Qatar Football AssociationNational Teams | U-19
20.05.2018 1:41 in : &
JAKARTA, Indonesia: Former champions Qatar on Friday were drawn in Group A of the AFC U-19 Championship along with hosts Indonesia.

The other teams in Group A include the United Arab Emirates and Chinese Taipei in the 16-team event that kicks off in Indonesia on October 18 this year.

Qatar won this championship in 2014 to seal their berth at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup held in New Zealand.

There is more than just the AFC U-19 Championship title on the line for the participating sides as the top four teams will also secure their spots in the FIFA U-20 World Cup next year in Poland.

Indonesia, who will be hosting the prestigious tournament for the third time, were crowned champions in 1961.

Defending champions Japan, who earned their first title in the previous edition, will face Thailand, DPR Korea and Iraq, who have won the title five times in Group B.

Twelve-time champions Korea Republic, suffered heartbreak in 2016 when they narrowly missed out on the Knockout Stage due to goal difference, will be aiming to do better against Vietnam, Australia and Jordan in Group C.

Two-time champions and 2016 runners-up Saudi Arabia are grouped with Tajikistan, 1985 winners China PR and Malaysia in Group D.

The draw ceremony on Friday began with a traditional Indonesian performance by dancers from the Liga Tari Mahasiswa Universitas Indonesia Krida Budaya, showcasing local folklore dances and music, before Football Association of Indonesia Acting President Joko Driyono gave his opening remarks.

“We hope that the tournament which will take place in Jakarta in October will show the very best of youth football and escalate the level of football across Asia,” said Driyono.

“To all participating teams, I wish you the best,” he added.