Both teams were playing competitive football for the first time in over a year with China striking first through Xin Zhang before Korea Republic’s Kang Chae-rim levelled the score to put the sides on equal terms going into the break.

However, Wang Shuang's 73rd-minute penalty proved to be the difference in a hard-fought contest and China only need to avoid defeat in Tuesday’s second leg in Suzhou to advance to the Tokyo Olympics.

One of the West Zone’s most interesting groups will be found in the United Arab Emirates, where Sharjah will welcome Uzbekistan Super League holders FC Pakhtakor, Iranian Cup winners FC Tractor and Air Force Club of Iraq, who sealed their place with a thrilling play-off win earlier this week.

Ahead of Wednesday’s kick-off, allow the-AFC.com to bring you up to speed with the venue, star players and the group’s context.

In the competition’s expanded format of 40 teams playing in 10 groups, with the group winners in addition to the best six runners-up advancing to the Round of 16, competition will be more intense than ever to book a place in the knock-out stages.

The UAE side have never lost an AFC Champions League playoff game, having beaten Indonesia’s Sriwijaya FC in 2011, Bahrain’s Malkiya SC in 2018 and Uzbekistan’s Bunyodkor last year.

Foolad, on the other side, have never contested a playoff match, having appeared in one edition before qualifying playoffs were introduced and qualified to the group stage directly in two subsequent appearances.

A record 40 teams split into 10 groups will take part in the 2021 AFC Champions League as the competition continues to go from strength to strength, showcasing Asia's finest teams and numerous world-renowned players.

The period between 2011 and 2014 saw champions from three new countries; Qatar, China PR and Australia, but the next three editions would see a bounce back of established powers with three different clubs lifting their second AFC Champions League trophy between 2015 and 2017.

With an Australian hat-trick in England, Iranian goalkeeping heroics in Portugal and a Japanese double act in Belgium just a sample of the memorable contributions, there are several worthy candidates for this week’s crown.

But who was the week’s outstanding Asian player abroad? We’ve narrowed it down to a 10-player shortlist, based on performances from April 1 to 7.

Take a look at the nominees below and don’t forget to cast your vote.

Confined to her Wuhan apartment when China’s qualifying campaign began last February, Wang returned to the line-up and struck the decisive blow at Goyang Stadium, easing home her spot-kick in the 73rd minute after Zhang Xin and Kang Chae-rim had traded first half goals.

Thursday’s result means China’s qualification will be confirmed if they can avoid defeat in Tuesday’s second leg in Suzhou, with Colin Bell’s Korea Republic facing an uphill battle to achieve their dream of a maiden Olympic qualification.