The Ashgabat side progressed from the group stage following an injury-time winner against FC Istiklol in Tajikistan. They then defeated JSW Bengaluru 3-2 in India in the Inter-Zone semi-final and gained an impressive 2-2 draw in Pyongyang against DPR Korea’s 4.25 SC in the Inter-Zone final, before sealing progression both times on home turf.

Ahead of the 2018 AFC Cup final, the-AFC.com takes a look at the Altyn Asyr players who could be the ones to watch. For the Air Force Club key men, click here.

The Iraq international, who now plays for the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Esteghlal, had a hugely successful spell at Air Force Club and was part of the side that won back-to-back AFC Cup titles in 2016 and 2017.

Air Force Club made their debut in the competition in 2016 and won it at the first time of asking after beating India’s JSW Bengaluru 1-0 in the final, before returning a year later to defeat Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol by the same scoreline.

Ahead of the 2018 AFC Cup final, the-AFC.com takes a look at the players who could be the ones to watch, beginning with the holders Air Force Club.

Having begun the 2020 tournament on 30 goals, last year's top scorer wasted no time in picking up where he left off, with two goals in an opening-day victory over Cambodia's Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC, before a penalty against Vietnam's Than Quang Ninh saw him move within a goal of former Al Wehdat striker Shelbaieh.

Marañón's double against Bali saw the prolific striker move into pole position and there will likely be many more to follow if he continues in this form. The-AFC.com looks back at his achievement, as well as those of the iconic AFC Cup scorers who the 33-year-old has overtaken in recent years.

“We promise the fans, the coaching staff and the board to bring home our third AFC Cup title in a row,” the Air Force Club captain confidently declared on behalf of his teammates following their 2018 AFC Cup West Asia Zonal Final first leg against Jordan’s Al Jazeera.

This type of defiant statement exemplifies the character of Ahmed.

To Van Vu gave Binh Duong a 15th minute lead when his cross into the box was deflected into the direction of the goal, resulting in goalkeeper Bui Tien Dung pushing the ball into his own net as he attempted to make a safe.

In the 37th minute, a lapse in Thanh Hoa’s defence allowed Ho Sy Giap to outmuscle the defenders before lobbing the ball over Tien Dung to double their advantage.