Kim’s charges had been on the wrong side of a thrilling 5-4 defeat to the Uzbeks in the first leg in Tashkent but Leandro struck early at the Hong Kong Stadium to give his side the advantage on away goals.

And though the hosts dominated for much of the match, Zhang was on form when it mattered to deny Neftchi a crucial equaliser.

“I will buy him dinner,” joked Kim after the game.

“I appreciate his saves, they were very crucial and I want to say a big thank you to him.”

South China started with aplomb and were ahead in just their second attack when Leandro rose to expertly steer a Lee Chi Ho cross onto the inside of the post and into the back of the net.

The Brazilian proved a constant menace for the Neftchi defence after that with the visitors appearing to have set their stall out to defend and conserve energy for a late onslaught.

After two South China players had to be substituted due to injury, the hosts began to show their tiredness midway through the second half and Neftchi came to life as they looked to capitalise.

The Uzbeks appeared certain to level in the 70th minute when Alisher Halikov found himself clear on goal but Zhang produced a fine save to deny the striker.

Zhang was again on hand to punch away a dangerous looking free-kick from Iqboljon Akramov as South China successfully defended their slender advantage and book their place in the last four.

“I am very proud of the team,” added Kim.

“My personal target was to reach the semi-finals and we have achieved that but as a club we want to get to the final.

“We all want to make history for Hong Kong, it will be difficult but we will try our best to become champions of the AFC Cup.”

South China’s cause was perhaps aided by the heavy rain that had fallen prior to the game and Neftchi coach Yuriy Sarkisyan admitted that made it difficult for his players.

“We thought we could have got a draw, which would have been good for us,” he said.

“After 70 minutes we could see they were tired and we thought we could do it.

“It was difficult for us to play in this weather because it is always dry in Uzbekistan.

“Luck was on there side today.”