"The match was difficult by all standards, and the expulsion of Walid Al Ahmad made it even more challenging, but the players took responsibility.

"Red cards are part of the game, and we may have benefited from it, as the expulsion made the players more enthusiastic," said Abdali. 

Mohammed Al Kuwaykibi came off the bench to equalise for Al Taawoun in the 67th minute after Al Wakhrah had taken the lead through Gelson Dala 14 minutes earlier.

Renne Rivas then put Al Taawoun ahead in the 112th minute but Dala forced the match to penalties when he nodded home the equaliser in added on time with goalkeeper Mailson saving twice in the shootout as the Saudi Arabia side set up a quarter-final against Islamic Republic of Iran’s Tractor FC.

"The match was difficult, as the coach said, and the burden increased on us after the expulsion, We were, however, determined to qualify and fought till the end," said Kuwaykibi.

Poya Asbaghi could hide his disbelief that his Al Wakrah side had not advanced despite dominating both legs. 

"We were the better side in both games but after we scored the opener, we missed a chance to increase our lead. We then allowed Al Taawoun space and they took advantage.

"We came here to win and we tried our best. Congratulations to Al Taawoun," said head coach Asbaghi.