The AFC continues to expand the reach of its competitions across the globe and the latest partnership will see Abu Dhabi Media, through its Abu Dhabi Sports channel, showcase the AFC’s major competitions premiering with the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar™, as well as the AFC Asian Cup China 2023™, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™, the AFC U23 Asian Cup Finals in 2022 and 2024 as well as the AFC Champions League™.

Marko Stanojević gave the Uzbek side the lead with a sensational long-range strike after 26 minutes and they looked like winners when Andrija Kaluđerović added a second minutes later, but Ahal’s Elman Tagayev scored two second half goals to bring the visitors level before Norchaev struck the decisive blow in a see-sawing battle

The results sets up a clash between Nasaf and South Zonal champions ATK Mohun Bagan, with the Indian side to travel to Karshi for the winner-takes-all tie on September 22.

The deal encompasses all major AFC national team and club competitions, which include Asia’s flagship national team competitions – the AFC Asian Cup China 2023™ and the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 ™, the AFC U23 Asian Cup Finals 2022 and 2024 as well as the AFC Champions League and the AFC Cup.

While AFC Asian Cup holders Qatar have already claimed a place as the FIFA World Cup hosts, the top two nations in each of the continent’s two qualifying groups will also advance to the Finals while the third-placed finishers will enter into a playoff to potentially claim a further spot for Asia.

Here we take a look at the prospects of Japan, the top seeds in Group B and habitual qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup.

There was debut delight for Eldor Shomurodov, Kim Min-jae and Mana Iwabuchi as well as a goalkeeping masterclass from Amir Abedzadeh, while several players left their mark on the continental stage in Europe.

But which of Asia’s stars shone brightest of all? Study our shortlist – based on performances in competitive matches from August 18 to 24 – and don’t forget to register your vote.

Over the past two weeks we have seen the goalkeeper and the defenders in front of him decided, so now it's time to turn our attention to the midfield and find out who you consider the main men in the middle.

So, here are the 10 players in contention for our places in the centre of the park. Review the candidates and then select your favourite for this all-star XI in the poll below.

After taking in some of the most mesmerising solo goals last week, we turn our attention to volleys and half-volleys to recall some of the fine strikes the 2021 AFC Champions League Group Stage witnessed.

Some of our selection have been caught on the bounce, while others have been struck without the ball touching the ground, but what cannot be argued is that all five are worthy of enjoying again and again.