Two goals in the second half saw Nasaf become the first Uzbekistan side to win the AFC Cup as they overcame Kuwait SC to win 2-1 at Karshi Central Stadium.

After a goalless first half, Nasaf took the lead through Ilkhom Shomurodov just after the hour mark and doubled their lead two minutes later when Andrejs Pereplotkins struck. Boris Kabi pulled a goal back with a neat finish in the 68th minute, but Nasaf prevailed to lift the trophy.

The home side dominated the game and came close to going in front after quarter of an hour when Ivan Boskovic headed Jahongir Jiyamuradov's cross against the bar. Artur Gevorkyan had a header saved at the near post and Boskovic also glanced wide as Nasaf were unable to break down the visitors in the opening period.

This is a great achievement of Uzbekistan football. I am proud of this.
Anatoliy Demianenko, Nasaf manager

They took the lead in the 62nd minute, though, when Gevorkyan's trickery saw the Turkmenistan international wriggle through a crowded box and fire a powerful left-footed shot that goalkeeper Khaled Al Fadhli could only parry back to him. Gevorkyan squared the ball to the unmarked Shomurodov at the back post who tapped in.

Nasaf grabbed a second two minutes later when Pereplotkins turned in Gevorkyan's cross from close range, but Kuwait SC reduced the deficit soon after as Nabeel Al Hlaichi's cross found Kabi at the edge of the box and the striker turned and fired into the bottom corner.

Boskovic then wasted two good chances, but it mattered little as Nasaf held on to win the cup. "I am very happy. I want to congratulate everybody here. I appreciate the support of the media and the fans. This is a great achievement of Uzbekistan football. I am proud of this," said Nasaf manager Anatoliy Demianenko.

"We fully deserved the win tonight. The AFC Cup is very important for me. After we had conceded the goal, I was a little bit afraid but finally we won the match and the trophy."

Kuwait SC coach Dragan Talajic paid tribute to the winners. "Nasaf are a very good team but I have to mention the special role of the head coach. Nasaf won the cup because of the coach's tactical instructions," he said.

"I want to congratulate Nasaf on their win, they deserved their success. They played very good football from the beginning and they decided the result inside a few minutes."