AFC - With the memories of Johor Darul Ta’zim’s historic AFC Cup triumph still fresh in the minds of fans throughout the continent, the stage has been set for next year’s edition of the ever-evolving tournament following the draw for the Group Stage of the 2016 AFC Cup.
Runners-up FC Istiklol, who came to within one match of making Tajik football history on their AFC Cup debut campaign, have a tough task in their second attempt at continental glory with the domestic double winners pooled in Group B along with Iraqi Premier League champions and AFC Cup newcomers Nafit Al Wasat, two-time champions Al Faisaly of Jordan, and the winners of the playoff between 2004 quarter-finalists Tripoli Club of Lebanon and Kyrgyzstan champions FC Alay.
AFC Cup holders Johor Darul Ta’zim, meanwhile, will be firstly looking towards booking their place in Asian club football’s premier competition via the 2016 AFC Champions League Preliminary Rounds and Playoffs.
Should JDT lose at any stage on the road to the 2016 ACL Group Stage, the Malaysian Super League champions will take their place in the next year’s AFC Cup, with Malaysia’s first ever winners drawn in Group H alongside, Lao Toyota FC and JSW Bengaluru of India and Myanmar’s Ayeyawady United, who both reached the Round of 16 the 2015 AFC Cup.
JDT are one of three clubs aiming for a who are in the hunt for a place in the AFC Champions League with Jordan’s Al Wehdat and Tampines Rovers of Singapore also eyeing a seat at Asian club football’s biggest table.
If unsuccessful in the playoffs for the 2016 ACL, Jordan champions Al Wehdat will compete in Group A where the three-tie AFC Cup semi-finalists have Lebanese champions Al Ahed, Turkmenistan’s Altyn Asyr, and the winner of the playoff match between Al Hidd of Bahrain and Pakistan champions K-Electric.
Tampines Rovers, meanwhile, are in Group E with JDT’s Malaysian Super League rivals Selangor, who are making their fifth appearance in the AFC Cup, Philippines champions Ceres La Salle, and Lt. Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Ltd, who also made the cut via the qualifying playoffs.
In Group C, Baghdad giants Air Force Club will be making their AFC Cup debut although the five-time Iraqi champions are no strangers to continental club competition having taken part in the AFC Champions League on three occasions. And Group C could also feature inaugural AFC Cup runners-up Al Wahda, should the side that lost the first ever final to Syrian rivals Al Jaish, overcome a yet to be determined side from Turkmenistan. Inaugural AFC Cup winners Al Jaish are in Group D as are 2008 champions and 2006 runners-up Al Muharraq of Bahrain.
Group A
1.Al Wehdat (JOR) or Al Jazira (JOR)
2. Al Ahed FC (LIB)
3. Altyn Asyr (TKM)
4. Winner Playoff (BHR/PAK)
Group B
1. Nafit Al Wasat (IRQ)
2. Al Faisaly (JOR)
3. FC Istiklol (TKM)
4. Winner Playoff 2 (LIB/KGZ)
Group C
1. Al Orouba (OMA)
2. Air Force Club (IRQ)
3. Al Dharia (PLE)
4.Winner Playoff 3 (SYR/TKM)
Group D
1. Al Muharraq (BHR)
2. Fanja (OMA)
3. Al Jaish (SYR)
4.Winner Playoff 4 (PLE/TJK)
Group E
1. Tampines Rovers (SIN) or Warriors FC (SIN)
2. Selangor FA (MAS)
3. Ceres La Salle FC (PHI)
4. Lt. Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club Ltd. (BAN)
Group F
1. Kitchee (HKG)
2. Balestier Khalsa (SIN)
3. New Radiant SC (MDV)
4.Kaya FC (PHI)
Group G
1. Mohun Bagan AC (IND)
2. South China (HKG)
3.Yangon United (MYA) or Yadanarbon FC (MYA)
4. Maziya Sport & Recreation Club (MDV)
Group H
1. Johor Darul Ta'zim (MAS) or Pahang FA (MAS)
2. JSW Bengaluru FC (IND)
3. Lao Toyota FC (LAO)
4. Ayeyawady United (MYA)
Playoffs - West Feb 9, 2016
Al Hidd (BHR) v K-Electric (PAK)
Tripoli Club (LIB) v FC Alay (KGZ)
Al Wahda (SYR) v Turkmenistan 2nd club
Ahli Al Khalil (PLE) v FC Khujand (TJK)