It was an intense contest from the first blow of the whistle as both teams went in search of an early advantage, especially Khujand who had fought through the play-offs to reach the Group Stage.

Ceres took all three points as Bienvenido Maranon scored twice with OJ Porteria and Robert Lopez Mendy also on the scoresheet and the win moves the Philippine champions on to seven points from three games, three clear of second-placed Than Quang Ninh.

Barcos netted a pair of headers in the first half before claiming another two goals in the second half while Rahman denied Ismail Easa from the spot to earn Oscar Bruzon’s side all three points in the Group E opener at Bangabandhu National Stadium. Daniel Colindres was also on target for Bashundhara Kings.

In testing conditions at Jurong West Stadium, neither side was able to break the deadlock in a goalless first half, before a close-range header from Boris Kiptovic and a Jordan Webb tap-in put Tampines firmly in control after the interval.

Shan netted a consolation in stoppage time but it was too little, too late as the hosts claimed all three points to move two points clear of Indonesia’s PSM Makassar at the Group H summit.

Xuan Nam netted twice in the final 18 minutes to ensure a frustrating evening for Ho Chi Minh City ended with all three points going back to Vietnam despite a series of missed opportunities for Jeong Hae-seong’s side to wrap up the win much earlier.

Tin Maung Tun’s team dominated throughout the 90 minutes but looked set to be frustrated by Hougang goalkeeper Khariulhin Khalid and their own poor finishing until Than rolled his effort home to secure all three points.

The win moves Yangon onto seven points from their opening three games of the 2020 campaign while Hougang remain on the three points earned in their opening day win over Lao Toyota.

PSM Makassar, having defeated Shan United 3-1 on Matchday Two, were hoping to repeat their success against Kaya at the Madya Stadium.

The home team, however, suffered a major setback after Dedy Gusmawan was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Takumi Uesato in the 10th minute.