“A little bit disappointed because we didn’t get the full points,” said Mosimane. “I feel this game was in our hands, especially in the second half, but we did not take the chances.

“I can never say I’m not happy with my team. They gave a good fight but the fight was a little bit late. We should have shown this fight a little bit earlier and put more pressure on Pakhtakor.

“Still, I’m very proud of my team. In Jeddah (against Al Ahli Saudi), we’re going to need the biggest fight. If we can bring that fight, maybe we can get something but it’s going to be difficult, this one was the one we should have won.”

The match at the neutral venue of Rashid Stadium saw limited openings created by either side with the result leaving Esteghlal on four points while Paktakor are one adrift. 

While Shatskykh felt the overall performance of his players was satisfactory, the 46-year-old head coach admitted his side lacked bite upfront.

“We knew that Esteghlal would attack mainly through the wings and passes from standard situations,” said Shatskykh.

“It is precisely in such situations that we planned to be vigilant and we were. We did not leave empty areas. 

“In attack, we lacked a final pass or shot. I am satisfied with the efforts of the players. We were able to correct some minor mistakes in the first half after the break.”

Pakhtakor play Al Ain FC of the United Arab Emirates next week with both teams in desperate need of victory.