There have only been two Central Zone Finals since the AFC Cup implemented the zonal system in 2017, but both have so far been goal-filled occasions.

While Sogdiana’s comprehensive win did see four goals fly in, it did not quite match the drama of last year’s five-goal thriller as FC Nasaf of Uzbekistan edged Turkmenistan’s Ahal FC 3-2 in Qarshi.

While Sogdiana’s forwards did dominate the scoresheet, that’s not to say FC Khujand didn’t have their own chances. Indeed, the Tajik club had only three shots less on goal (15 to 18).

The key factor, however, is that of those just one was on target and 11 were from outside the box. The results: a 6.7 percent accuracy - one of the worst in this season’s AFC Cup.

It was, at times, a physical affair at Stadion 20-Letie Nezavisimosti and, in particular, from the visitors. Sogdiana’s 17 fouls conceded is their highest in any AFC Cup match thus far – the joint eighth highest in a game.

Conversely, Khujand committed just seven fouls; their lowest on the continent this year and joint fourth lowest in a game. However, when it came to yellow cards Khujand received two, Sogdiana just one.

Sogdiana’s win means they are one of only two teams to maintain a perfect record at this year’s AFC Cup and the only one with four wins from four games.

Appropriately enough, the only other team with a 100 percent run are Sogdiana’s upcoming opponents Eastern. However, the Hong Kong side have played just two games so far.

Although their continental campaign ended on a sour note, FC Khujand can be rightly proud of setting new standards for their club.

Reaching the knockout stage for the first time in their history, they became the first club from Tajikistan to do so since two-time runners-up FC Istiklol in 2017.

Despite Jasur Khasanov turning 39 years old earlier this month, the former Uzbekistan midfielder is enjoying a second lease of life in this year’s AFC Cup.

The Sogdiana skipper netted a brace against Khujand to take his tally to five goals, level with Viettel FC’s Pedro Paulo at the top of the goalscorers’ chart.

Khasanov also leads his teammates in both assists (3) and chances created (13), two of the latter category he added against Khujand.

Only two players in the AFC Cup 2022 so far – Maziya Sports & Recreation Club’s Tana (17) and Bali United’s Eber Bessa (15) – have more chances created, while no player has more than three assists.

And so, for the second year running, there is set to be a clash between a team from Uzbekistan and Hong Kong in the AFC Cup knockout stages following the 2021 meeting between FC Nasaf and Lee Man.

Fans will be hoping for more of the same as that clash, in the Inter-Zone Final, was a classic: Lee Man coming back from 2-0 down to take the tie into extra-time before Nasaf found a winner.