Having already sealed their place in the knockout stage, the Uzbek side fell behind after just two minutes at the Azadi Stadium as Jalaleddin Alimohammadi’s powerful finish gave last year’s finalists the lead.

However, Gochguly Gochguliyev deservedly equalised 17 minutes from time with a header after Server Djeparov’s corner was punched away by Sepahan goalkeeper Mohammed Savari.

The visitors then nearly scored a late winner but Anvarjon Soliev’s header slammed the woodwork with eight minutes remaining as they secured their 13th point of the campaign.

While Kasimov conceded his side found it difficult to prepare for the game, he still felt Kuruvchi gave a good account of themselves in Iran.

"After winning the group (with a game to spare) we didn’t have very much motivation," he said.

"Nevertheless we still played well.

"We have a lot of hard work ahead of us in the next round but with the support of our fans we will fight to win."

For Sepahan coach Jorvan Vieira, Wednesday’s draw came hard on the heels of the disappointment of seeing his side lose out on the Iranian league title in the final minute of the season to newly-crowned champions Perspolis.

Having also failed to repeat last season’s run to the final of Asia’s premier club competition, Vieira, like Kasimov, admitted he also found it difficult to get his players into the right frame of mind for the encounter.

However, it was not an entirely futile exercise as the Brazilian used the game to test the younger members of his squad.

"Because we were already out, we didn’t have any motivation," he said.

"The only positive aspect of this match was that it gave me a chance to give experience to our younger players.

"They played without fear and with hunger and I’m pleased with what they did."

Sepahan’s only remaining hope of silverwear this season now rests with Iran’s Hafzi Cup, where they face Pegah in a last-eight encounter.