"I believe that we exceeded the limits of performance and if we take the statistics since the beginning of the season, we are the best. I have players with determination, persistence, discipline and fighting spirit. 

"Despite that, we are not a team that is distinguished by something extraordinary, we are only distinguished by the fact that we are one," said Olaroiu.

Up next for Sharjah in the quarter-finals are either Jordan's Al Wehdat or fellow UAE Pro League side Shabab Al Ahli, with Olaroiu only focused on his team.

"What is important to me is that my players are well and healthy and we believe in our work.

"We will continue to perform with strength and seriousness until the end. Whether we or Shabab Al Ahli qualify in the end, the beneficiary is Emirati football. I only wish that we could have met at a later stage to ensure the presence of an Emirati team in the final".