The extended regional sponsorship deal encompasses the final round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar™ featuring the Continent’s top 12 national teams, and Asia’s flagship men’s national team competition – the AFC Asian Cup China 2023™ – among other major national team tournaments.

As an established partner of the AFC, KDDI will leverage its rich history of supporting Asian football and continue to bring exciting experiences to the fans of AFC national team football in Japan.

Dato’ Windsor John, the AFC General Secretary, said: “We are delighted to renew our regional partnership deal with KDDI, who have been a strong supporter of the sport in Asia and Japan.

“This deal demonstrates the incredible appeal and stature of the AFC’s competitions, and we are confident KDDI will continue to use its technological expertise to deliver innovative experiences to the passionate fans of Asian football. 

“We look forward to working in close collaboration with KDDI, a valued partner who shares the AFC’s belief in the power of football to create a lasting impact among fans and consumers.”

Makoto Takahashi, President & Representative Director of KDDI: “KDDI's corporate philosophy is to ‘contribute to the development of an affluent communication society’. 

“We have been striving to improve the spectator experience of various sports, including the development of communication networks and infrastructures. By utilising our advanced technologies, KDDI will continue to assist the sports industry through spectator experiences and communication services.”

A huge shock on Matchday One saw Oman defeat Japan in Osaka to gain the best possible start, while powerhouses Saudi Arabia and Australia began with two wins from two. China PR and Vietnam, meanwhile, both suffered back-to-back defeats.

Leading the way at present is Graham Arnold's Australia, who got off to a flying start as goals from Awer Mabil, Martin Boyle and Mitchell Duke secured a comfortable 3-0 win over China in Doha, before Rhyan Grant's first international goal edged a narrow 1-0 victory against Vietnam in Hanoi.

After two rounds of fixtures, the heavyweights of Islamic Republic of Iran and Korea Republic have already stamped their authority on the group, with the Iranians leading the way following back-to-back wins over Syria and Iraq, and the Koreans two points back after drawing against Iraq and beating Lebanon.

Dragan Skocic's Iran have been arguably the most impressive side in the AFC Asian Qualifiers to date, with Alireza Jahanbakhsh rediscovering his mojo since returning to the Eredivisie to join Feyenoord. The former Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder netted the only goal on Matchday One as his side edged Syria before opening the scoring in an emphatic 3-0 win over neighbours Iraq.

In Qatar, defending champions Al Sadd SC maintained their perfect record after five rounds of matches.

Meanwhile, there were plenty of surprises in the Jordanian Premier League as Al Ramtha and Al Wehdat both dropped points with Al Salt edging closer.

Join the-AFC.com as we review the latest domestic action in West Asia.

The Red Star Belgrade player, who is asymptomatic, returned the positive result before travelling to Qatar to link up with Graham Arnold’s Socceroos squad.

India, meanwhile, opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw with Bangladesh, who came from behind to salvage a point after being reduced to 10 men.

Nepal's win took them to six points from two matches while Bangladesh are second on four points.