After the first set of games, Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol lead the way in Group D, Bangladesh’s Abahani Limited Dhaka do likewise in Group E and both 4.25 SC of DPR Korea and Hong Kong’s Wofoo Tai Po are on maximum points in Group I.

First up will be Group G on Tuesday, before the eight sides in Groups F and H follow suit a day later in what promises to be another thrilling round of fixtures.

The four sides in Group B will kick off the action on Monday, before the teams in Groups A and C take to the field a day later in what will be the fourth round of fixtures.

Tai Po FC's first ever AFC Cup win was always going to be one for the record books, but its entry into the annals of the club's history took on extra flourish with an exciting six-goal thriller against countrymen Kitchee SC.

And it was to be extra special for 23-year-old forward Chung Wai Keung, although it didn't begin at all the way he would have planned.

The three points ensured a positive start to their Group I campaign as well as striking a blow against their domestic rivals.

O Hyok-chol side-footed 4.25 in front from 15 yards just after the half hour at Hsinchu Country Second Stadium before Son Pyong-il doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time to give the visitors a comfortable lead at the interval.

The scores remained the same until the dying seconds, when substitute Kim Yu-song – the top scorer in the 2017 AFC Cup – rounded off proceedings in the 92nd minute as 4.25 enjoyed the perfect start.

In announcing the appointment, HKFA said former Finland head coach Paatelainen, 52, will lead Hong Kong's campaign in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and the 2019 EAFF Cup in Korea Republic this December.

Among the clubs Paatelainen, a striker, played for were Scottish sides Hibernian, Dundee United and Aberdeen as well as England's Bolton Wanderers and Wolverhampton Wanderers.