Zall, who were forced into exile for 104 days after the COVID-19 coronavirus emerged in the city late last year, face newly promoted Qingdao Huanghai behind closed doors in Suzhou, near Shanghai, on July 25.

Fabio Cannavaro's champions Guangzhou Evergrande play FA Cup winners Shanghai Shenhua in the season opener earlier the same day in the northeastern city of Dalian.

To select the candidates for each position, we have reflected on match data from the tournament to draw up a statistics-based approach to present the outstanding performers.

We begin with five candidates for the all-important number one shirt. Review the nominees and then choose your favourite goalkeeper to helm the rearguard for this all-star XI in the poll below.

Over the last two weeks, Asia’s football fans have come together to celebrate the continent’s outstanding FIFA World Cup goals

Tens of thousands of football lovers voted them in, now, which goal will emerge from the Final as Asia’s greatest? From an initial list of 20 semi-finalists, 10 special goals remain, and the choice is in your hands.

As we marvel at some of Asia’s all-time greats, and their unforgettable moments on the biggest stage of all, make sure to cast your vote.

We shine the '5 of the Best' spotlight on a handful of aesthetically pleasing curling efforts that have sailed beyond outstretched goalkeepers and into the back of the net. Once you've reviewed our trip down memory lane, don;t forget to vote for your favourite at the bottom of the article!

Also take a look at past editions that feature acrobatic goals, solo goals, volleys, long-range screamers, free-kicks and last-minute winners.

In Korea Republic, Ulsan Hyundai jumped above Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors after the defending champions dropped points for the second week in a row, while preparations continue ahead of the Chinese Super League's kick off later this month.

Elsewhere, the second round of fixtures took place in Mongolia last week, so join the-AFC.com as we review the best of the action from across East Asia.

Elsewhere in Southeast Asia, Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng extended their lead at the top of the Cambodian top flight, preparations for the resumption of the A-League stepped up while it was a disappointing weekend for Thailand's Japan-based stars.

A record of 168 caps and still counting for Shafi puts him just behind another Asian Icon, Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed Al Deayea (178) and Italian legend Gianluigi Buffon (174) as the sport’s most capped goalkeepers of all-time.

Throughout an 18-year international career, Shafi was a centrepiece to every single major achievement for his nation and despite his advanced years, he remains an automatic first pick between the sticks for coach Vital Borkelmans and continues to grow in influence as Al Nashama's revered captain.