The 2009 AFC Champions League quarter-finalists have been drawn with the Saudi giants and Iran’s Zob Ahan. The play-off winners from the West will join the trio in Group B.

“All the groups are pretty strong and this will give my players additional incentive to prove themselves on the continental stage,” he told www.the-afc.com.

“Bunyodkor have got another chance to earn continental glory.

“Al Ittihad, who are two-time champions and are one of the serious contenders for the crown, are in our group. Playing against them will give my players extra motivation,” he said.

He, however, admitted that all the teams in his group are able to throw up surprises.

“It’s difficult to predict the outcome of the group because all the teams have the ability to win and are technically sound.”

“We will start collecting more detailed information about our opponents. We will work on improving our tactics during our winter training camp,” said the Brazilian.