2023/24 AFC Champions League draw revealed | OneFootball

The stage is set for an exciting 2023/24 AFC Champions League campaign as the official draw unfolded today in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Reigning champions Urawa Red Diamonds will embark on their quest to defend their coveted title and find themselves in Group J.

However, the spotlight is not just on the champions but on the formidable competitors that will grace the tournament’s landscape.

Al Hilal SFC from Saudi Arabia, victors in the 2019 and 2021 editions and runners-up last season have been drawn into Group D.

In West Zone’s Group A, Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor, Saudi Arabia’s newcomer Al Fayha FC, Turkmenistan’s Ahal FC, and UAE’s Al Ain FC will compete for the top spot.

Simultaneously, Group B will feature a clash between Qatar’s 2011 champions Al Sadd SC, Uzbekistan’s FC Nasaf, Jordan’s Al Faisaly, and UAE’s Sharjah FC, all striving to secure their advancement.

In Group C, anticipation builds as two-time victors and Karim Benzema-led Al Ittihad from Saudi Arabia, Iran’s Sepahan SC, Iraq’s Air Force Club, and Uzbekistan’s AGMK FC prepare for thrilling clashes.

Meanwhile, Group D features the four-time Asian champion Al Hilal. They will face Iran’s Nassaji Mazandaran FC, India’s Mumbai City FC, and Uzbekistan’s Navbahor.

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC of Korea Republic, Thailand’s Bangkok United, Singapore’s Lion City Sailors, and Hong Kong’s Kitchee SC will compete in East Zone’s Group F.

Group G features Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos, China PR’s Shandong Taishan FC, Philippines’ Kaya FC-Iloilo, and Korea Republic’s Incheon United FC.

Group H witnesses Thailand’s Buriram United, Japan’s Ventforet Kofu, Australia’s Melbourne City FC, and China PR’s Zhejiang FC in a fierce battle.

In Group I, two-time winners Ulsan Hyundai FC of Korea Republic, Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale, Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim, and Thailand’s BG Pathum United strive to advance.

Meanwhile, Group J sees China PR’s Wuhan Three Towns FC, former champions Pohang Steelers of Korea Republic, Vietnam’s Hanoi FC, and Urawa competing for the same goal.

Over in Group E, the focus turns to Iran’s Persepolis FC, Qatar’s Al Duhail SC, Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol, and Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr as they vie for advancement.

These teams will vie for supremacy in Asia’s most prestigious continental club competition.

The stakes are incredibly high as the journey unfolds. The ten group winners, alongside the three best runners-up from each zone, will clinch their coveted spots in the knockout stages.

The knockout stage games will run from February through April, culminating in a final showdown that will unfold over two thrilling legs on May 11 and 18, 2024.

Also, they will use Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology to cover matches from the group stage onwards.

Groups

WestGroup A: Pakhtakor (UZB), Al Fayha FC (KSA), Ahal FC (TKM), Al Ain FC (UAE)

Group B: Al Sadd SC (QAT), FC Nasaf (UZB), Al Faisaly (JOR), Sharjah FC (UAE)

Group C: Al Ittihad (KSA), Sepahan SC (IRN), Air Force Club (IRQ), AGMK FC (UZB)

Group D: Al Hilal SFC (KSA), Nassaji Mazandaran FC (IRN), Mumbai City FC (IND), Navbahor (UZB)

Group E: Persepolis FC (IRN), Al Duhail SC (QAT), FC Istiklol (TJK), Al Nassr (KSA)

EastGroup F: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC (KOR), Bangkok United (THA), Lion City Sailors (SGP), Kitchee SC (HKG)

Group G: Yokohama F. Marinos (JPN), Shandong Taishan FC (CHN), Kaya FC-Iloilo (PHI), Incheon United FC (KOR)

Group H: Buriram United (THA), Ventforet Kofu (JPN), Melbourne City FC (AUS), Zhejiang FC (CHN)

Group I: Ulsan Hyundai FC (KOR), Kawasaki Frontale (JPN), Johor Darul Ta’zim (MAS), BG Pathum United (THA)

Group J: Wuhan Three Towns FC (CHN), Pohang Steelers (KOR), Hanoi FC (VIE), Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN)