In the first of two semi-finals, the-AFC.com has selected 10 goals to review .The 2021 AFC Champions League final was just 16 seconds old when Nasser Al Dawsari scored the fastest goal the showpiece event has ever seen.
The left-back picked up the ball 15 yards into the Pohang Steelers half, advanced forward and rifled an unstoppable rocket into the back of the net from fully 30 yards.
Harambee stars captain Michael Olunga is among the list of nominees whose goal were ranked as top goals in the Semi final stage.
Michael Olunga – Al Duhail SC
In a tense final group stage encounter between Qatar's Al Duhail SC and Al Ahli Saudi FC, it was the competition’s leading scorer who broke the deadlock.
Michael Olunga lined up a free-kick from 25 yards out and powered in a shot underneath the wall and past Mohammed Al Owais for his ninth and final goal of the campaign.
Lee Dong-gyeong – Ulsan Hyundai F
Into extra-time in a thrilling encounter between Ulsan and Jeonbuk, Lee Dong-gyeong emphatically settled the debate. From well outside the far right corner of the area, the Korea Republic international hit a swerving, outside-of-the-foot effort that flew past Song Bum-keun to send the holders into the semi-finals.
Carlos Eduardo – Shabab Al Ahli Dubai
Having taken an early lead against AGMK, Shabab Al Ahli Dubai put themselves in control of their group stage encounter with the Uzbeks thanks to a moment of brilliance from Carlos Eduardo. With the ball slightly behind him, the Brazilian displayed superb improvisation to adjust his body and send home a stunning overhead kick.
Shu Kurata – Gamba Osaka
With nine goals in the match between Gamba and Tampines, picking just one would normally be a difficult task, but Shu Kurata's opener was a screamer. Kazunari Ichimi set up his skipper with a cushioned header and Kurata, left with plenty still to be done, controlled on his knee and sent a dipping volley up and over the goalkeeper.
Mehdi Ghaedi – Esteghlal FC
Tipped to be one of the stars of the 2021 AFC Champions League, Mehdi Ghaedi graced the competition with a demonstration of his prodigious talent in the very first match, rifling home from 30 yards out for his second of the game in a 5-2 win against Al Ahli Saudi.
Diogo – BG Pathum United
Diogo marked his first AFC Champions League appearance for BG Pathum United with two goals, the first of which was a beauty. After a lovely flowing team move from the Thai side, the Brazilian was sent through on goal, and he made no mistake in rounding the 'keeper and tapping into an empty net.
Liang Shaowen – Beijing FC
Beijing FC's teenage captain Liang Shaowen proved he was not overawed by stepping up to the big stage as he sent a pinpoint free-kick from 25 yards into the top right corner. The goal helped the Chinese side secure a 1-1 draw in their opening game with what was ultimately their only point of the campaign.
Driss Fettouhi – Al Ahli Saudi FC
Al Ahli Saudi got their first win of the 2021 AFC Champions League, defeating Iraq’s Al Shorta 3-0 on Matchday Three. Moroccan midfielder Driss Fettouhi scored the best of the bunch, picking up the ball 30 yards from goal and curling home a strike that nestled into the back of the net, leaving the 'keeper helpless.
Hiroyuki Abe– Nagoya Grampus
It was a moment of individual brilliance that got Nagoya their second, and ultimately winning, goal against Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta'zim. Hiroyuki Abe evaded La’vere Corbin Ong before sending a curling shot past Haziq Nadzli just before the half hour mark.