Akaruye, who did stints with Egyptian giants Al Ahly and Ismaily before moving to Busaiteen, scored a total of seven goals in six matches.

Remarkably, the Nigerian scored two goals each in three matches - against Al Tilal of Yemen, Al Ahed of Lebanon, and again Tilal.

Brazilian Cacá (Carlos Eduardo Ferrari) of Hong Kong side South China is a goal behind Akaruye in the records. Cacá scored a brace twice against Malaysia’s Johor FC and Indonesian side PSMS Medan as his team topped Group F.

Alisher Halikov of Neftchi also hit six goals, one of these a penalty. The Uzbek improving his tally with a three-goal burst against Tilal in the last encounter.

Jehad Al Hussein of Kuwait club Kuwait SC, Moayad Abukshek of Jordan’s Al Faisaly, and Dempo’s Nigerian hitman Soleye Ranti Martins scored five goals each.