HOMS: AFC Champions League 2008 quarter-finalists and Syria League champions Al Karama gained upper hand in the Syria Cup quarter-finals following their solitary goal victory over Al Jaish in the first leg on Wednesday.

Mohammed Al Hamwi, who had scored three goals in his side’s AFC Champions League group stage campaign, netted the match-winner in the 55th minute.

Mohammed Kwid’s charges will host Japan’s Gamba Osaka in the first leg of their AFC Champions League quarter-finals on September 17.

In other quarter-finals, Al Majd, who finished runners-up in the league, defeated Efrin 2-1, Al Ittihad blanked Tishreen 4-0 and Hottain sidelined Jablah 2-1.

Al Majd fell behind in the sixth minute due to a Khader Al Nabtho strike but Mohamed Al Zeno (50) and Raja Rafaee (83) gave them the victory.

Abdu Fattah Al Ahga (28, 34), Wael Ayan (47) and Otobong Edet (84; penalty) were on target for Ittihad while Salim Khedrah and Marwan Al Seeda scored for Hottain.