However, the coach believes they are capable of coming away from Fergana Stadium with an excellent chance of progressing to the last four.

Since the 4-0 last 16 triumph over Home United, newly-crowned Hong Kong Footballer of the Year Lee Wai-lim has joined the Caroliners from Tai Po while three Hong Kong internationals - Gerard Ambassa Guy, Leung Chun-pong and Chao Pengfei - have also moved to South China along with Brazilian Ramon de Freitas.

However, they have lost the prolific Caca, who scored six times in the group stages and also netted against Home, after the striker returned home to Brazil but replacement Leandro has hit the ground running and bagged a double on his debut against Tai Chung.

So while Kim conceded he could not predict the long-term impact of Caca’s departure, he believes what he has seen in pre-season - where they overcame Tottenham Hotspur - and in the early stages of the league campaign means South China can harbour hopes of leaving Uzbekistan at least on level terms.

"It is difficult to say how the loss of Caca will affect us but Leandro plays as a striker so he will replace him and I believe he can do well," he said

"Of course we will be looking for a win but it is an away game and it will be very tough. It is a long journey to Uzbekistan so if we can get at least a draw then that will be good for us.

"I believe we should be fitter as it is the beginning of the season so our players are all fresh. We played well against Tottenham during pre-season and then again when we went to Taiwan."

Neftchi boss Yury Sarkisyan, meanwhile, is facing a selection dilemma with defenders Vladimir Radkevich and Azamat Juramuradov and striker Sherzod Hakimov doubtful, while Islom Tuhtahujaev and forward Sardor Mirzayev are heading to the Under-20 World Cup.

Nevertheless Sarkisyan, who has been at the helm since 1987, has bigger plans than just seeing off South China.

"We want to create history and win the AFC Cup in the first year after its revamp," he said.

"The competition has become much stronger with the inclusion of clubs from Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Thailand and Vietnam and now winning it is more prestigious than ever."

Al Karamah face Al Arabi at Khaled Ibn Al Waleed Stadium where the hosts will be without key trio Bilal Abduldaim, Ala’a Al Shibli and Tamer Haj Mohamad.

"We will definitely miss these players but we have suitable replacements as most of the team are international players and they will be able to cover," said boss Mohamed Kwid.

"Al Arabi are a good side, even though they have lost Syrian striker Firas Al Khatib. I believe that the clash will not be settled in Homs and the game in Kuwait will prove to be decisive."

The recent departure of the dangerous Al Khatib to Al Qadisiya is a major setback for Al Arabi’s new Croatian coach Dragan Skocic but he is hopeful it will not upset the balance of his side against tricky opposition.

"I respect Al Karamah as they have a lot of experience in Asian competition and they have showed this many times before. I hope that we can get a good result," he said.

Chonburi entertain Binh Duong at Rajamangala Stadium in a game the Thais cannot afford to lose according to boss Kiatisuk Senamuang.

"We know when we play our first match, if we cannot succeed, the second game won’t be easy for us. Vietnamese teams play very well at home, so we must concentrate and get the win first," he said.

Binh Duong manager Mai Duc Chung is, however, upbeat about his side’s chances of returning to Vietnam with a strong foothold in the tie.

"We’ve seen Chonburi play before, and they are very technical," he said.

"They have good tactics but we just finished playing in the Vietnamese league and we have had good preparation for the game."

Finally, Arbil travel to Kuwait Sport Club with the coach of the Iraq champions confident they can give a good account of themselves at Kuwait SC Stadium.

"I believe that we are ready. We have made some good additions to the team by signing new players," said Thaer Ahmed.

"I have a lot of information about Al Kuwait and their style and tactics."

Kuwait SC boss Nestor Ortega, who replaced previous incumbent Frenchman Laurent Banide, is equally keen for a positive result.

"We are targeting a win," said the Argentinian.

"We want to win because we are playing at home and it is important to get an advantage in the first leg. I believe it will be a close-fought tie as both teams have plenty of ability."