Petrov’s Ardus went down fighting 2-1 in the final against new continental champions Sanaye Giti Pasand on Friday.

The Iranians took the lead through Afshin Kazemi in the 3rd minute but the Uzbeks hit back in the match with Artur Yunusov’s second goal in the tournament. The Uzbek failed to find the equaliser after Brazilian Rudimar Venancio scored in the 24th minute to conclude the match 2-1.

“Of course I am sad to miss out on the final hurdle, but there are so many positives to learn from this competition,” said Petrov, who has been working with the Uzbek giants for more than two years.

“I will continue working with this side and hopefully if we manage to win the domestic championship next season, we will try to go a step further.

“I am happy and honoured that our side were in the game throughout despite playing against an undoubted best side of the competition. Playing five matches in a week take a lot from you physically and mentally but that should not be the excuse.

“We pressed hard, created chances but in football / futsal you cannot always win and today was not our day,” he said.