The first stage - scheduled for July 25 to September 28 - will be played in the centralised venues of Dalian and Suzhou with the 16 clubs divided into two groups according to the final standings of the 2019 season.

The AFC’s National Team and Club competitions as well as the AFC Futsal Championship planned for Turkmenistan have been postponed since February and March but, thanks to the support of the Members, Leagues and Clubs, there is a determination to finish the competitions this year.

Keeping the 23-year-old forward was one of the main targets of Spanish head coach Xavi, who has also recently extended his contract for another year.

“I’m working with the club’s management during the current period on a number of issues,” said Xavi previously to Al Sadd's website. “The most important of which is the renewal of Akram Afif’s contract.”

Having been there for the opening of Al Janoub Stadium, in May 2019, I can vouch that there is nothing like seeing these stunning buildings up close – however the digital launch of Education City Stadium, dedicated to frontline workers, was a fitting tribute considering the challenges the world has faced throughout 2020.

We shine the '5 of the Best' spotlight on a handful of aesthetically pleasing curling efforts that have sailed beyond outstretched goalkeepers and into the back of the net. Once you've reviewed our trip down memory lane, don;t forget to vote for your favourite at the bottom of the article!

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

Also Try:

The Asian Football Quiz: Round 1, Round 2, Round 3, Round 4, Round 5, Round 6, Round 7, Round 8, Round 9, Round 10, Round 11, Round 12, Round 13, Round 14

In a second semi-final featuring 10 more Asian World Cup classics, this week’s selection features some of the continent’s all-time greats, all delivering moments of magic on the game’s biggest stage.

There are fabulous free-kicks, blistering breakaways and scorchers from distance, but which five goals will advance to next week’s final?

Cast your vote below from our list of nominees: