Top of Group E after a draw with countrymen Minerva Punjab and a 2-0 win over Nepal's Manang Marshyangdi Club, Indian side Chennaiyin FC are set to face-off against second place side Abahani Dhaka with whom they are level on points.

A crucial game already, at the midway point of the Group Stage, Chennaiyin's star attacker Jeje Lalpekhlua highlighted the strong connection between the players, the club and the fans as a key strength for the team.

Ahead of the Matchday Five fixtures, 10 of the sides remain in the hunt for top-two finishes and the chance of reaching the competition’s knockout stages.

With Oman's Al Suwaiq the only side to have officially been eliminated from the competition, we will be a step closer to finding out which four West Asian sides reach the knock-out stages by the end of the six Matchday Five fixtures across Groups A, B and C on Monday and Tuesday.

The six matches will take place across just three countries, with Tajikistan, India and Hong Kong each hosting a pair of games over the coming days.

Sunday Chizoba served notice of the home side’s intent when he fired a shot just wide in the first minute. Just a minute later Mahmoud Al Amnah responded with a powerful strike from distance that Shahidul Alam did well to touch over.

A touch of quality almost put Minerva in front when Al Amnah’s deep cross from the right was brilliantly controlled by Samuel Lalmuanpuia before he curled just wide of the top-right corner.

Both teams went into the Matchday Two encounter looking to pick up their maiden win in the AFC Cup and, indeed, aiming to score their first goal in the competition.

After a scoreless opening 45 minutes, it was Chennaiyin’s overseas players who proved the heroes as quick-fire goals from Australian Chris Herd and Brazilian Mailson Veriato early in the second half secured all three points.

Since the departure of coach Saswadimata Dasuki from the Home United helm earlier this month, his temporary replacement Noh has endured a mixed run of results.

A fine 3-0 home win over Geylang International last Wednesday was the perfect introduction to the hotseat for the former assistant coach, but Saturday's 4-0 loss at Albirex Niigata Singapore would have returned the 38-year-old Noh to reality with a bump.

"It was obviously not a good result for our boys," the former Singapore full-back admitted to The Straits Times.