"Kuruvchi are a new team in the biggest competition of Asia," said Babaev after the draw, "and we will try out best to go step by step."

"We are like soldiers in an army aspiring to become generals through hard work."

The Mirdjalol Kasimov-led side qualified for the last eight after coming through a tough Group A comprising the likes of two-time champions Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia, last year’s runners-up Sepahan of Iran and Al Ittihad of Syria.

"We are pleased with the draw result but I would like to stress that there are no weak teams in the quarter-final. Iranian football is very strong and Saipa were league champions earlier," said Babaev.

"Playing the second leg will give us a bit of advantage but we should concentrate on the away match," added the Kuruvchi official.