In action first will be the eight sides in Groups A and C on Monday, before the four remaining teams in Group B follow suit a day later.

An inconsistent Syrian Pro League campaign which saw Al Jaish sit third in the table, coupled with a disappointing draw against Palestine’s Hilal Al Quds in the opening matchday of the AFC Cup meant Ahmed Al Shaar’s time at the helm of the Damascus giants was up.

Travelling to see your local team play doesn't usually involve boats, cars and airplanes but for supporters of PSM Makassar in this year's AFC Cup, that's exactly what they've needed to do with the club's home ties being hosted at Pakansari Stadium, a two-and-a-half hour flight - or 10 hour ferry - and two hour drive away.

The Jordanian side had marked their return to the competition with a hard-fought victory over Nejmeh at King Abdullah II Stadium on Monday.

Just 48 hours before their first continental encounter, Al Wehdat had to navigate an away trip to Irbid where they defeated Al Sareeh 4-2 in the domestic league. And coach Yakoubi was adamant that fixture congestion had impacted his side’s preparations for the Nejmeh clash.

In the absence of the three-time champions and their two-time AFC Cup MVP striker Hammadi Ahmed, here are six stars from the West Zone who could lead their sides to continental glory this year.

Some have a glorious AFC Cup history while others will be making their debut in the competition this year, but all will surely be bringing their magic to pitches across the continent over the next few months.

Minerva clinched their maiden I-League title in the 2017-18 season and secured the services of the midfielder from Meghalaya-based club Shillong Lajong, who were relegated following the conclusion of the I-League 2018-19 season on March 4.

“Minerva Punjab FC are delighted to announce the new loan signing of Samuel Lalmuanpuia from Lajong,” Minerva said on their Twitter handle.