The two powerhouses of Asian football were placed in Group E along with Thailand, Hong Kong, Guam and Chinese Taipei after Wednesday’s draw for the 2012 edition of this youth showcase.

Thirty-nine teams were divided into two zones and separated in seven groups of six or five teams each. Each group will play one round league at a centralised venue and top two teams from each group will make it to the tournament proper.

Third best teams from each West and East zones will complete the 16-team line up of the 2012 finals.

Defending champions DPR Korea were pitted with Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar and Laos in Group F while last edition’s runners-up Australia were drawn in Group G with China, Indonesia, Singapore and Macau.

THE GROUPINGS

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