A total of 42 teams were slotted into seven groups of six teams each. Four groups belong to the West Asia zone and three to the East.

The winner and runners-up of each group will advance to the tournament proper, which will be held next year at an as yet undecided venue. One best third-placed team from the West Zone and one best third-placed team from the East also qualify for the Finals.

Defending champions UAE will attempt to qualify for the finals from a tricky Group B, which also comprises Syria, Qatar, Bahrain, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.

Uzbekistan, runners-up of the previous edition, will fight it out with Iran, Lebanon, Turkmenistan, Maldives and Pakistan in Group D.

Two-time winners Saudi Arabia will come face to face with Iraq, who won the title in 2000, Oman, Kuwait, India and Afghanistan in a finely-balanced Group C.

In the East section, Japan, who will be itching to shed their perennial U-19 bridesmaid’s tag, and Australia were slotted together in Group F with Indonesia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong.

Korea Republic, who have won the title a whopping 11 times, received an easy draw in Group E with Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Macau and Bangladesh.

Another East Asian giant, China, who last lifted this trophy in 1985, were grouped in Group G in the company of 2006 winners DPR Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, Guam and the Philippines.

UAE defeated Uzbekistan in Saudi Arabia last year to win the title for the first time.

AFC U-19 CHAMPIONSHIP 2010 QUALIFICATION DRAW

THE GROUPINGS

Group A - Tajikistan, Jordan, Yemen, Nepal*, Palestine, Kyrgyzstan
Group B - UAE*, Syria, Qatar, Bahrain, Bhutan, Sri Lanka
Group C - Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, India, Afghanistan
Group D - Uzbekistan, Iran, Lebanon, Turkmenistan, Maldives, Pakistan*
Group E - Korea Republic, Thailand*, Laos, Vietnam, Macau, Bangladesh
Group F - Australia, Japan, Indonesia*, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong
Group G - China*, DPR Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, Guam, The Philippines

* Group Hosts