It’s been two years since our last journey into continental football, so let’s take a look back at the Bulls’ 2023/24 AFC Cup campaign.
With the AFC Champions League Two (ACL2) fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to revisit our most recent adventure in this competition – then known as the AFC Cup.
After lifting our first Australia Cup in 2022, defeating Sydney United 58 FC at CommBank Stadium, the Bulls secured their place in the AFC Cup, alongside fellow A-League side Central Coast Mariners.
Drawn into Group F, we faced Phnom Penh Crown (Cambodia), Dynamic Herb Cebu FC (Philippines) and Shan United (Myanmar) in a six-match group stage, with the top two progressing to the knockouts.
Group Stages
Shan United v Macarthur FC
Our first-ever continental match was one to remember! The Bulls claimed all three points in Myanmar with goals from Valère Germain (20’), Ali Auglah (84’) and Lachlan Rose (90+5’).
Macarthur FC v DH Cebu
Back home at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, we turned it on for the Herd in a thrilling 8–2 win. Goals came from Ulises Dávila (6’), Germain (26’, 36’), Kearyn Baccus (37’), Jed Drew (44’), Raphael Borges Rodrigues (49’) and Jake Hollman (81’).
Phnom Penh Crown v Macarthur FC
A tough night in Cambodia saw the Bulls go down 3–0.
Macarthur FC v Phnom Penh Crown
Redemption was sweet back on home soil with a 5–0 victory. Germain (17’), Borges Rodrigues (20’), Dávila (40’), Tomislav Uskok (81’) and Rose (90’) sealed the win.
Macarthur FC v Shan United (played in Thailand)
Travel restrictions shifted this match to BG Pathum’s stadium, but the Bulls dominated with a 4–0 win thanks to Daniel De Silva (46’), Hollman (57’), Uskok (63’) and Jerry Skotadis (90’).
DH Cebu v Macarthur FC
A 3–0 win in the Philippines booked our place in the knockouts. Goals came from Matthew Millar (3’), Drew (67’) and Auglah (90+4’).
Knock Out Stages
Macarthur FC v Sabah FC (Malaysia)
At Campbelltown, the Bulls booked their ASEAN Final spot with a 3–0 victory. Dávila (40’) and Drew (46’, 80’) were on target.
Macarthur FC v Central Coast Mariners
A historic all-A-League clash in the ASEAN Final. Despite late goals from Dávila (88’) and Rose (92’), the Bulls fell 3–2 in extra time in a thriller.
What’s Next?
That was our last AFC adventure – but now it’s time for ACL2!
Our first home match kicks off on Thursday 2 October, 5:45pm at Campbelltown Sports Stadium against Beijing Guoan FC.
Tickets are on sale now! Secure your seat today
