The reigning Dhivehi Premier League champions, led by Spanish head coach Risto Vidakovic, produced impressive performances during the camp as they remained unbeaten in three friendly matches and will look to carry their form into the South Zone challenge of the 2021 AFC Cup.

Debutant Rane’s 25th minute goal sealed Bengaluru a 1-0 win over Club Eagles of Maldives in their South Zone playoff at the National Stadium in Male, Maldives on Sunday as the 2016 AFC Cup runners-up advanced to Group D of this year’s competition.

Bashundhara Kings easily retained the Bangladesh Premier League title last week but Bruzon, while determined to see his side thrive in the AFC Cup, is not expecting any easy matches in Male.

ATK Mohun Bagan arrived in the Maldives on Saturday, with the South Zone matches to be played in Male, after two weeks of intensive preparations and Williams said they are looking forward to the campaign.

Williams, who recently extended his contract for a third season, will be expected to lead from the front but the Australian said he was unfazed by the expectations.

Last week we presented the candidates for the 2021 Group Stage's best goalkeeper, and now we shine the spotlight on the players who will make up the backline.

So, here are the 12 players in contention for the four places in defence. Review the nominees and then choose your favourite defenders for this all-star XI in the respective polls.

It was all about the team last week in our round up of great 2021 AFC Champions League Group Stage goals, but this week we recall five solo goals where players have taken matters into their own hands and produced a moment of individual brilliance.

After reviewing these five fantastic finishes, vote for your favourite at the bottom of the article.

Yokohama F. Marinos secured a big win to take full advantage of leaders Kawasaki Frontale dropping points to reduce the gap in the J1 League title chase, while Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors continue to make ground on K League 1 frontrunners Ulsan Hyundai.

Elsewhere, there was action in Singapore, Mongolia and Chinese Taipei so join the-AFC.com as we review the latest round of fixtures from across East Asia and ASEAN.