Qatar grouped alongside hosts China at AFC U-23 Championship

Doha: Qatar were drawn alongside hosts China, gulf rivals Oman and Uzbekistan in Group A at the 2018 AFC U23 Championship at a glittering draw ceremony at Changzhou on Tuesday.

The draw ceremony, held at the Traders Fudu Hotel, separated the16 teams into four groups for next January’s competition.

Qatar open their campaign against Uzbekistan while China take on Oman in their first match on January 8.

Qatar coach Felix Sanchez said his boys would try their best to do well.

When you see the teams (in the draw), we knew it would a good level. Playing against China is going to be a good experience because we expect a good stadium, full of people and we know China have a good team. Uzbekistan are also one of the top teams, and (so is) Oman,” said Qatar coach Felix Sanchez.

“We expect a very high level and we are going to try to perform well. We’re going to start our preparations in the middle of December. There is no league in Qatar then, so it’s easier for us. We will play some friendlies and a few days before we will come here to adapt. I’m looking forward to starting the competition," he added.

Holders Japan are in Group B alongside DPR Korea, Thailand and newcomers Palestine.

Group C features Malaysia, Iraq, Jordan and Saudi Arabia while South Korea, Australia, Syria and Vietnam are in Group D.

 The tournament will be held in four cities — Changzhou, Kunshan, Jiangyin and Changshu —  all located in Jiangsu Province.

“From our hosting experience with the Chinese Football Association, we have no doubt that the 2018 AFC U23 Championship will raise the bar,” said AFC Competitions Executive Director Shin Man Gil, who conducted the draw.

Changzhou will act as the tournament’s headquarters, and Changzhou Olympic Sports Centre will host nine matches, including the tournament opener between China PR and Oman on January 8, and the final on January 27.