25 National Associations to vie for AFC Asian Cup 2007
Twenty-five National Associations have submitted their entry for the AFC Asian Cup 2007. Only 24 teams though will make the draw for the qualification…
Bangladesh and Pakistan, being the two lowest-ranked teams among the 25 National Associations, will compete in a home and away play-off match to decide the 24th participating team in the qualification round.
In a draw that was held on Friday at the AFC House, Bangladesh will host the first leg before traveling to play in Pakistan. Both matches are scheduled for November 2005.
Meanwhile, the draw for the qualification round will be held on 4th January 2006. The 24 teams will be divided into six groups of four. Teams will play on an home-away basis starting from 28 February 2006.
The top two in each group will qualify for the final round of the Asian Cup which will be hosted by Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. The four hosts have automatic qualification.
List of 25 participating National Associations:
Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, China PR, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, India, IR Iran, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Korea Rep., Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Syria, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen.
(The AFC)
