India in Group C of Asia Cup qualifiers

Doha, Jul 3 (UNI) India has been placed in a fairly difficult Group C along with continental powerhouses Uzbekistan and UAE for the final qualifying round of the AFC Asian Cup 2011.

Malaysia is the other team in the group.

The draw was made at the Aspire Dome here today.

Twenty teams were divided into five groups of four with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the tournament proper along with defending champions Iraq, last year's runners-up Saudi Arabia third placed Korea Republic and winners of Afc Challenge Cup 2008 and 2010.

The draw: Group A: Japan, Bahrain, Hong Kong, Yemen.

Group B: Australia, Indonesia, Oman, Kuwait.

Group C: India, Uzbekistan, UAE, Malaysia.

Group D: Vietnam, China, Syria, Lebanon.

Group E: Iran, Thailand, Jordan Singapore.

UNI XC AB RN1743