The Korea Republic side picked up a point from a 1-1 draw against FC Tokyo back in February, needing a late own goal from the opposition to secure the draw.

Shanghai Shenhua, meanwhile, have three points to their name having got off to a 2-1 winning start against Perth Glory on Wednesday.

Out of action on the continental stage since February, but with a full Chinese Super League campaign under their belt, the Chinese outfit are confident of mounting a challenge in a competition where they have been regular participants, but rarely serious contenders.

With three points in the bank from their earlier hit out against Chiangrai United, Génésio’s charges will have the opportunity to rise to the top of Group E with a win at Education City Stadium, and the Frenchman declared there was a sense of optimism around the club, despite what has been a challenging 2020.

The striker scored a pair of second half headers to overturn a 1-0 half-time deficit, giving Vitor Pereira’s side a winning start to their belated Group H campaign, and putting them on track for their fifth consecutive knockout stage appearance.

Tell us in the polls below whether your favourite team will advance to the next round of the Qualifiers as Asia looks to build on the record five teams at the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018.

There is still much to do on the Road to Qatar 2022 in the second round of the Asian Qualifiers and the remaining matchdays will determine the 12 teams who will advance to the third round of the Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which will also confirm their tickets to the AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

Tell us in the polls below whether your favourite team will advance to the next round of the Qualifiers as Asia looks to build on the record five teams at the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018.

There is still much to do on the Road to Qatar 2022 in the second round of the Asian Qualifiers and the remaining matchdays will determine the 12 teams who will advance to the third round of the Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which will also confirm their tickets to the AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

The 2020 AFC Champions League quarter-finalists defeated Kokand-1912 by a margin of 2-1, but their silverware was secure even before that match kicked off, with second placed FC Nasaf slipping to defeat at the hands of Sogdiana earlier in the afternoon.

Pakhtakor’s title is the second such success for head coach Shota Arveladze; the former Ajax and Glasgow Rangers striker who has transformed the club’s fortunes since arriving mid-way through 2017.