AFC Champions League Draw: Pune FC could be in same group as holders Guangzhou Evergrande

Pune FC could be facing defending AFC Champions League (ACL) champions Guangzhou Evergrande if the Indian club progress to the group stage. The Red Lizards will have to win three one-legged qualifying playoff matches to become the first Indian club to feature in the ACL group stage.

Besides Marcelo Lippi’s Guangzhou Evergrande of China, Japan Emperor’s Cup Winners (to be confirmed) and South Korea’s Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors are Pune’s other possible opponents in Group G of the ACL.

For the first time since 2011, India were given a playoff slot in the continent’s biggest club competition and Pune will be the representative as they were the only I-League team to get the national and AFC club license.

Four teams will be making it to the group stage from the qualifying playoffs and Pune would be hoping to be one of them.

Pune FC’s road to the ACL Group Stage

Qualifying Playoff East 2 (All ties will be played as a single match with extra time and penalties to be used if necessary. Defeat in any round would see Pune FC move into the AFC Cup group stage)

Round 1 (Home match): Hanoi T&T (Vietnam) on February 2

Round 2 (Away match): Muangthong United (Thailand) on February 8

Round 3 (Away match): Melbourne Victory (Australia) on February 15

Full Group Stage draw

WEST

GROUP A
A1. Esteghlal (IRN)
A2. Al Rayyan (QAT)
A3. Al Jazira (UAE)
A4. Al Shabab (KSA)

GROUP B
B1. Al Fateh (KSA)
B2. Foolad Khouzestan (IRN)
B3. Winner of Playoff 3.1 (West)
B4. Bunyodkor (UZB)

GROUP C
C1. Al Ain (UAE)
C2. Al Ittihad (KSA)
C3. Tractorsazi Tabriz (IRN)
C4. Winner of Playoff 3.2 (West)

GROUP D
D1. Al Sadd (QAT)
D2. Al Ahli (UAE)
D3. Al Hilal (KSA)
D4. Sepahan (IRN)

EAST

GROUP E
E1. Pohang Steelers (KOR)
E2. Buriram United (THA)
E3. Shandong Luneng Taishan (CHN)
E4. League 3rd place (JPN)

GROUP F
F1. Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN)
F2. Central Coast Mariners (AUS)
F3. FC Seoul (KOR)
F4. Winner of Playoff 3.1 (East)

GROUP G
G1. Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN)
G2. Knockout Champion (JPN)
G3. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR)
G4. Winner of Playoff 3.2 (East)

GROUP H
H1. Western Sydney Wanderers (AUS)
H2. Guizhou Renhe (CHN)
H3. League Runner-up (JPN)
H4. Ulsan Hyundai (KOR)