Back then, Yaser Hamed was just 17 and a graduate of Athletic Bilbao’s renowned youth academy. The bourgeoning defender enjoyed spells in the youth teams of several clubs in Spain’s lower divisions, before signing his first professional contract in 2016.

After their maiden appearance at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, Palestine returned for the subsequent edition in 2019, and it was later that year when Hamed made his national team debut. Since then, the centre-back has become one of the pillars of the team and has been ever present in his side’s first five qualifying fixtures for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.

Goalkeeper Amrinder Singh saved a penalty kick in the first half but Oman took the lead in the 43rd minute through an Chinglensana Singh own goal.

However, the Blue Tigers came back fighting in the second half and grabbed the leveller through Manvir Singh, who headed home a cross from Bipin Singh.

Goals from the star FC Istiklol duo of Manuchehr and Alisher Dzhalilov put Tajikistan within sight of victory, before substitute Shahrom Samiev put the result beyond doubt late on for Usmon Toshev’s side, who controlled the encounter from start to finish against a team ranked 70 places below them.

The result takes Tajikistan to second place in Group F, with their tally of 10 points from six matches leaving them two adrift of group leaders Japan, who hold two matches in hand, while Mongolia slumped to a fifth successive defeat in the section, with the debut of Ganbayar Ganbold one of their few highlights.

The match was a perfect warm-up for Saudi Arabia, who play Palestine in Group D of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 on Tuesday.

Football lovers from every corner of Asia have selected a goalkeeper, three defenders and a four-man midfield in previous weeks, now it’s time to crown the tournament’s greatest ever forwards, with countless worthy contenders to choose from.

With a staggering 344 AFC Cup goals between them, we’ve selected the cream of the crop, including players hailing from Europe, Africa and South America, in our star-studded shortlist, now it’s up to you decide the final make-up of our ultimate team. Study our nominees below, and don’t forget to register your vote at the bottom of the page.

The D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, Ahmedabad’s TransStadia and the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar have been selected as the three stadiums and host cities that will provide the ultimate backdrop for some of the finest players in Asian and world women’s football from January 20 to February 6, 2022.

Hwang Ui-jo continued his superb form in front of goal in France, Awer Mabil delivered a three-assist masterclass in Denmark, and a trio of Japanese midfielders – Daichi Kamada, Junya Ito and Yui Hasegawa – starred all over Europe.

Throw in AFC International Player of the week returns for Musa Al Taamari, Nikita Rukavytsya and Aias Aosman, and there are plenty of fine contenders to choose from, so study our nominees, based on Performances from March 17 to 23, and don’t forget to cast your vote.