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As the teams start preparing for what promises to be a thrilling campaign, the-AFC.com takes a look at the cast in Group A, B and C, with only the group winners to advance to the Finals.

The 24 teams were divided into six groups with only the group winners to advance to the Finals.

Paro finished third on four points while Bashundhara completed their campaign with three defeats.

The win took Nejmeh to six points and they will seal their place in the knockout stage with a game to spare should there be no winner in the later match between Bangladesh’s Bashundhara Kings and East Bengal of India.

Korea Republic finished ahead on goal difference and as a result, qualified for the Finals while China PR advanced as one of the best five runners-up.

In the earlier game, Bahrain defeated Bhutan 1-0 to end their campaign on a high.

Madih Talal put Bengal in front only for William Opoku to restore parity with his penalty before Paro took the half-time lead with an Evans Asante’s strike.

The Indian Super League side fought back to earn a valuable point thanks to Dimitrios Diamantakos’ second half equaliser.

Korea Republic also recorded their second win, defeating Maldives to join China PR at the top of the standings.

In the group’s other fixture, Bahrain edged Maldives 1-0 to secure their first win

In Uzbekistan, Nasaf stayed on top despite splitting points while Abdysh-Ata Kant continued their domination in Kyrgyz Republic.