Al Shehri was a midfielder of considerable promise when he turned pro in the late ‘90s, even representing Saudi Arabia at the FIFA U20 World Cup in 1999. However, serious pelvic and cruciate ligament injuries brought a premature end to his playing days in 2008 at the age of just 28.

Determined to continue in the game, he embarked on a coaching career that saw him manage age-category sides at Saudi clubs Al Qadsiah, Al Nassr, and Al Ettifaq clubs before leading the national team to the AFC U-19 Championship final and the Gulf Cup title in 2016, a year before the aforementioned achievement at Korea Republic 2017.

From terrific team goals to amazing acrobatics and fantastic free-kicks, the West Asian clubs have more than contributed their share of memorable AFC Cup highlights.

The-AFC.com turns the clock back to recollect five outstanding entries to the competition's collection ahead of the 2021 AFC Cup's West Zone kick-off on May 21. Don't forget to vote for your favourite at the bottom of the article!

Issah Yakubu stole the headlines when he headed home with just over 15 minutes to play, but this was a triumph built first and foremost by solidarity throughout. The Beirut side conceded just three goals in a campaign in which they were almost impenetrable at the back.

Led by established Lebanese internationals such as captain Haytham Faour and goalkeeper Mehdi Khalil, as well as skillful forward players Mohamed Haider and Ahmed Zreik, there was no shortage of talent in Bassem Marmar's all-conquering side.

As Al Ahed prepare to kick off their 2021 AFC Cup group stage on May 24, the-AFC.com looks back at a success that will live long in the memory.

Kim, who led Korea Republic's Ulsan Hyundai FC to victory in 2020 AFC Champions League, has joined the Sailors on a two-and-a-half year deal. He is expected to officially link up with the team in June.

The former Korean international will step into the role vacated by Aurelio Vidmar, who left the Sailors in April.

Eldor Shomurodov and Maya Yoshida starred in Italy, while Takefusa Kubo made a major impact in Spain and women’s stars from Asia’s two most popular countries made memorable contributions on opposite sides of the globe.

But who deserves this week’s crown? Study our shortlist – based on performances from May 12 to 18 – and cast your vote.

Iraq will face Thailand, while Vietnam will play Lebanon, with the respective winners of the two-legged playoffs to advance to the global Finals hosted by Lithuania.

The winners will complete the list of Asian Qualifiers, with Japan, Islamic Republic of Iran and Uzbekistan already assured of a place in the final draw based on historic results in recent AFC Futsal Championship tournaments.

The game will be played at the Kalmar Arena and will see the Australians taking on a team that won the silver medal at the Rio Olympic Games before finishing third at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France in 2019.