Tough AFC Champions League draw for Guangzhou Evergrande

Following is the draw for the 2012 AFC Champions League group stage made in AFC house here on Thursday:

The official draw for the 2012 AFC Champions League group stage unveiled in Kuala Lumpur, Nov 6, 2012. [Photo/CFP]

West:

Group A

Al Shabab, Saudi Arabia

Al Jazira, UAE

Tractorsazi Tabriz, Iran

El Jaish, Qatar

Group B

Lekhwiya, Qatar

Al Ettifaq, Saudi Arabia

Pakhtakor, Uzbekistan

Play-off West winner 1    (Saba Qom, Iran or Al Shabab Al Arabi, UAE)

Group C

Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan, Iran

Al Gharafa, Qatar

Al Ahli, Saudi Arabia

Play-off West winner 2  (Al Nasr, UAE or Lokomotive, Uzbekistan)

Group D

Al Ain, UAE

Esteghlal, Iran

Al Rayyan, Qatar

Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia

East:

Group E

FC Seoul, South Korea

Play-off East winner 1 (Buriram United, Thailand or Brisbane Roar, Australia)

Vegalta Sendai, Japan

Jiangsu Sainty, China

Group F

Guangzhou Evergrande, China

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, South Korea

SCG Muangthong United, Thailand

Urawa Red Diamonds, Japan

Group G

Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Japan

Beijing Guoan, China  

Pohang Steelers, South Korea

Bunyodkor, Uzbekistan

Group H

Central Coast Mariners,Australia

Emperor's Cup Champion, Japan (To be confirmed )

Guizhou Renhe, China

Suwon Bluewings, South Korea  

Note: Qualifying Play-offs to be palyed on Feb 9 and group stage kicks off on Feb 26. The top two teams in each group will advance to the round of 16, which will be played over two legs for the first time. The final will also be played over two legs with the first leg on Oct 25 or 26 and the return match on November 9 or 10.