Reigning Indian Super League (ISL) champions Chennaiyin FC are all set to make their debut in Asia through the AFC Cup 2019, beginning with the play-off round in March next year. They will face the winners of the preliminary round clash between Bhutan’s Transport United and Sri Lanka’s Colombo SC over two legs for a place in the group stage, it was announced at the official AFC Cup 2019 draw in Kuala Lumpur today.

This marks a historic moment in the club’s history, as Chennaiyin become the first ISL franchise to qualify for the competition, progressing to the play-off stage in the first attempt after AFC announced a slot for ISL winners in 2017. CFC are among two of the most newly formed clubs participating in the AFC Cup 2019, having been formed only a little more than four years back in August 2014.

CFC will play either Transport United or Colombo SC on March 6 away from home before hosting the second leg a week later on March 13. And if they overcome that challenge, CFC progress to Group E, which will comprise four clubs from South Asia.

If Chennaiyin FC progress to the group stage, they will be up against current I-League champions Minerva Punjab and representatives from Bangladesh and Nepal in Group E (South Zone). Minerva will feature only if they fail to progress to the AFC Champions League group stage. And the identity of clubs from Bangladesh and Nepal will be known closer to the group stage.

Chennaiyin FC – AFC Cup 2019 Play-Off Round Fixtures

1st Leg – March 06, 2019
Transport United (Bhutan) / Colombo FC (Sri Lanka) vs Chennaiyin FC

2nd Leg – March 13, 2019
Chennaiyin FC vs Transport United (Bhutan) / Colombo FC (Sri Lanka)

(Chennaiyin FC)