Doha: EXPO Stars League champions Al Duhail were drawn with Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr for the AFC Champions League group stage, the draw for which was held in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday. Other than Saudi giants, Duhail’s other rivals in Group E are Iranian giants Persepolis and Tajikistan’s Istiklol. Qatar champions Al Duhail SC have started their season on a high note, as have two-time AFC Champions League runners-up Persepolis in the Iran Pro League while Istiklol look well placed to defend their Tajikistan title, setting the stage for an enticing Group E. The 2011 continental champions Al Sadd find themselves in a relatively easier Group B, which also has Uzbekistan’s Nasaf, Al Faisaly of Jordan and Sharjah FC of UAE. As luck would have it, Al Sadd will renew their rivalry with Uzbekistan's FC Nasaf, who finished ahead of them to advance into the Round of 16 as one of the best three West Zone runners-up in the previous edition. The draw saw the 40 teams divided into 10 groups – five each in the East and West Zones. The 10 group winners along with the three best runners-up of each Zone will book their places in the Knockout Stages, which will take place from February to April before the final is held over two legs on May 11 and 18, 2024. The draw saw the 40 teams divided into 10 groups - five each in the East and West Zones. The 10 group winners along with the three best runners-up of each Zone will book their places in the Knockout Stages, which will take place from February to April before the final is held over two legs on May 11 and 18, 2024.