Goals from Lutfulla Turaev and Ilkhom Shamuradov sealed a 2-1 win over Al Faisaly in the last 16 contest at Karshi Central Stadium.

Turaev broke the deadlock just before the half-hour mark and Shamuradov extended the lead in the second-half before Anas Hijah pulled a goal back for the visitors 11 minutes from the end as the Uzbek side progressed to the quarter-finals.

“I congratulate all the fans of Nasaf after we qualified to the quarter-finals but I want to assure you that we will not rest on our laurels,” Demyanenko said.

“Our task is to win the trophy. I am pleased with the team game, despite the minimal win. After all, this victory was a ticket to the next round.”

The hosts took the lead in the 28th minute when Batyr Karaev’s cross from the left flank found Turaev inside the area and he headed the ball into the net.

Shamuradov netted Nasaf’s second goal when he converted a cross from Turkmenistan midfielder Artur Gevorkyan to give the home side some breathing space.

Anas Hijah did halve the deficit 11 minutes from the end when he was through one-on-one with the Nasaf keeper and made the most of the chance but Al Faisaly could not conjure an equaliser as they exited the competition.

Demyanenko insisted he was always confident Nasaf would prevail.

“I had no doubt about the score of the match, even when the visitors managed to narrow the gap,” he added.

“We have responded to this dangerous moment, which could have been ended by another goal.”

Al Faisaly coach Rateb Al Awadat admitted his team had been outplayed but did not fault his players’ efforts.

“We lost to strong opponent, showing a decent game,“ he said.

“We did not lose by a big margin and could even have levelled the score. If the contest was over two matches, we would have more chances to win.

“I have nothing to reproach my players, they have created more problems for Nasaf than all their rivals in the group stage.”