Elsewhere, things are tight at the top once more in Thailand while Ho Chi Minh City closed in on Hanoi FC in Vietnam in another exciting weekend of action across ASEAN.

The Vietnamese team ran out 3-2 winners in last week’s first leg and will advance to the Inter-Zone Final if they avoid defeat in Turkmenistan, but should the hosts score in Ashgabat then Hanoi will also need to find the back of the net in a tie that remains firmly in the balance. 

While victory at Hang Day Stadium ensured Hanoi start the second leg with the advantage, a tally of 33 shots on goal to seven across the 90 minutes is evidence that they could have taken a much healthier lead to Central Asia.

A thrilling first leg toed and froed before the ASEAN Zonal champions finally secured a 3-2 victory over their Central Asian Zone counterparts following a late Nguyen Van Quyet penalty.

But with two away goals in the bag and home advantage at Kopetdag Stadium, Altyn Asyr will be confident they have what it takes to progress to a second successive Inter-Zone Final.

The midfielder was at his inspirational best at Hang Day Stadium, levelling the score at 1-1 with a sumptuous free-kick after the visitors had taken and early lead through Murat Yakshiyev that stunned the home support.

Quang Hai then produced another moment of magic just after the hour, evading three defenders before curling home with aplomb with a goal that was arguably even better than his first.

Altyn Asyr equalised almost immediately, although Hanoi got the win they will feel their performance deserved when substitute Nguyen Van Quyet finished from the spot with two minutes to play after Do Hung Dung had been upended in the box.

Elsewhere in East Asia, the Mongolia and China leagues entered a summer break while the championships in Japan and Chinese Taipei continue to excite. Here’s our look back at the action across the region.

Join the-AFC.com as we review the Matchday One action in the Qatar Stars League and Saudi Pro League.

Join the-AFC.com as we look at all the key moments of another significant weekend of action in Central Asian football.