumental in their last clash against Eastern with a brace, will be pivotal in ensuring Sydney FC extends their dominance over the Hong Kong-based club.

Match Previews

Vissel Kobe vs. Central Coast Mariners

• Competition: AFC Champions League Elite
• Date: Tuesday, November 26, 2024
• Venue: Noevir Stadium, Kobe
• Kick-off: 9:00 PM AEDT (7:00 PM Local)

Broadcast: Watch live on Paramount+.

Eastern FC vs. Sydney FC

• Competition: AFC Champions League Two
• Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024
• Venue: Mong Kok Stadium, Hong Kong
• Kick-off: 9:00 PM AEDT (6:00 PM Local)

Broadcast: Watch live and free on 10 Play.

Can Australian Clubs Prevail in Asia?

As the Mariners strive to keep their ACL Elite campaign alive and Sydney FC aim to advance in ACL Two, the next week promises high stakes and thrilling action. Both clubs will need to channel their Unite Round form into their continental quests to keep Australia’s hopes alive on the Asian stage.