Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol and India’s Chennaiyin FC – Group D and E leaders respectively – will look to edge closer to knockout round qualification while, in the East, DPR Korea’s 4.25 SC need just a point to progress for the third successive year.

Alexander Krestinin's side looked to be heading for the exit after falling behind to Alisher Dzhalilov's opening goal, but Vahyt Orazsakhedov and Mirlan Murzaev scored in a spirited second-half recovery to take the Kyrgyz Republic side to four points, three behind Group D leaders Istiklol, with two matches to come.

Coming into the match bottom of the group - and with Istiklol having earned maximum points all three of the previous meetings between the sides, including a 4-1 win as recently as May 1, Dordoi were in need a change of fortune - and they held their own in the opening exchanges.

A first half strike from Murat Yakshiyev proved decisive for Yazguly Hojageldiyev's side, who registered their first win of the tournament to move to six points from four matches and leapfrog Khujand into second in Group D.

The two teams played out two contrasting halves, the second of which saw three goals packed in a space of 10 minutes. A late goal by Mamunul Islam clinched a hard-fought game in favour of the hosts.

The Indian side were forced to play with 10 men in the second half after losing Prateek Joshi to a red card just before the half-time whistle.

Manang Marshyangdi began the first half well as they starved Minerva of possession but the Indian side looked effective whenever they got a chance with the ball.

Samuel was particularly impressive in the wings early on. His first attempt was thwarted by a diving tackle from Bishal Rai in the wings but in the eighth minute, he produced an impressive long range effort that came off the bar.

The win places the DPR Korea champions at the top of Group I with 12 points, and they will guarantee their place in the knockout stage if Kitchee SC fail to beat Hang Yuan FC in the day's later match.

4.25 came into the match high on confidence, having beaten Tai Po 3-1 in the reverse fixture two weeks ago, courtesy of Kim Yu-song's brace. And the No. 18 forward struck within the first three minutes at the Kim Il Sung Stadium to give his side an early lead.

Fernando headed in the winner in the 69th minute after Jordi Tarres had given Kitchee the lead only to see their advantage cancelled out 17 minutes into the second half by an own goal from Matthew Smith.

The win moves Alex Chu’s team into second place in Group I, six points behind leaders 4.25 SC from DPR Korea with two games remaining and the two clubs due to face off in a potentially crucial clash on Matchday Six.