On March 27, 2018, Yemen made history when they qualified for UAE 2019 for what was their maiden appearance (as a unified nation) at the AFC Asian Cup. And while they suffered three straight group-stage defeats at the hands of IR Iran, Iraq and Vietnam, their appearance at the Finals provided a solid foundation to build on.

The West Asian side then made a strong start to the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023. They drew 2-2 with Singapore in Kallang and took a point from Asian heavyweights Saudi Arabia, before recording their first win in Group D with a Matchday 5 triumph over Palestine.

Last week we presented the candidates for the 2018 edition's best goalkeeper, and now it's time to turn our attention to defenders.

So, here are the 14 players in contention for the four places in the backline. Review the nominees and then choose your favourite defenders for this all-star XI in the respective polls.

Milicic was appointed to the role of head coach of the Matildas in February 2019, and over the past 18 months oversaw Australia’s successful qualification for the women’s football tournament at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, and helped Australia reach the Round of 16 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019.

Milicic signed on to become the inaugural head coach of Macarthur FC in May 2019 prior to last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, and while he was due to complete his time with the Matildas at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the rescheduling of the Games to 2021 due to the unprecedented, global COVID-19 pandemic has regrettably forced a decision on Milicic’s coaching future to be made.

A statement said the “Normalisation Committee agreed on the decision of the Competitions Committee to launch the new 2020-2021 season on September 20 with the participation of 20 clubs.”

Owairan's superb effort was picked as the best from a list of 20 goals the-AFC.com shortlisted in polls which were conducted over the last three weeks.

From a delightful tournament-winning strike in Qarshi to impudent efforts in Al-Ram, Arbil, Dhaka and Cibinong, our latest edition of the '5 of the Best' really does cover the length and breadth of the Continent. So enjoy the selection and don't forget to vote for your favourite in the poll below!

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

In the 64-year history of the tournament, only 16 men have won the AFC Asian Cup as a head coach, with countless other talented tacticians trying, and failing, to get their hands on Asian football’s greatest prize.