Thai Son Nam found themselves under early pressure as Shenzhen, with Islamic Republic of Iran star Ali Asghar Hazzadeh leading the charge, forced the Vietnam club to sit deep.

Shenzhen’s Sergio Rodrigo could have opened their account in the second minute but the Brazilian failed to find the target from above the box

Shenzhen played a tight game and Tai Son Nam had their first shot at goal only in the eighth minute through Kazuya Shimizu, who fired his effort wide.

Thai Son Nam, the 2018 finalists, gradually took control but found it hard to break the deadlock.

Shimuzu, however, was a thorn in Shenzhen’s side as he threatened with efforts from above the arc in the 12th minute, which was blocked by Shenzhen defender Huang Tao and three minutes later, the forward failed to find the net from the left flank.

Thai Son Nam pressed their opponents further and were almost rewarded in the 18th minute when Shimizu sent Tran Van Vu clear on the right but the captain could not capitalise in the box as he lost possession.

Both teams struggled to find the back of the net in the final two minutes as the tie remained goalless at the break.

Thai Son Nam finally got on the scoresheet two minutes after the restart when Alireza Rafiei Pour sent a delightful pass to an unmarked Shimizu, who made no mistake from close range.

Shenzhen were almost rewarded when they deployed the power play four minutes later but Rodrigo’s effort was blocked by Thai Son Nam goalkeeper Ho Van Y and the Brazilian then wasted another opportunity moments later from above the arc.

Thai Son Nam furthered their advantage at the half-hour mark when Tran Thai Huy smashed home their second goal off Rafiei Pour’s corner.

Shenzhen had a chance to reduce the deficit when they were awarded a free-kick in the 35th minute but wasted the opportunity after slamming their effort against the Thai Son Nam wall.

Shenzhen were quickly punished as they fell further behind a minute later when Shimizu gained possession in his own half before scoring into an unguarded net.

With Shenzhen pushing high in a desperate search for goals, Tran Thai Huy scored Thai Son Nam’s fourth in the 37th minute with a long-range effort before Ton That Phi added their fifth from close range a minute later.

Shenzhen pulled one back through Din Shun Jie but it will be Thai Son Nam who will head into the semi-finals on a high.

Photos: AFC