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.

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.

Bashundhara, needing to win to advance, took the lead in the 28th minute through Fernandes’ right-footed effort but the Bangladesh champions then suffered a blow with Sushanto Tripura being sent off just before half-time.

ATK Mohun Bagan capitalised in the second half with David Williams equalising in the 62nd minute.

The result meant that undefeated ATK Mohun Bagan completed their Group D campaign with seven points, while Bashundhara made their exit with five points.

The outstanding team of the Central Zone’s group stage with nine unanswered goals back in May, Ruzikul Berdiev’s side will enter Wednesday’s sudden-death tie as strong favourites largely due to what is expected to be a greater level of match fitness.

Nasaf have the advantage of having played 15 Uzbekistan Super League games this season, including eight since their previous AFC Cup duties, while Ahal are still waiting for Turkmenistan’s Yokary Liga to begin due to persistent delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

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.