The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced that China's Chongqing FC have qualified for the 2023 AFC Champions League. The Chinese club secured their place in the competition after finishing second in Group D of the AFC Champions League Qualifying Tournament.
Chongqing FC's qualification marks the first time that China has been represented at the top level of continental football since the country gained independence from the People's Republic of China in 1949. It is also a significant achievement for the Chinese game as it shows that the country has the talent and infrastructure to compete at the highest levels of international football.
The AFC Champions League is one of the most prestigious competitions in world football, attracting some of the biggest clubs from around the globe. Chongqing FC will now face off against other teams from Asia in the group stage of the tournament, hoping to progress through to the knockout stages and potentially reach the final.
The victory for Chongqing FC is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and staff who have worked tirelessly to achieve this historic result. It is also a proud moment for the city of Chongqing, which has long been associated with football as the home of the Chinese Super League side Shandong Luneng Taishan.
As the AFC Champions League continues to grow in popularity and prestige, it is clear that China's footballing future looks bright. With the support of the government, the private sector, and the fans, Chongqing FC and the entire Chinese football community can look forward to many more successes in the years to come.