Women’s soccer on a high as new Asian Champions League launches

By John Duerden

Women’s soccer is on a high in Asia in the wake of some World Cup performances that captivated nations, raising expectations for the new AFC Champions League.

North Korea’s win over Japan in the women’s Under-20 World Cup last month has the women’s game back in focus across the continent. Australia’s run to the semifinals at the Women’s World Cup it co-hosted last year with New Zealand drew record crowds and attention to the talent in the region.

Now the continental club championship has been revamped and the group stage of the Women’s Asian Champions League launches this week with the Urawa Red Diamond Ladies flying the flag for Japan.

The Reds defeated South Korea’s Incheon Red Angels in the final of the Women’s Club Championship in May, a pilot tournament for the AFC’s Women’s Champions League, and would like nothing more than to repeat that success.

“To have two