Shan United and Manila Digger are the last two teams to qualify for the group stage of the 2026-2027 Southeast Asian Club Championship, thereby completing the list of 14 clubs participating in the tournament.
In the second leg of the qualifiers, Shan United had a remarkable comeback against Ezra FC. After losing 2-3 in the first leg, the Myanmar representative faced another disadvantage when Mark Sekyi received a red card in the first half.
Despite playing with one less player, Shan United still maintained pressure and scored an equalizer in the fourth minute of injury time by Thet Wai Moe, bringing the total score after two legs to 3-3. The two teams could not score more goals in extra time and had to enter a penalty shootout.
From the 11m spot, Shan United won 3-2. Edson Dos Santos successfully converted the decisive shot, helping the Myanmar team win a ticket to the group stage.
Shan United is in Group B with Cong An Ha Noi, Port FC, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Lion City Sailors, Persib Bandung and Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng.
Meanwhile, Manila Digger won the remaining spot after a 4-1 victory over Kasuka FC in the second leg away from home. This result helped the Philippines representative win 9-2 overall after two legs.
Saikou Ceesay is Manila Digger's most outstanding player when scoring a hat-trick in the second leg. Previously, this striker also scored in Manila Digger's 5-1 victory in the first leg.
This is the first time Manila Digger has participated in the group stage of the Southeast Asian Club Championship, marking a new step forward for Philippine club football in the regional arena.
The 2026-2027 season is expanded to 14 teams, divided into two groups, each group of 7 teams. The four teams with the best results in each group will qualify for the quarter-finals.
The group stage is expected to start from October 7. In Group A, Buriram United meets Borneo FC Samarinda, Ratchaburi FC welcomes Ho Chi Minh City Police, while Kuching City faces Tampines Rovers.
Hanoi Police will begin their journey in Group B with opponents Shan United, Port FC, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Lion City Sailors, Persib Bandung and Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng.
