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The stage is set for the 2022 AFC Champions League following the conclusion of the playoffs on Tuesday, March 15.
South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai and Daegu FC were joined by 2020 semifinalists Vissel Kobe of Japan from the East Playoffs after an evening of pulsating football.
Saudi Arabia’s Al Taawoun, Sharjah from UAE and Uzbekistan’s FC Nasaf advanced from the West Playoffs, which were equally exciting affairs.
Two-time winners Ulsan Hyundai defeated Thailand’s Port FC 3-0 at the Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium.
The Horangi will now take their place in Group I alongside J1 League champions Kawasaki Frontale, China’s Guangzhou FC and hosts Johor Darul Ta’zim of Malaysia.
The Daegu-Buriram United tie needed penalties after both sides scored in the final minutes of extra-time for a 1-1 draw, with the Korean side proving sharper from the penalty spot to win 3-2.
They will play in Group F alongside Shandong Taishan FC of China, Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds and Singapore’s Lion City Sailors FC.
Andre Iniesta-powered Vissel Kobe edged Australia’s Melbourne Victory 4-3 in a thriller at Misaki Park, with Brazilian striker Lincoln scoring the winner five minutes into extra-time.
Vissel will join Kitchee SC from Hong Kong, Chinese Super League side Shanghai Port FC and hosts Chiangrai United in Group J.
The East Zone Group Stage kicks off on April 15.
In the West Zone playoffs, Uzbekistan’s FC Nasaf – the 2021 AFC Cup runners-up – sealed their place in the Group Stage with a classy 2-0 win over UAE’s Baniyas.
Nasaf’s reward is a slot alongside Qatar’s Al Sadd SC, Jordan’s Al Wehdat and Al Faisaly of Saudi Arabia in the Dammam-based Group E.
Al Taawoun, meanwhile, needed penalties to see off the challenge of Al Jaish of Syria, with the side from Saudi Arabia winning 5-4 on penalties after their tie ended 1-1 after 120 minutes.
Al Taawoun join Al Duhail SC of Qatar, Iran’s Sepahan and Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor in Group D which they will host in Buraidah.
Sharjah FC booked their place in the group stage after pulling through a tough playoff tie against Al Zawraa with a 6-5 penalty shootout win after a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes.
The Emirati side join reigning champions Al Hilal SFC of Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol and Al Rayyan SC of Qatar in Group A.
The West Zone Group Stage kicks off on April 7.
