Elsewhere in Southeast Asia, Saigon's hot streak in Vietnam continued as Hanoi FC returned to winning ways, there were some big scores in Cambodia and the second round of fixtures took place in Laos.

And while the Thai league will not return until September, some of their top players took to the pitch in Japan, so join the-AFC.com as we look back at the best of the action from ASEAN.

Last week we presented the candidates for the 2018 edition's best goalkeeper, and now it's time to turn our attention to defenders.

So, here are the 14 players in contention for the four places in the backline. Review the nominees and then choose your favourite defenders for this all-star XI in the respective polls.

From a delightful tournament-winning strike in Qarshi to impudent efforts in Al-Ram, Arbil, Dhaka and Cibinong, our latest edition of the '5 of the Best' really does cover the length and breadth of the Continent. So enjoy the selection and don't forget to vote for your favourite in the poll below!

Also take a look at past editions that feature acrobatic goals, solo goals, volleys, long-range screamers, free-kicks, last-minute winners and curlers.

In the 64-year history of the tournament, only 16 men have won the AFC Asian Cup as a head coach, with countless other talented tacticians trying, and failing, to get their hands on Asian football’s greatest prize.

Ulsan Hyundai have opened up a three-point lead at the top of Korea Republic's K League after they made it three wins in a row while second-placed Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors dropped points once again.

Elsewhere, there was action in Chinese Taipei and Mongolia while the 2020 Chinese Super League is just days away from getting underway, so join the-AFC.com as we review the action from across East Asia.

On March 27, 2018, Yemen made history when they qualified for UAE 2019 for what was their maiden appearance (as a unified nation) at the AFC Asian Cup. And while they suffered three straight group-stage defeats at the hands of IR Iran, Iraq and Vietnam, their appearance at the Finals provided a solid foundation to build on.

The West Asian side then made a strong start to the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023. They drew 2-2 with Singapore in Kallang and took a point from Asian heavyweights Saudi Arabia, before recording their first win in Group D with a Matchday 5 triumph over Palestine.

Owairan's superb effort was picked as the best from a list of 20 goals the-AFC.com shortlisted in polls which were conducted over the last three weeks.