Al Jazeera dominated on home soil a week earlier, but Yazan Al Arab’s header against the post in the second half was the closest either side came to finding the back of the net, leaving all to be decided in Beirut.

The sides played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the first leg of the Inter-Zone Final in Hanoi last week but 4.25’s pair of away goals in Vietnam ensures they will begin the return meeting with an advantage.

Recently crowned Vietnamese champions Hanoi will now need to do what no other side has managed in the AFC Cup: win in Pyongyang – or secure a high-scoring draw – if they are to progress to a first Continental final.

With the DPR Korea side 2-1 down at Hang Day Stadium, Hanoi’s goalkeeper Nguyen Van Cong picked up an injury and was replaced by Bui Tien Dung in the 35th minute.

The hosts went on to dominate large spells of the second half but were unable to make their superiority count and, with three minutes to play, Kim’s sweetly struck effort from 25 yards found its way into the back of the net to secure the draw and a potentially crucial second away goal.

The visitors, meanwhile, would have been satisfied to leave the Vietnamese capital without suffering defeat and can look ahead to the return meeting on home soil, where they have never been beaten in the AFC Cup.

Al Jazeera had several chances to put the tie to bed at the Amman International Stadium but allowed Al Ahed to walk away with a goalless draw, leaving next week's return leg enticingly poised.

Al Jazeera had a slight edge over the 90 minutes but another resolute defensive performance from Al Ahed meant the teams couldn't be separated, leaving next week's return leg enticingly poised.

Both sides came into the game with a solid defensive record behind them.

Al Jazeera had not conceded a single goal in their past four home matches, while Al Ahed kept six clean sheets in the 2019 AFC Cup; more than any other team in the competition.