Goals to Jordan Webb and Boris Kopitovic had the hosts cruising at 2-0 up with just under half an hour remaining, but PSM Makassar captain Ferdinand Sinaga’s volley ensured a tense finish.

The visitors fought hard for an equaliser, but the late sending off of Serif Hasic ended their challenge, as the 2019 Singapore Cup winners claimed all three points.

The win puts Tampines Rovers second on the group table, behind Kaya FC-Iloilo, who beat Shan United 2-0 earlier on Wednesday.

Having held Abahani to a 2-2 draw in the first leg in Dhaka last week, Maziya fancied their chances of advancing and Mario Lemos' side played the perfect game to set up a meeting next week with either India's JSW Bengaluru FC or Paro FC of Bhutan.

Jovan Bedic’s successful penalty kick broke the deadlock after 74 minutes, before Eric Giganto sealed the win with five minutes remaining as the visitors began their campaign in style.

Abdullah Al Buraiki’s free-kick secured a 1-0 win against Lebanon’s Al Ansar in their Group B opener on Monday but Nassar said he wasn’t completely satisfied with the performance of the three-time champions.

The AFC Cup defending champions found themselves behind after only 15 minutes as Fayeq Mahamid gave the visitors the lead but Tarek El Ali and Ahmed Zreik scored in the second half to give Al Ahed their first win of the year.

This was Dhofar’s fourth AFC Cup campaign, having appeared in the inaugural edition in 2004, then in 2007 and 2013. Meanwhile, Al Jazeera have impressed in the competition in recent years, reaching the West Zonal Final in 2018 and 2019.

The Kuwaitis came out of the blocks racing with Abullah Mawi hitting the woodwork inside eight minutes. The midfielder rose highest to head Oday Dabbagh’s free-kick, beating the goalkeeper but was denied by the post.

Mahdi Darwish responded for the hosts, drilling an angled effort in an attempt to beat goalkeeper Khalid Al Rashidi at his near post, but the Qadsia custodian was alert and made a fine save in the 18th minute.