The 44-year-old Dutchman succeeds the attack-minded Dragan Stojkovic, whose departure was announced less than 24 hours earlier.

With the championship going down to the final day of the season, Beijing Guoan needed to defeat Shandong Luneng at home and hope that Cannavaro's side lost to visiting Shanghai Shenhua.

Guoan triumphed 3-2 thanks to a stoppage time goal but Evergrande were comfortable 3-0 winners over struggling Shenhua.

Winger Wei Shihao made it 1-0 for Guangzhou moments before the break when he stabbed in from close range.

Shanghai overturned the first leg deficit with three second half goals from Kim Shin-wook, Stephan El Shaarawy and Alexander N'Doumbou.

After a goalless firat half, Kim - who joined Shanghai last July - was influential in the second period with the Korea Republic international firing home a half-volley to break the deadlock on the hour mark.

The star-studded club took the lead off an own goal by Kashima defender Tomoya Inukai in the 18th minute, then doubled the advantage when the ball ricocheted into the net off striker Noriaki Fujimoto 20 minutes later.

Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal, who defeated Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan to lift the 2019 title after runners-up finishes in 2014 and 2017, will have Shabab Al Ahli Dubai (UAE), Pakhtakor (UZB) and the winner of a play-off for company.

Ten fantastic goals were nominated that spanned the Continent from Uzbekistan to Urawa, but it was Persepolis' defender Khalilzadeh whose amazing acrobatics that captured the attention and favour of Asia's football fans.

The Iranian had previously won Goal of the Week for Matchday Three and Goal of the Group Stage, and so completes his hat-trick with the overall best goal of the 2019 AFC Champions League.

From fabulous goals to mature performances and even a record-breaking feat, the next generation of stars was a welcome addition to the tournament. The-AFC.com has selected six of the best, who we can look forward to seeing much more of in the future.