QSL
The draw for the AFC Champions League 2020 was held on Tuesday, 10th December 2019, at the AFC Headquarters in Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, in the presence of representatives of Qatari clubs competing in the tournament - Al Sadd, Al Duhail, Al Sailiya, and Al Rayyan, underlining the prominent position of Qatar’s professional football on the Asian continent.
Ibrahim Al Ghanem, a former Al Gharafa and Qatar national team player, participated in the draw ceremony along with other stars from the continent.
Al Sadd and Al Duhail will begin their campaign in the group stage, while Al Sailiya and Al Rayyan will have to start the tournament from play-off.
Al Duhail has been drawn into Group C along with Saudi Arabia’s Al Taawoun, the UAE’s Sharjah FC and Iran’s Persepolis.
Al Sadd is in Group D alongside Iran’s Sepahan, Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr and Play-off winner (UAE/Uzbekistan/Iraq).
If Al Rayyan wins their Play-off, they will join Group A that includes Iraq’s Al Shorta, the UAE’s Al Wahda and Play-off winner (Saudi Arabia/Uzbekistan/Tajikistan).
If Al Sailiya is through to the group stage, they will be in Group B in the company of Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, the UAE’s Al Ahli, and Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor.
It may be noted that Al Sailiya is competing in the AFC Champions League for the first time in history. They had an exceptional season in 2018-19, earning accolades from one and all and thus deserving the merit of being in the AFC Champions League.