As the Mariners now look ahead to September's meeting with either Uzbekistan's FC Nasaf or Turkmenistan's FC Ahal, and the three eliminated teams aim to come back stronger in 2022, the-AFC.com looks at the key takeaways from Group D.

Bashundhara, needing to win to advance, took the lead in the 28th minute through Fernandes’ right-footed effort but the Bangladesh champions then suffered a blow with Sushanto Tripura being sent off just before half-time.

ATK Mohun Bagan capitalised in the second half with David Williams equalising in the 62nd minute.

The result meant that undefeated ATK Mohun Bagan completed their Group D campaign with seven points, while Bashundhara made their exit with five points.

Bengaluru dominated from the start to lead 3-0 up at half-time, before Maziya found the net twice but the Indian Super League side powered to victory as Pezzaiuoli's side finished third in the standings with four points with Maziya ending their campaign with three defeats.

The outstanding team of the Central Zone’s group stage with nine unanswered goals back in May, Ruzikul Berdiev’s side will enter Wednesday’s sudden-death tie as strong favourites largely due to what is expected to be a greater level of match fitness.

Nasaf have the advantage of having played 15 Uzbekistan Super League games this season, including eight since their previous AFC Cup duties, while Ahal are still waiting for Turkmenistan’s Yokary Liga to begin due to persistent delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over the coming days, the-AFC.com will break down each of the 12 nations still standing, their key men and what it all means in the context of history as they vie for a ticket to the greatest show on earth.

A true powerhouse of the Asian game, Islamic Republic of Iran are targeting a third successive FIFA World Cup appearance and their exceptional strike force makes them one of the favourites to qualify.

While AFC Asian Cup holders Qatar have already claimed a place as the FIFA World Cup hosts, the top two nations in each of the continent’s two qualifying groups will also advance to the Finals while the third-placed finishers will enter into a playoff to potentially claim a further spot for Asia.

Here we take a look at the prospects of Japan, the top seeds in Group B and habitual qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup.

There was debut delight for Eldor Shomurodov, Kim Min-jae and Mana Iwabuchi as well as a goalkeeping masterclass from Amir Abedzadeh, while several players left their mark on the continental stage in Europe.

But which of Asia’s stars shone brightest of all? Study our shortlist – based on performances in competitive matches from August 18 to 24 – and don’t forget to register your vote.