Iran's Persepolis in toughest AFC Champions League group

Iranian football club Persepolis have been drawn in Group D, the toughest grouping in the AFC Champions League, along with former winners Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia, Al Rayyan of Qatar and Al Wahda from the United Arab Amirates (UAE).

The Iranian heavyweights will open their campaign against two-time continental champions, Al Hilal on Tuesday, reports Xinhua news agency.

"We're in the toughest group of the tournament. Al Hilal is our strongest opponent, Al Rayyan are the Qatar champions while Al Wahda as well as Al Ain are the best UAE teams. We need to be at our best in order to have the chance of qualifying," Persepolis manager Branko Ivankovic told reporters on Sunday.

"Al Hilal are the Saudi league title holders and they have a very good squad. Even the bench players are the ones who play for Saudi Arabia's national team.

"We will make every effort to get the best result in the Asian competition and make our fans happy," the Croatian added.

In the other Group D match on Tuesday, Qatar Stars League champions Al Rayyan, under the guidance of Michael Laudrup, will host Al Wahda.

--IANS

ajb/vt