Thái Sơn Nam players seen during their 2018 AFC Futsal Club Championship. They are one of title candidates in this year event. — Photo sggp.org.vn

Other fancied sides include Thai Port FC of Thailand, defending champions Mes Sungun of Iran and Bank of Beirut from Lebanon.

The annual tournament also gathers teams from Iraq, Japan, Indonesia, Uzbekistan and Australia.

The championship’s draw will be held next month while the tournament is scheduled for August 8-18 in Bangkok.

In the 2018 final, Thái Sơn Nam lost 4-2 to Mes Sungun, the silver representing a Vietnamese side's best result ever.

Thái Sơn Nam are currently competing in the national championship. After the first leg they are in second position. The second leg will be on August 29-September 19 in HCM City. — VNS