Pakistan gets direct entry into group stage: AFC Challenge Cup qualification gets underway

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) allowed Pakistan the bye in the pre-qualifying stage, as fourth AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers 2011 will get under way from Wednesday (today) with first legs of four play-offs. Based on the rankings of the 2010 AFC Challenge Cup, the eight lowest ranked were drawn into four two-legged ties with the four winners advancing to the qualification proper.
All matches are on a home and away basis scheduled for 9th and 16th February-15th March 2011. The winner of next year's final phase will qualify for the Australia's 16th Asian Cup 2015. Unlike previous editions, there will be no automatic qualifiers and holders Korea DPR, runners-up Turkmenistan and third-placed Tajikistan will have to navigate the qualification phase in order to return to the final phase.
New Delhi will host both the matches of Bhutan vs Afghanistan as due to cold weather in both countries, the two federations agreed to play each other in India while Philippines hosted Mongolia at Panaad Stadium, Bacolod in first leg, with Mongolia moved its home game from February 16 to March 15 at the National Stadium, Ulan Bator.
Chinese Taipei-Laos first leg will be held at National Stadium, Kaohsiung and Laos will host second leg at National Sports Complex, Vientiane. National Olympic Stadium, Phnom Penh and Estádio Campo Desportivo, Taipa are two venues for Cambodia vs Macau encounters.
The winner of Chinese Taipei/Laos will face Pakistan, India and Turkmenistan in Group B while, DPR Korea were placed in Group D of the event with Nepal, Sri Lanka and the winner of Bhutan/Afghanistan playoff. Bangladesh will play Palestine, Myanmar and the winner playoff (Philippines vs Mongolia) in Group A, while Group C comprise of Tajikistan, Maldives, winner playoff (Cambodia vs Macau) and Kyrgyzstan. The Group Stage will be played between 20-31 March 2011 and the hosts will be announced later.
AFC approved new format for the 2012 edition, which was ratified by the AFC Executive Committee in Kuala Lumpur. All eligible Member Associations will compete in qualifiers (or playoff, if necessary). If there are more than 16 teams, the teams are to play pre-qualifying round (Home and Away).
The qualifying round shall consist of four groups of four teams each. The winners and runners-up from each group (total eight teams) will qualify for the tournament proper. Only the eight qualified teams for the tournament proper can bid to host the finals.