Duhail SC take on Persepolis, Al Sadd draw Esteghlal

Doha: Qatari treble winners Al Duhail SC will take on Iranian side Persepolis in the quarterfinals of the AFC Champions League after the draw was held at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. The other quarterfinal in the west region pitted Emir Cup and Qatar Stars League runners-up Al Sadd against another Iranian side Esteghlal.

Duhail will host Iran Pro League champions Persepolis in the first leg on August 28 before travelling to Iran for the return leg on September 18. Sadd meanwhile, will have the advantage of playing the second leg at home, on September 17. The first leg is on August 27.

Duhail, the only team in the competition with an all-win record this season, will start as the favourites against Persepolis, who lost to Sadd 3-1 in Doha in the group stage before winning 1-0 in Iran to qualify as winners from Group C.

Though Esteghlal also qualified as Group D winners and edged fellow Iranians Zob Ahan in the last 16, Sadd, who got the better of Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli in the pre-quarterfinals, would not be too unhappy with the draw.

In the east region, Japan’s Kashima Antlers drew China’s Tianjin Quanjian, while Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors will take on fellow South Koreans Suwon Samsung Bluewings.