There were no league matches in Japan or Hong Kong, but there was some intriguing action in Korea Republic, Mongolia and Chinese Taipei as their respective championships begin to enter the final straits of their seasons.

The quartet will return for the semi-finals in a little over a week's time as the tournament heads towards a gripping climax, before which, join the-AFC.com as we look back at the week in numbers following a thrilling set of last-eight encounters.

DPR Korea defeated Hong Kong 4-0 to end their qualifying campaign with a perfect record of three wins at Singapore's Jalan Besar Stadium.

The remaining cast will be decided on Sunday with all the groups wide open. 16 teams will see action in the Finals, with the hosts gaining an automatic berth.

Stay with the-AFC.com for the latest results and reports from across the Continent on Sunday.

The Chinese Super League leaders advanced to the last four of the competition on the away goals rule thanks to Anderson Talisca’s 40th minute header at Kashima Soccer Stadium as the teams shared a 1-1 draw, both on the night and on aggregate.

And with the first leg at Guangzhou’s Tianhe Stadium having ended in a scoreless draw, the Brazilian’s goal was enough to set up a semi-final clash with two-time winners Urawa Red Diamonds in the next phase of the competition.

Oiwa, who led the eight-time J.League champions to their first continental crown last year, watched on as his team exited the competition on the away goals rule after an enthralling clash at Kashima Soccer Stadium.

Anderson Talisca’s first half header was decisive despite Serginho’s 51st minute equaliser as the Guangzhou striker’s away goal proved the difference between the teams after the goalless draw in the first leg last month.

The result means Fabio Cannavaro’s side return to the last four for the first time since winning the competition in 2015, but they were made to work hard for their victory and Kashima will feel hard done by to exit after creating a number of excellent chances.

Key stars like Saki Kumagai, Mana Iwabuchi and Yui Hasegawa were named alongside a number of younger players as the Nadeshiko gather for the first time since their Round of 16 elimination at the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019.