The two goals not only helped Bunyodkor kick off their ambitious quest for a continental title on a winning note but also saw Soliev notch up 12 goals and join a select club of seven players who have scored 10 or more goals in the ACL since 2002-03.

Except 2007, Soliev has scored in each edition he has taken part in, starting with a goal-fest in 2002-03 when he hit four.

“The first match is always difficult but I am happy that we won,” said Soliev, who was not sure of a start until coach Amet Memet decided in his favour over Ulugbek Bakaev.

Soliev scored both his goals off the head and put down to “bad luck” an easy chance that went abegging.

“It was just bad luck and my shot was not accurate,” said Soliev, adding tongue-in-cheek, “if I scored off every chance then I would be playing for Real Madrid now.”

Bunyodkor next face the UAE’s Al Shabab on Wednesday.

PLAYERS WITH 10 OR MORE GOALS IN ACL SINCE 2002-03

Anvarjon Soliev (Uzbekistan) - 12
Ahn Jung-hwan (Korea Republic) - 12
Kim Do-hoon (Korea Republic) - 12
Firas Al Khatib (Syria) - 11
Hao Haidung (China) - 10
Mahmoud Karimi (Iran) - 10
Magno Alves (Brazil) - 10