The AFC / OFC Challenge Cup is a new competition on the international soccer scene which pits the champions of FIFA's Asia and Oceania Confederations together every two years, either in a one-off clash or in a two-legged tie, the winner laying claim to the handsome trophy.
The winner of the OFC Nations Cup represents Oceania in the encounter, while Asia's representatives will alternate between the winner of the Asian Cup, and the winner of the Asian Games.
The inaugural match took place in 2001, at the Ecopa Stadium in Shizuoka, Japan, between the host nation, as holders of the Asian Cup, and Australia, then Oceania's Nations Cup holders. Japan emerged triumphant, 3-0.
The second AFC / OFC Challenge Cup clashes will take place over two legs in 2003. New Zealand will enjoy home advantage in the first leg of their clash with the current Asian Games champions, Iran. The matches will take place in Auckland and in Tehran on March 28 and April 4, 2003, respectively.
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