Iranian soccer club Naft Tehran will play against Al-Ahli from the United Arab Emirates in the West Asia category of the AFC Champions League 2015 quarter-finals.
Naft were drawn against their UAE rival during the draw in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur on Thursday (June 18), Varzesh3.com reported.
The other two teams from West Asia to play the other quarterfinal match are last year’s runners-up Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal and Qatar’s Lekhwiya.
In the East Asia group, Kashiwa Reysol of Japan will play against the Chinese Guangzhou Evergrande and South Korean Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors will play the other Japanese team Gamba Osaka.
The qualifying teams will play home-and-away matches in the quarter finals. The semifinal and final competitions will also follow the same format.
Naft Tehran, the only Iranian club remaining in the games after Persepolis, Tractor Sazi and Foolad bid farewell to the competition, saw off Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli to qualify for the last eight on away goals.
While Al Hilal and Lekhwiya, as two powerhouses in Asian clubs, are set to compete against each other, it seems Naft has been given an easier draw.
The first leg of the match between Naft and Al Ahli is set for August 26 in Tehran. In the return match the UAE will host the Iranian club on September 16.
Alireza Mansourian’s young team finished third in Iran’s Pro League this year and showed a fine performance till now. It is their first presence in the Champions League ever. Having raised expectations among fans, they are likely to find a place in the semi finals.
