The-AFC.com looks at what could unfold at the prestigious tournament draw event in Dubai and which teams could be pitted against one another in the proverbial group of death, groups of champions, familiar foes and more.

First Round:

The first round of qualifiers for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 took place more than three years ago in March 2015.

Sunil Chhetri netted twice for India in a 2-0 home victory over Nepal in Guwahati and the South Asians advanced to the next stage by the same scoreline after a scoreless draw in the second leg in Guwahati.

Elsewhere, Yemen overcame Pakistan, while there were also wins for Cambodia, Chinese Taipei, Sri Lanka and Timor-Leste, who all advanced to the second round of qualifying.

As excitement for the continental competition starts to build, the-AFC.com picks out some of the key statistics from a tournament which boasts a proud history dating all the way back to 1956.

In line with previous editions of the AFC Asian Cup, the hosts United Arab Emirates have been allocated the first position in pot one in the draw to be held at the Armani Hotel in the UAE’s iconic Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. This will ensure they will play the opening match on January 5, 2019, at the Zayed Sports City Stadium.

The 12 teams, who received an automatic bye into the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 after qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 - Asian Qualifiers Final Round, have already secured their places in pots one and two and have been allocated spots following Thursday’s publication of the latest FIFA ranking.

Qualification is a first ever for the senior team, currently based in Qatar, and a rare achievement for the Under-16s who still train in Yemen.

"Qualification has brought Yemenis together - they're doing us proud," said Ahmed Sabahi, a fan in the southern port city of Aden.

"All Yemenis are behind their team," he said.

Yemen's war entered its fourth year in March. 

"We hope the team will honour Yemen and give Yemenis some relief," said Sabahi.

We take a closer look at the factors behind these remarkable achievements.

The results

Kyrgyz Republic 5-1 Myanmar (Shamshiev, Zemlianukhin (2), Lux, Sagynbaev)

Kyrgyz Republic 2-1 India (Zemlianukhin, Murzaev)

The Azkals missed out on a place at the 2015 Finals when they lost to Palestine in the final of the AFC Challenge Cup and their dreams of making a debut appearance at the continental championship were in danger when Akhtam Nazarov scored from the penalty spot to give Tajikistan the lead on Tuesday.

But Kevin Ingreso’s perfectly placed header pulled the Philippines - who only needed a draw to secure a top two finish in Group F – level before Younghusband’s last minute spot-kick sealed the Southeast Asian nation’s passage to their first-ever Finals as group winners.