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All four Group A teams are determined to impress in the AFC Women’s Club Championship 2023 which kicks off in Chonburi on Monday, November 6.
Only India’s Gokulam Kerala FC have previously appeared in the tournament, which will make way for the AFC Women’s Champions League next season.
Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies head coach Naoki Kusunose said the team wants to emulate the men’s side, who are three-time AFC Champions League winners.
“We have prepared well for the tournament and despite the fact that we will be making our debut, we want to challenge for the title.”
“We have several national team players and we will do our best in the tournament,” said Kusunose.
The five-time Japanese champions kick off their campaign against Gokulam Kerala, who are equally determined to make the most of the experience.
“We are privileged to be part of this tournament again. We couldn’t, unfortunately, compete last and we are looking forward to making up for that.”
“The approach will be to take it one match at a time and see how far we can go,” said Gokulam Kerala head coach Anthony Andrews, whose side finished third in the 2021 edition.
Hualien Women’s Football Team head coach Ju Wen-bin said his players are looking forward to the tournament.
“We appreciate this opportunity to play against the other teams as we need these kind of matches.”
“We are on a mission to learn but that doesn’t mean we will not play our best. The target is to do well,” said Ju.
Facing them on Monday will be Thailand champions Bangkok FC with head coach Panupun Kumvongdee expressing hope that home ground advantage will help his side.
“This is the first time we will be playing in this tournament but we hope to do well.
“The opponents are all tough teams but we have trained hard and hope to impress,” said Panupun.
Monday’s Fixtures
Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies (JPN) v Sree Gokulam Kerala FC (IND)
Venue: Chonburi Stadium (Chonburi)
Kick-off: 16:30 (UTC+7)
Hualien Women’s Football Team (TPE) v Bangkok FC (THA)
Venue: Chonburi Stadium (Chonburi)
Kick-off: 20:30 (UTC+7)
