Shanghai Harbor AFC Championship History and Outlook
In the 2016 season, Shanghai Seaport asked for the AFC Champions League throne for the first time, with two foreigners, Ackerson and Hulk, joining the team, but regretted going out of the AFC Champions League quarterfinals with a total score of 0:5 against Jeonbuk Hyundai.
In 2017, Shanghai Seaport eliminated Guangzhou Evergrande on penalties in the quarterfinals of the AFC Champions League, but settled for the best record in the semifinals with a 1:2 defeat against Urawa Red Diamonds. The addition of Oscar has injected new energy into the team.
In 2018, Shanghai Seaport's AFC Champions League campaign came to an abrupt end when they were defeated by Kashima Antlers 3:4 in the 1/8 final.
In 2019, facing Urawa Red Diamonds again, Shanghai Seaport drew 3:3 on aggregate over two rounds and went out due to away goal disadvantage.
In 2021, Shanghai Seaport lost 0:1 to Filipino side Kaya in the AFC Champions League play-offs, with an all-substitutes line-up making the game particularly tough.
In the 2022-23 season, Shanghai Seaport chose to abandon the tournament and finished bottom of the group stage.
In the 2023-24 season, Shanghai Seaport suffered three home losses to Thai Premier League side Pathum United and once again missed out on the AFC Champions League.
This season, Shanghai Seaport won the league on both fronts, but it will be interesting to see if they can repeat their success in the AFC Champions League.
Shanghai Seaport will host Johor Bahru in the upcoming first round of the AFC Elite League in East Asia. The match will be played on September 18th at 20:00hrs.
Shanghai Seaport's AFC Elite League opponents for the 2024-25 season include Johor Bahru, Pohang Ironmen, Central Coast Mariners, Kawasaki Frontale, Ulsan Hyundai, Gwangju FC, Kobe Victory and Yokohama Mariners. The teams from Japan, South Korea, Australia and Malaysia are all strong.
Johor Bahru is a dominant force in the Malaysian Premier League, winning the top flight for ten consecutive years, and is known as the "Bayern Malay Premier League". This season, Johor Bahru are leading the way with 9 wins, 8 draws and 1 loss, 25 points ahead of second-placed Selangor.
Johor Bahru, worth a total of €12.05 million, have 33-year-old Brazilian striker Bergeson in their squad, who starred for Brazilian giants Gremio.
The two sides have no previous meeting records, Shanghai Harbor lineup strength is clearly superior, the home game is expected to obtain the opening red.
