Kuala Lumpur: Qatar will kick off proceedingsat the AFC Beach Soccer Championship Malaysia 2017 against Group C rivals Japan.

Japan, runners-up to Oman in 2015, are looking to claim a third title following their wins in 2009 and 2011, and have been draw in Group C alongside 2007 and 2008 champions United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iraq and Qatar.

Meanwhile, 2013 champions, Islamic Republic of Iran will meet Bahrain, China PR, Malaysia and Afghanistan in Group A.

AFC Beach Soccer Championship Malaysia 2017 Groups

Group A: IR Iran, Bahrain, China PR, Malaysia, Afghanistan

Group B: Oman, Lebanon, Uzbekistan, Thailand

Group C: Japan, UAE, Iraq, Qatar

The group winners and the best second-placed team from the three groups will qualify for the semi-finals, the winners of which will advance to the final.

AFC Beach Soccer Championship Malaysia 2017 Opening Day Fixtures: March 4

Group A:

1400 (local time) China PR v Bahrain

1630 (local time) Afghanistan v Malaysia

The top three teams will fly the Asian flag at the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in the Bahamas which is scheduled to begin on April 27.