7 Clubs Book Places in AFC Champions League Group Stage

The line-up of the AFC Champions League group stage is almost complete as Ulsan Hyundai, Shanghai SIPG, Gamba Osaka, Al Fateh, Bunyodkor, Esteghlal and Al Wahda all sealed their places on Tuesday following a day of play-off action.

    The winner of Shanghai Shenhua's match against Brisbane Roar, which will be played on Wednesday, will join the seven successful sides in the group stage.

    Iranian side Esteghlal booked their place in Group A after beating Al Sadd 4-3 on penalties. They will compete alongside UAE's Al Ahli, Uzbek side Lokomotiv and Saudi side Al Taawoun.

    Saudi Arabia's Al Fateh completed Group B alongside Iran's Esteghlal Khouzestan, UAE's Al Jazira and Qatari champions Lekhwiya.

    Fresh off beating El Jaish 3-1 on penalties, Uzbek side Bunyodkor will play in Group C along with Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia, Zobahan of Iran and UAE side Al Ain.     In Group D, UAE side Al Wahda secured their place along with Qatari side Al Rayyan, Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia and Iranian side Persepolis. 

    Korean side Ulsan Hyundai booked their ticket to the group stage and will compete in Group E along with Japanese side Kashima Antlers, Muangthong United of Thailand and the winner of the remaining play-off match between Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua and Australian opponents Brisbane Roar.

    China's Shanghai SIPG are in Group F along with South Korean side FC Seoul, Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan and Australian side Western Sydney Wanderers.

    In Group G, Guangzhou Evergrande FC of China will compete against South Korea's Suwon Samsung Bluewings, Kawasaki Frontale of Japan and Eastern SC of Hong Kong.

    Japanese side Gamba Osaka secured their place in Group H along with Adelaide United of Australia, Jiangsu FC of China and South Korean side Jeju United.

Source: QNA