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Al Ain and Al Jazira play in Groups “D” and “A” in AFC Champions League

 

The UAE Pro League champions Al Ain will face Esteghlal from Iran, Al Rayyan of Qatar and Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia in Group “D”, one of the strongest groups in the Group Stage of the AFC 2013 Champions League, according to today’s draw ceremony, Thursday, December 6 held at the AFC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. Al Jazira are to start their campaign in Group “A” alongside with Al Shabab (KSA), Tractor Sazi (IRN) and El Jaish (QAT).

The UAE side and Dubai-based Al Nasr must overcome Uzbekistan side Lokomotiv to qualify for the group stage to join “Group C” which includes Sepahan (IRN) , Al Gharafa (QAT) and Al Ahli (KSA), while UAE Al Shabab will face a challenging trip to Iran to face Sabaye Qom in their play-off  match to name the team who will proceed to play in Group “B” which also includes Lekhwiya (QAT),Al Ettifaq (KSA) and Pakhtakor (UZB).

In the Eastern Asian Zone Group “E” includes  FC Seoul  from South Korea (KOR) and the winner of the play-off  involving Brisbane Roar (AUS) and Buriram United (THA) alongside with Vegalta Sendai (JPN) and Jiangsu Sainty (CHN) while Group “F” is composed of Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN) , Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR), SCG Muangthong United (THA)  and Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN).

Sanfrecce Hiroshima Champions of Japan League (JPN) will take on their Group “G” rivals Beijing Guoan (CHN) , Pohang Steelers (KOR)  and Bunyodkor (UZB) whereas Central Coast Mariners (AUS)  will face Knockout Cup Champions (JPN) ,Guizhou Renhe (CHN) and Suwon Bluewings (KOR) in Group “H”.