Groups F and H are up first when they take to the field on Tuesday, while Group G will follow suit on Wednesday as the group stage of the Continental competition approaches its midway point in Southeast Asia.

In action first will be the eight sides in Groups A and C on Monday, before the four remaining teams in Group B follow suit a day later.

An inconsistent Syrian Pro League campaign which saw Al Jaish sit third in the table, coupled with a disappointing draw against Palestine’s Hilal Al Quds in the opening matchday of the AFC Cup meant Ahmed Al Shaar’s time at the helm of the Damascus giants was up.

A part of Kitchee's squad in last year's historic AFC Champions League campaign, Brazilian-born Hong Kong international Sandro made a vital contribution to Tai Po's qualification for just their second appearance in the AFC Cup, after he converted the match-winning spot-kick in the penalty shootout win over DPR Korea's Ryomyong SC.

With Tai Po also well-poised in the Hong Kong Premier League as the season draws to an intriguing climax, the 32-year-old number 9 is set for some exciting times ahead and spoke exclusively to the-AFC.com in the build-up to the Kitchee clash.

Minerva clinched their maiden I-League title in the 2017-18 season and secured the services of the midfielder from Meghalaya-based club Shillong Lajong, who were relegated following the conclusion of the I-League 2018-19 season on March 4.

“Minerva Punjab FC are delighted to announce the new loan signing of Samuel Lalmuanpuia from Lajong,” Minerva said on their Twitter handle.

In the 2018 AFC Cup campaign Croatian Simic netted eight times in the group stage alone, and without the frontman Persija struggled in attack in their 2019 opener at home to Vietnam's Becamex Binh Duong.

However, in their Matchday Two tie against Shan United, Matos - whose natural position is in midfield - stepped up when it mattered.

Travelling to see your local team play doesn't usually involve boats, cars and airplanes but for supporters of PSM Makassar in this year's AFC Cup, that's exactly what they've needed to do with the club's home ties being hosted at Pakansari Stadium, a two-and-a-half hour flight - or 10 hour ferry - and two hour drive away.