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Recently crowned winners Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors learned their Group Stage opponents for the 2017 edition of the AFC Champions League on Tuesday following the competition’s official draw in Kuala Lumpur.
The South Korea giants, who defeated Al Ain 3-2 on aggregate to seal a second continental success, will begin their title defence against Australia’s Adelaide United, Jiangsu FC from China and a yet to be decided Play-off winner, in what appears to be a decidedly difficult Group H.
Beaten finalists and United Arab Emirates powerhouse Al Ain will, meanwhile, begin their latest AFC Champions League campaign from Group C where they are set to face formidable foes in the shape of Al Ahli FC from Saudi Arabia, Iran’s Zobahan FC and the winner of the Play-off between Qatar’s El Jaish SC and FC Bunyodkor from Uzbekistan.
Elsewhere, 2013 and 2015 winners Guangzhou Evergrande have been drawn in Group G along with Suwon Samsung Bluewings from South Korea, Eastern SC of Hong Kong and Japan’s third – yet to be decided – club, while Australia’s Western Sydney Wanderers, champions in 2014, find themselves in Group F with K League Classic winners FC Seoul, Japan’s second club and one of Shanghai SIPG, Sukhothai FC or Yadanarbon FC.
WEST
Group A
1. Al Ahli FC (UAE)
2. PFC Lokomotiv (UZB)
3. Al Taawoun (KSA)
4. Play-off winner (IRN/QAT)
Group B
1. Esteghlal Khouzestan FC (IRN)
2. Al Jazira (UAE)
3. Lekhwiya SC (QAT)
4. Play-off winner (KSA/UZB/BHR)
Group C
1. Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA)
2. Zobahan FC (IRN)
3. Al Ain FC (UAE)
4. Play-off winner (QAT/UZB)
Group D
1. Al Rayyan SC (QAT)
2. Al Hilal SFC (KSA)
3. Persepolis FC (IRN)
4. Play-off winner (UAE/JOR/IND)
EAST
Group E
1. Kashima Antlers (JPN)
2. Muangthong United (THA)
3. Play-off winner (CHN/AUS/PHI/SIN)
4. Play-off winner (KOR/HKG/VIE)
Group F
1. FC Seoul (KOR)
2. Japan 2nd Club (JPN)
3. Western Sydney Wanderers (AUS)
4. Play-off winner (CHN/THA/MYA)
Group G
1. Guangzhou Evergrande FC (CHN)
2. Suwon Samsung Bluewings (KOR)
3. Japan 3rd Club (JPN)
4. Eastern SC (HKG)
Group H
1. Adelaide United (AUS)
2. Jiangsu FC (CHN)
3. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR)
4. Play-off winner (JPN/THA/MAS)
