In the first match of AFC Champions League 2, China’s Beijing Guoan will take on Vietnam’s Cong An. The match is set for Thursday, September 18, at 14:15 CET. Here’s a look at the game.
Beijing Guoan vs Cong An: Match facts and head-to-head
- Beijing Guoan has lost their last two matches after winning four in a row.
- Cong An is on a three-game winning streak.
- Beijing Guoan has not scored in their last two games.
- Cong An has scored in 11 consecutive matches.
- At home, Beijing Guoan is unbeaten in three games, with two wins and a draw.
- Cong An has lost only once in their last seven away games.
- Cong An has not lost to nil in their last ten matches, while Beijing Guoan has been shut out in three.
- Cong An has three clean sheets in their last ten matches, while Beijing Guoan has two.
- This will be the first match between these two teams.
Beijing Guoan vs Cong An: Match preview
Beijing Guoan is part of the Chinese Super League, where the competition for top spots is intense. They are aiming for a top-three finish, currently holding 48 points after 24 matches. They are just two points away from third place and five behind the leaders. However, recent back-to-back defeats, including a heavy 0-6 loss, have raised some concerns. Still, they are in a good position to achieve their goals. Their last appearance in an intercontinental tournament was in 2021, where they did not progress beyond the group stage.
Cong An is making their debut in the AFC Champions League, marking a significant milestone for the club. Last season, they finished third, achieving 45 points from 26 matches and narrowly edging out rivals. They have made a strong start in the new V.League 1 season with three wins and a draw. Cong An currently leads the table with ten points, although their closest competitors have a game in hand, indicating some pressure in the points race. To qualify for AFC Champions League 2 again, Cong An needs to win the championship, given the V.League 1’s ranking.
Probable lineups
- Beijing Guoan: Han Jiaqi, Ngadeu, Li Lei, Wang Gang, Yu Dabao, Zhang Xizhe, Ademi, Souza, Gao Tianyi, Liu Yang, Wang Ziming
- Cong An: Nguyen, Ugo Gomez, Leo Arthur, Le Pham, Le Van Do, Nguyen Dinh, Bui Hoang, Mok, Nguyen Kuan, Pendang, Tran Dinh Trong
Prediction
Cong An is currently in better form, but Beijing Guoan has a stronger lineup and plays in a more competitive league. I predict a win for the hosts, so my pick is for a Beijing Guoan victory.