The Football Association of Thailand confirmed the 31-year-old full-back had pulled out on social media on Wednesday, citing the requirement to complete a compulsory 14-day quarantine period upon his return to Japan upon the conclusion of qualifying as the reason.

The two sides will clash in the decisive match in Group F, with Turkmenistan’s Altyn Asyr capable of leapfrogging their opponents into top spot with a win on the final Matchday at Republican Central Stadium.

With seven unanswered goals and the maximum six points from their two earlier matches, 2011 champions Nasaf come into the decider as favourites to advance, but Berdiev insists nothing will be taken for granted against the Yokary Liga champions.

Without a win between them so far in the competition, neither side can advance beyond the group stage, but ample motivation exists in both camps to end their respective continental campaigns on a high.

For Alay, that means building on a much-improved second-half performance in Monday’s match against Altyn Asyr, where they chased down a 4-1 deficit to draw level in the dying minutes, only to lose the match to an injury time penalty.

Eliminated by their respective defeats to Turkmenistan’s Ahal FC, the two sides will fight to avoid last place in the three-team Group E, with both coaches clear about the importance of leaving the tournament with three points.

From terrific team goals to amazing acrobatics and fantastic free-kicks, the West Asian clubs have more than contributed their share of memorable AFC Cup highlights.

The-AFC.com turns the clock back to recollect five outstanding entries to the competition's collection ahead of the 2021 AFC Cup's West Zone kick-off on May 21. Don't forget to vote for your favourite at the bottom of the article!

Issah Yakubu stole the headlines when he headed home with just over 15 minutes to play, but this was a triumph built first and foremost by solidarity throughout. The Beirut side conceded just three goals in a campaign in which they were almost impenetrable at the back.

Led by established Lebanese internationals such as captain Haytham Faour and goalkeeper Mehdi Khalil, as well as skillful forward players Mohamed Haider and Ahmed Zreik, there was no shortage of talent in Bassem Marmar's all-conquering side.

As Al Ahed prepare to kick off their 2021 AFC Cup group stage on May 24, the-AFC.com looks back at a success that will live long in the memory.

Eldor Shomurodov and Maya Yoshida starred in Italy, while Takefusa Kubo made a major impact in Spain and women’s stars from Asia’s two most popular countries made memorable contributions on opposite sides of the globe.

But who deserves this week’s crown? Study our shortlist – based on performances from May 12 to 18 – and cast your vote.