Newly arrived Dutch signing Huseyin Dogan made an instant impact for the Dushanbe side, scoring on debut in the 56th minute, with Alisher Dzhalilov adding the second goal four minutes later.

Istiklol have made the Super Cup their own over the last decade, winning the trophy 10 times in 11 seasons, with Saturday’s triumph their fourth in a row in the curtain-raising event.

A record 40 teams split into 10 groups will take part in the 2021 AFC Champions League as the competition continues to go from strength to strength, showcasing Asia's finest teams and numerous world-renowned players.

Almost 20 years ago, Asian football moved into an exciting new era as the AFC Champions League saw the merger of the Asian Club Championship and Asian Cup Winners' Cup in 2002-03, and that's where we start our look back at the tournament through the years.

Fans from across the continent and beyond have had their say regarding the tournament’s greatest players, but the race to determine which the tournament’s greatest ever coach is only just beginning.

Hailing from Asia, Europe and South America, we’ve selected 10 of the competition’s outstanding coaches, all of whom achieved team success or historical firsts, now it’s up to you to study the shortlist and register your vote.

Next week: AFC Cup All-time XI revealed.

There were hat-tricks, heroics and heart-warming farewells, but which player was Asia’s best of the best in the March international window?

From matches in Dubai, Dushanbe, Debrecen and more, we’ve picked 10 of the week’s best performers. Study our shortlist and don’t forget to register your vote.

The 23-player squad features a mix of well established stars, together with a host of new faces in the travelling group to assemble in the Netherlands on Monday.

Guangzhou will host Group A containing eight-time champions Guangzhou FC as well as Guangzhou City and Shenzhen FC alongside Chinese FA Cup holders Shandong Taishan, Chongqing Athletic, Henan Longmen, Qingdao FC and Cangzhou Lions.

From the Opening Match at Auckland’s Eden Park, host to many of New Zealand’s great sporting moments, all the way through to the Final at Sydney’s Stadium Australia, site of the 2000 Olympic Games, the venues will offer a broad taste of the best of Down Under.