Yanbian, China - On 17th September, the day of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, 12 elite university teams representing 8 countries and regions (8 men’s teams and 4 women’s teams) gathered in Hailanjiang Football Cultural Industry Park located in Yanbian, China for the grand Opening Ceremony of the 2nd AUSF Football Cup. All the teams from men’s tournament and women’s tournament will fight for the champions of this event, which will give them quotas to be automatically qualified for the 2025 FISU University World Cup Football.

Former Vice Minister of Education of China, AUSF Honorary President, FISU Emeritus Honorary Member, President of the 174-177th Session of the Executive Board of UNESCO Mr. ZHANG Xinsheng, Member of the Standing Committee of the Jilin Provincial Party Committee and Secretary of the Yanbian Prefectural Party Committee Mr. Hu Jiafu, AUSF President and China Student Sports Federation (CSSF) President and Secretary General Dr. LIU Lixin, AUSF Assessor and CISCA Chair of the event Mr. AL DHAHERI Ali Massari, other guests from CSSF, local government, participating delegations and technical officials were present at the Opening Ceremony.

After all teams marched into the venue, OC Vice President Mr. ZHENG Quan made a speech to welcome guests and participants. He briefly introduced the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture and promised that the OC will provide supporting services to all the participants at their best. He hoped that the event will leave an unforgettable memory for the teams. On behalf of AUSF, President LIU Lixin expressed his gratitude to CSSF and People’s Government of Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, and underlined that the students athletes could improve football skills, forge new friendships and deepen mutual understanding through this event. The Opening Ceremony also featured traditional Chinese martial art, drum dance and other local cultural performances.

Two opening matches were kicked off right after the Opening Ceremony. After 90 minutes tense competition, the opening match between the host team Yanbian University (CHN) and Thammasat University (THA), ended with 1-1 draw. In another match, University Of Doha for Science and Technology (QAT) overcame University of Macau (MAC) with 2:0.

The 2nd AUSF Football Cup will last 8 days. The women’s tournament will start from 19th September, finals of both men’s and women’ tournament will be staged on 24th September.

(Source: AUSF Secretariat)