Syria currently lead the way with a hugely impressive five wins from five and they start as clear favourites to progress to the third round of qualifying, while the pressure is on hosts China PR who sit eight points back, level with the Philippines.

The Maldives still have aspirations of a top-two finish and Guam are seeking their first points of the campaign. Ahead of the opening game between China and Guam on Sunday, the-AFC.com takes a closer look at Group A.

It has been 18 long months since a ball was kicked in Group B – featuring, Australia, Kuwait, Jordan, Nepal and Chinese Taipei – and with a wait like that, one could be forgiven for needing a refresher course before the action resumes.

But fear not, the-AFC.com is here to bring you all need to know about the finely poised group, including a run-down on the venues and how the teams currently stand, plus we pick out a key man from each of the five sides.

Victory over Antoine Hey’s side will take the Japanese into the next round by guaranteeing their status as Group F winners with two games remaining and maintain their perfect record in the second round of the Asian Qualifiers.

Japan have won their first five games in the Asian Qualifiers and a win on Friday would also secure Moriyasu’s side a berth at the Finals of the AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

The 20-year-old Spain-based attacking midfielder has instead been called up for two friendly matches to be played by the country’s Olympic team as they prepare for the Finals of the Tokyo Games this summer.

Korea Republic will also face Ghana in a pair of friendlies, which will be held on June 12 and June 15.

Going into the match, Balata Center knew that only victory would keep their hopes of qualification to the next round on their debut alive, while Muharraq needed a win and other results to go their way to secure progress with a game to spare.

Against the run of play, Al Ama’ari Center opened the scoring 18 minutes into the match thanks to Abdulhamid Abuhabib, who tapped in Sameh Maraaba’s initial weak shot from close range after a fast break that also included Mohamed Maraaba in the build up.

Sunday's 1-0 win took Al Hilal to 58 points, four more than Al Shahab with just a match to play with the title sealed despite the Riyadh giants having suffered a dip in form midway through the season.