While an Iranian side has yet to win the competition, they have come close on several occasions, and there have been a number of star performers who have shone brightly on the Continental club scene.

But as the clock ticked towards the 1996 Finals in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia were under pressure. Coach Ze Mario had been fired following a disappointing showing at the Gulf Cup and new man Nelo Vingada given a month to prepare his team for the Finals.

Despite the difficulties, the Portuguese coach would lead Saudi Arabia to a record-equalling third continental title, the last time – to date – the country would claim the most prestigious trophy in the Asian game.

Former Australia striker Aloisi scored 37 goals in 129 appearances for the club from 2001 to 2005, while IR Iran’s Nekounam, who joined in 2006, would go on to become a fan favourite over two stints and nearly 200 matches for Los Rojillos.

The duo - alongside another former Iranian Osasuna star, Masoud Shojaei - are both in the running for this week’s Asia’s Greatest Players in Spanish Football poll, and according to Aloisi, Nekounam was a highly respected figure at the club.

Li Ke admits to being apprehensive the first time he was called up for the China national team, when the former Arsenal and Brentford midfielder was included by Marcello Lippi in his squad to face the Philippines in Guangzhou last June.

In Vietnam, Saigon claimed the bragging rights after a derby day victory over Ho Chi Minh City FC saw them move top of the V.League, while Taichung Futoro won again to stay in pole position in Chinese Taipei.

It was also a good weekend for China PR's star man in Spain and Japan's representation in Germany's top flight, while there was an Indonesian debut in Serbia, so join the-AFC.com as we review the best of the action from East Asia and ASEAN.

FFA Chief Executive James Johnson acknowledged the agreement and said “I’d like to thank the players and clubs for their commitment to re-starting the A-League 2019/20 season.

"These are extremely challenging times and I’d like to acknowledge the leadership shown by all to ensure our loyal supporters across Australia will be able to see their favourite teams back in action again soon."

Representatives from Jordan, Palestine, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon and Yemen took part in the video conference. They reviewed several items, and reaffirmed the importance of the tournament and its technical value to the teams in the region.