Football: Lippi's Guangzhou get kind draw in AFC quarters

Marcelo Lippi

Marcello Lippi’s Guangzhou Evergrande dodged the toughest teams when they were drawn against Qatar’s Lekhwiya in the AFC quarter-finals on Thursday.

Guangzhou, seeking to become China’s first Asian champions in nearly a quarter of a century, will start as firm favourites over two legs against the two-time Qatari champions.

South Korea’s FC Seoul, contesting their third Champions League quarter-final in five years, were paired against Saudi side Al Ahli, who are unbeaten in this year’s competition.

Japan’s Emperor’s Cup-holders Kashiwa Reysol drew Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab, and Esteghlal of Iran are against the tournament’s surprise package, Thai outfit Buriram United.

Following the draw made by Asian Football Confederation (AFC) officials in Kuala Lumpur, the quarter-finals will be played home and away on August 21 and September 18.

World Cup-winning coach Lippi steered Guangzhou to the Chinese league and cup double last season and he is now hoping to replicate his 1996 continental success with Italian club Juventus.

Guangzhou, led by free-scoring Brazilian forward Muriqui and accomplished midfielder Dario Conca, swept aside Australian champions Central Coast Mariners in the last 16 after topping their group in the pool stage.

China’s last Asian title-holders were Liaoning, who won the Asian Club Championship, the precursor of the AFC Champions League, in 1990.

Draw:

Al Ahli (KSA) v FC Seoul (KOR)

Esteghlal (IRI) v Buriram United (THA)

Kashiwa Reysol (JPN) v Al Shabab (KSA)

Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN) v Lekhwiya (QAT)

th/jit

Juventus