2014 AFC Champions League: Pune FC drawn in tough and long qualifiers

Besides the draw for the Group Stage of the 2014 AFC Champions League yesterday, the draw for the West and East Zone qualifiers were also held at AFC House in Kuala Lumpur. The Indian representatives Pune FC have been given a tough, three round qualification draw.

Pune FC as the only I-League club to fulfil the Indian club licensing has been given the chance to play in the qualifiers of the 2014 AFC Champions League. But for the I-League runners-up in 2012/13 to play in the group stage they would need to beat opposition from Vietnam, Thailand and Australia all in one-leg encounters.

Pune FC open with a home match against Vietnam Champions Hanoi T&T in the Round 1 of the 2014 AFC Champions League qualifiers on February 2, 2014 at the Balewadi Sports Complex.

If Pune FC beat Hanoi T&T, then they would have to travel to Thailand to face Muangthong United FC in Round 2 on February 8 in Bangkok and if they win that encounter than Australian A-League side Melbourne Victory await them in Round 3 on February 15.

Only if Pune FC win all their three qualification round matches, then they would play in the AFC Champions League proper and there they would be in Group G alongside defending Champions Guangzhou Evergrande (China), Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (South Korea) and the Emperor’s Cup champions from Japan.