Adelaide United is set to compete against Vietnamese champions Cong an Ha Noi FC in a crucial AFC Champions League Elite play-off. This one-off match will occur on Tuesday, August 11, at Coopers Stadium, marking a significant occasion for the club.

Stefan Mauk's Return

The upcoming fixture will see the return of former Adelaide United midfielder Stefan Mauk to South Australia. Mauk originally departed the club to join the V.League 1 side at the start of the 2025-26 Isuzu UTE A-League season on loan, a deal that transitioned to a permanent move at the end of that season.

A Historic Moment for Adelaide United

This match represents Adelaide United's first competitive appearance in Asian competition since May 2017, when they faced Jiangsu Suning during the group stage of the AFC Champions League. The outcome of this play-off will shape the club’s journey in Asian football for the 2026-27 season, with the winner advancing to the ACL Elite league phase, while the loser will drop into the ACL Two competition.

Adelaide United Chief Executive Officer Nathan Kosmina expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming match, stating, “This is an exciting moment for Adelaide United and our members, fans, players and staff.” He emphasized the club's proud history in Asian competition and the importance of representing South Australia and Australian football on a continental level. Kosmina noted that this opportunity is a reward for a successful 2025-26 campaign and provides the team with a goal to work towards as they prepare for pre-season starting on July 2.