The Englishman took over Chennaiyin in mid-2017 and led the side to the Indian Super League (ISL) title in his first season at the helm, although the club were unable to maintain the same level this campaign and finished bottom of the table.

Having qualified for the Continental competition – via the play-offs – thanks to their ISL success, their opening game now carries extra intrigue as, for the first time in the AFC Cup’s history, the ISL winners and the I-League champions will square off.

Minerva clinched their maiden I-League title in the 2017-18 season and secured the services of the midfielder from Meghalaya-based club Shillong Lajong, who were relegated following the conclusion of the I-League 2018-19 season on March 4.

“Minerva Punjab FC are delighted to announce the new loan signing of Samuel Lalmuanpuia from Lajong,” Minerva said on their Twitter handle.

Midfielder Wellington Priori, 29, has already gained experience of the Asian game having previously turned out for India's North East United and Jameshedpur, as well as Malaysia's Perlis Northern Lions Club.

And Abahani coach Mario Lemos is convinced the man from Sao Paolo will prove an asset in their AFC Cup opener in Nepal.

A part of Kitchee's squad in last year's historic AFC Champions League campaign, Brazilian-born Hong Kong international Sandro made a vital contribution to Tai Po's qualification for just their second appearance in the AFC Cup, after he converted the match-winning spot-kick in the penalty shootout win over DPR Korea's Ryomyong SC.

With Tai Po also well-poised in the Hong Kong Premier League as the season draws to an intriguing climax, the 32-year-old number 9 is set for some exciting times ahead and spoke exclusively to the-AFC.com in the build-up to the Kitchee clash.

Al Wehdat came into the match with a perfect record, having beaten Nejmeh SC and Hilal Al Quds in the first two rounds. Meanwhile, Al Jaish were also unbeaten but sat in second place with four points.

After scoring four goals in the previous match, Baha Faisal looked to keep his scoring run going and threatened early on. The Al Wehdat forward pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the box and unleashed a thunderous effort that was punched away by goalkeeper Ahmad Madanieh.

Qadsia created the bulk of the chances in a first half where most of play centred around the middle of the pitch, but their attempts were largely harmless to goalkeeper Yusuf Hassan.

Veteran Bader Al Mutawa tried his luck on the half-volley, but his shot was collected by the goalkeeper at the half-hour mark, and Dhari Said’s strike minutes later sailed wide off the post.

Both sides came into the Matchday Three encounter with no wins in their tally, although Al Ahed were two points better off having collected two draws while Al Suwaiq had lost both their first two games.

The hosts wasted no time in getting forward, and their attacking intent was rewarded with a goal within the opening 60 seconds through defender Nour Mansour.