"I congratulate my players on this victory and commend Nasaf for their performance. Both teams delivered an enjoyable match,” said Jovovic.

"In the first half, Nasaf were the better side, creating chances to take the lead. However, we dominated the first 15 minutes of the second half and secured the win. This is football. In our previous match against Nasaf in Kuwait, we controlled the game but didn’t win.

"Luck cannot be a factor unless you work for it. We played a disciplined match, limited Nasaf’s chances in the second half, and kept our defence solid."

A disappointed Nasaf head coach Ruzikul Berdiev was left questioning his side’s motivation after seeing his team lose from a position of dominance.

“I expected that the team would relax after the championship, but I didn't think it would be this much. The coach is to blame for everything,” said Berdiev.

“No matter how much we mentally prepare the guys, this is what happens in the end. We didn't expect it either.”