AFC Highlights Return of AFC Champions League in Qatar

Kuala Lumpur, September 11 (QNA) - The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) highlighted the resumption of AFC Champions League at Qatar stadiums where the World Cup 2022 will be held. The AFC published a special report on its website on the return of Asia's top clubs that will get underway again on Monday in Doha. The report underlined the atmosphere during which the AFC Champions League competitions in the West Asia region will be held in the group stage and the playoff rounds of the West Asia region in Doha. The League competitions return after six months of suspension in accordance with strict medical procedures and protocol in order to protect players and organizers from the dangers of the Coronavirus pandemic. The report indicated that at the end of these competitions the fans will know the West Asian champion, who will qualify to face the champion of the East region in the final round. Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia seek to keep the title when they take on Uzbekistan's Pakhtakor at the Al Janoub Stadium in Doha at 9pm as both teams set their sights on extending their unbeaten run in Group B. In the same group, 2015 AFC Champions League runners-up Shahab Al Ahli Dubai face this year's debutants Shahr Khodro FC from Iran, who recently appointed former Iranian national goalkeeper Mehdi Rahmati as the new head coach. At the Khalifa International Stadium, Group A joint leaders Al Ahli Saudi FC take on Al Shorta of Iraq, who will be eyeing an upset to keep alive their hopes of securing a place in the Knockout Stage. On Tuesday, Qatar's Al Duhail SC and Sharjah from the UAE face-off at 6pm, while Iranian Persepolis FC will face Al Taawoun FC from Saudi Arabia at 9pm. Both matches will be played at the Education City Stadium. Meanwhile in Group D, Al Ain FC will play against Al Sadd SC of Qatar at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. Later in the day, 2007 runners-up Sepahan FC from IR Iran are also in action against Saudi Al Nassr at the same venue. (QNA)