Group C remains incredibly tight with just two points separating leader Al Ittihad and third-placed Air Force Club, who sits level with Sepahan ahead of Monday’s trip to Azadi Stadium.

A win for either would see them go into Matchday Six still with a chance of topping the table, while defeat could signal the end of their qualification hopes.

Both sides have performed admirably so far, with teenage sensation Ali Jasim dazzling for Air Force Club, scoring four goals, including one in the stunning 2-0 victory over Al Ittihad three weeks ago and two in the 2-2 draw with the Iranians in his tournament debut on Matchday One.

Sepahan, meanwhile, posted an emphatic 9-0 victory over Uzbekistan’s AGMK last time out to ensure it is now the tournament’s joint-top scorers.

It all means things are tantalizingly poised as the pair get set to face off in the Iranian capital, where there is all to play for as they aim to keep the pressure on table-toppers Al Ittihad.