Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) premier club competition, the AFC Champions League, will make history this week when Eastern SC head coach Chan Yuen-ting becomes the first woman in the professional game to lead a men’s team in a continental competition.
As the Hong Kong side prepare for their away opener against Chinese giants and two-time winners Guangzhou Evergrande at the Tianhe Stadium on February 22, the AFC President, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, has praised Chan’s achievement as a truly historic moment not just for the women’s game, but also for Asian football.
“This is a moment of historic significance," said Shaikh Salman. “It is a ground-breaking moment for football in Asia, for the women’s game and for the global game. The world will be watching.”
Worldwide attention is turning now to the 2016 AFC Coach of the Year (Women), when her Eastern club – the first-ever side from Hong Kong to qualify for the competition – take on Guangzhou Evergrande, managed by FIFA World Cup winner Luiz Felipe Scolari of Brazil.
Chan’s achievement speaks to the growth and progress of the women’s game in Asia and serves as an inspiration to women coaches and footballers around the globe.
Shaikh Salman added: “Her achievement exemplifies the AFC’s aspirations, under the banner of One Asia, One Goal, to develop world-class competitions for our players, teams and fans, both in the men’s and women’s games.
“On behalf of the Asian football family, I wish both Eastern and Guangzhou all the best in this truly historic moment in world football.”
“Each year, our club competitions continue to grow in stature, providing an unrivalled stage for Asia’s football stars and clubs to showcase their talent and I am certain that 2017 will be no different.
“I would like to wish all the teams, both in the AFC Champions League and AFC Cup, the very best of luck and a sincere thank you to our Member Associations, passionate fans, commercial partners and the media for your unwavering support. Together, I am confident that we will witness a truly exceptional 2017 season.”