The sole Iranian representatives in this year’s elimination phase could have been potentially paired with Urawa, reminiscent of last year’s East-West match-up between Sepahan and Kawasaki Frontale, but bagged Tashkent surprise package Kuruvchi instead.
“This draw is not difficult for us,” said Saipa managing director Mehrdad Hashemi, adding, “it is so-so.”
With Ali Daei relinquishing the Karaj outfit’s charge to concentrate on the national team job, Hashemi revealed it was a wrench to let the Iranian legend, who guided the team to their recent successes, go.
“Sometimes we need to think carefully about our priorities. This time the national team needs Ali more than the club. But Ali will be still involved closely in all decisions at Saipa as he is a member of the Saipa board,” said Hashemi while denying that the inspirational Daei’s departure would affect the team.
“We will appoint a new coach as soon as possible,” added Hashemi who also confirmed that Saipa would go into the market for new players to beef up their squad.
“The season has just ended and it is time for us to make changes depending on the new coach.”
Saipa will have home advantage for the first leg on September 17 before flying to Tashkent for the return leg a week later.
Defending champions Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan will play 2006 semifinalist Al-Qadisiya of Kuwait.
Japanese champion Kashima Antlers will face Adelaide United — the first Australian team to make the tournament's knockout stages — while 2006 finalist Al-Karama of Syria will meet Japan's Gamba Osaka.
The semifinals will be played in October and the final in November.
The Saipa-Kuruvchi winner is to face Kashima-Adelaide winner in the semifinals round. | 
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