Qatari side Al Sadd were heavy favourites to progress into the last four after a 3-0 first-leg win at Iranian opponents Sepahan, and despite losing their second leg 2-1, progressed 4-2 on aggregate.

Sepahan gave the hosts an early shock when Emad Mohammed scored the opener after six minutes, before Hassan Ashjari extended the lead just 21 minutes later.

With Sepahan on the verge of an astounding comeback, Senegalese forward Mamadou Niang netted with five minutes to play, sealing Al Sadd's progression.

Zob Ahan were another Iranian team to be eliminated on Wednesday, with South Korean outfit Suwon Bluewings defeating Mansour Ebrahimzadeh's side 2-1 after extra-time to progress 3-2 on aggregate.

A 1-1 first-leg draw meant that Zob Ahan headed home full of confidence and they seemed set to progress after Mohammad Ghazi Najafabadi opened the scoring five minutes after half-time.

But Yang Sang-Min found a reply for the visitors, netting the equaliser with 13 minutes remaining to force extra-time.

That set the stage for Mato Neretljak to cover himself in glory, with the Croatian defender scoring the winner for Suwon.

Despite some nervy moments late it was Suwon who held on, setting up a semi-final meeting with Al Sadd.

The other semi-final will see Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad clash with South Korean outfit Jeonbuk Motors.