The 2018 season will involve a record-breaking 44 clubs competing for the highest-ever prize purse in the history of the competition. The winners of the 2018 AFC Cup will be rewarded with US$1.5m, up from US$1m in 2017, with the runners-up also receiving an increase from US$500,000 to US$750,000 in 2018.

AFC General Secretary Dato’ Windsor John said the latest improvements reinforced the ever-growing stature of the competition, which in 2017 saw more participating clubs with greater prestige and intensity when the Zonal Champions format was introduced.

Dato’ Windsor said: “The AFC Cup has continued to improve each year and 2018 season promises to captivate the Continent once again with greater action for our fans and more lucrative offerings for our clubs.

“The AFC has underlined our determination to establish world-class competitions and to ensure football confirms its position as the most popular sport in the Continent.

“In every way, the AFC Cup showcases the growth and continued development of Asian clubs across the Continent. As the competition expands its reach to new Member Associations, particularly in the group stage this year, we are confident that we will reach new audiences and unlock the undeniable passion for football that exists in Asia.”

On January 23, JSW Bengaluru will take to the field against Bhutan's Transport United as the 2018 AFC Cup Preliminary Round gets underway, with the Indian side on the hunt for a place in their fourth AFC Cup competition since they were formed in July 2013.

Despite their relatively short history, the I-League side have already scaled several heights for an Indian team in Asia with the highlight being an appearance in the 2016 AFC Cup final.

Sheikh Russel’s Arup Kumar Baidya gifted Saif SC an early lead when he failed to clear a cross from Jewal Rana, resulting in an own goal in the second minute.

Three minutes into the second half, the roles were then reversed, Ariful Islam registering an own goal after trying to clear a goal-bound header from Sheikh Russel’s Migias Bidari.

Mohamed Ibrahim regained the lead for Saif SC in the 65th minute with a superb finish after receiving a lobbed pass from Matin Mia.

With only two matches left in the Bangladesh Football Federation’s Premier League 2017/18 season, the win puts Saif SC on 38 points after 20 matches, placing them nine points ahead of Dhaka Mohammedan SC Limited.

Saif SC will make their first appearance in the AFC Cup when they face Maldives’ TC Sports Club in the first leg of the South Zone Preliminary Stage on January 23. The return leg will be played seven days later.

Since the inception of the tournament in 2004, no club has ever won three AFC Cup titles on the trot. Jordan's Al Faisaly came close, but lost to rivals Shabab Al Ordon in the 2007 final after having won the previous two editions.

Air Force Club could be looking at a monumental 2018 if they manage to write their name in the history books. The Baghdad-based side, who are also the reigning Iraqi champions, will not be lacking in belief after they successfully defended their continental title this year following a challenging campaign.

Despite finishing as unbeaten toppers of Group B, Air Force's road to the 2017 AFC Cup final was far from straightforward. Going into the final matchday in the group stage, Air Force found themselves in danger of being eliminated in the event of a defeat to Bahrain's Al Hidd.

Fortunately for them, Amjed Radhi stepped up in the 71st minute to score the lone goal and ensure that Air Force reached the West Asia Zonal semi-finals.