Al Shabab face Neftchi in AFC league

Dubai: Etisalat Pro League side Al Shabab will have to beat Uzbekistan side Neftchi if they are to take their place in the AFC Champions League 2012 group stage.

Yesterday's draw in Kuala Lumpur pitted the Dubai outfit against Neftchi in a qualifier on February 18 next year as they bid to take their place in the next round of the Asian continent's premier club competition.

The groups were also drawn yesterday and UAE champions and President's Cup winners Al Jazira will also play a team from Uzbekistan, AFC Cup winners, Nasaf.

Also in Group A are Qatari side Al Rayyan and one of the play-off winners.

Abu Dhabi's Bani Yas will meet 2011 semi-finalists Al Ittihad from Saudi Arabia, Qataris Al Arabi and Pakhtakor, of Uzbekistan, in Group B.

Al Nasr are in Group C and will have to take on Iran Pro League champions Sepahan and Qatar champions Lakhwiya, along with Saudi King Cup winners Al Ahli.

AFC Champions League 2012 draw

Play-Offs West

Round One: Esteghlal (IRN) v Zobahan (IRN)

Round Two: Al Shabab (UAE) v Neftchi (UZB), Winner of Round One v Al Ettifaq (KSA):

Group Stage (selected groups only)

Group A: Al Rayyan (QAT), Al Jazira (UAE), Nasaf (UZB), Play-Off Winner

Group B: Al Ittihad (KSA), Al Arabi (QAT), Bani Yas (UAE), Pakhtakor (UZB)

Group C: Sepahan (IRN), Al Ahli (KSA), Lakhwiya (QAT), Al Nasr (UAE)

Group D: Play-off West winner 1, Piroozi (IRI), Al Hilal (KSA), Al Gharafa (QAT).

Group E: Gamba Osaka (JPN), Play-off East winner 1, Bunyodkor (UZB), Play-off East winner 2.