Marcello Lippi's Guangzhou Evergrande dodged the toughest teams when it was drawn against Qatar's Lekhwiya in the AFC quarterfinals yesterday.

Guangzhou, seeking to become China's first Asian champion in nearly a quarter of a century, will start as a firm favorite over two legs against the two-time Qatari champion.

South Korea's FC Seoul, contesting its third Champions League quarterfinal in five years, was paired against Saudi Arabian giant al-Ahli, which is unbeaten in this year's competition.

Japan's Emperor's Cup-holder Kashiwa Reysol drew another Saudi outfit al-Shabab, and Esteghlal of Iran is up against the tournament's surprise package, Thailand's Buriram United.

Following the draw made by Asian Football Confederation officials in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the quarterfinals will be played home and away on August 21 and September 18.

World Cup-winning coach Lippi steered Guangzhou to the Chinese league and cup double last season and he is now hoping to replicate his 1996 continental success with Italian club Juventus.

Guangzhou, led by free-scoring Brazilian forward Muriqui and accomplished midfielder Dario Conca, swept aside Australian champion Central Coast Mariners in the last 16 after topping its group in the pool stage.

China's last Asian title-holder was Liaoning, which won the Asian Club Championship, the precursor of the AFC Champions League, in 1990.