The Uzbekistan international scored with a header in the 19th minute to earn his side their second win of the group stages before Bunyodkor were forced to hold out against a second-half onslaught from the home side.

Sepahan showed their attacking intentions right from the first whistle and should have taken the lead after seven minutes when Rasoul Khatibi received a cross from the left before volleying over the crossbar.

The pressure from Sepahan continued but they were nearly punished on 12 minutes when Shavkat Salomov tried his luck with a shot from distance but the ball went wide of the left upright.

However, with 19 minutes on the clock Bunyodkor took the lead. AFC Player of the year Server Djeparov sent in his corner from the left and Kapadze had enough time and space to head beyond Sepahan goalkeeper Rahman Ahmadi.

Bunyodkor should have doubled their advantage five minutes before the break after a neat pass from Rivaldo found Salomov but, with only the goalkeeper to beat, the forward saw his effort collected by Ahmadi

The Uzbek side picked up where they left off at the start of the second half with Rivaldo forcing Ahmadi into action two minutes after the restart with a well-struck free kick while at the other end Ahmad Jamshidian forced a fine save out of Pavel Bugalo.

Sepahan continued to crank up the pressure in the remaining minutes as they sought the equaliser, laying siege on Bugalo’s goal but failing to create any notable opportunities.

They were almost made to pay for being incapable of unlocking the visitors’ defence with four minutes remaining when Rivaldo missed a golden chance ot put the result beyond doubt, only for the Brazilian’s effort to find the arms of Ahmadi.