Kuruvchi, who qualified for this year’s continental club extravaganza by finishing runners-up to 2007 double winners Pakhtakor, defeated Nyva thanks to a brace from Uzbekistan international midfielder Viktor Karpenko.

Meanwhile, five-time Uzbekistan champions Neftchi Fergana drew 1-1 with Russian Premier League champions Zenit Saint Petersburg, who are currently coached by former Korea Republic manager Dick Advocaat.

Neftchi’s new signing Timur Islamov was on target for the 1994/95 Asian Club Championship semi-finalists.