The Iranians are currently three points behind second-placed Bunyodkor, who defeated Kazemi’s side 1-0 in Esfahan two weeks ago, with just two
games left to play.
However, the troubled coach knows only a victory against the UAE champions in Dubai will keep their dreams of progression alive.
“Tomorrow (Tuesday) is a very sensitive match for us because we need to take the three points if we want to continue in the competition this season... otherwise we’re out,” said Kazemi.
“Al Shabab are a good team, but they have made individual mistakes in their other matches and we are confident we can win. They have lost Walid Abbas from their defensive line, which will make them weaker.
“They will raise their game in front of their own supporters. Al Shabab also know the importance of this game as they too could be eliminated from the Champions League.
“I am respectful of our opponents, but hopeful we can win.”
Al Shabab are rooted to the bottom of the group with only three points after a pair of heavy defeats to Ettifaq last month.
Their 4-1 thrashing in Saudi Arabia was replicated in the return fixture at the Al Maktoum Stadium but coach Toninho Cerezo says his side will continue to fight while qualification is still mathematically possible.
“Anything can happen in football and we still have a chance,” said the Brazilian.
“But it not only depends on us – we must hope other results go our way. We have a very important game against a very strong opponent, but we hope we can perform well.
“Sepahan have excellent defenders and midfielders, play a very fast game and are physically very imposing. We have worked with Iranian players in the past and understand the quality of their football.”
Although Cerezo’s charges have struggled against some of Asia’s more established sides this season, the experienced coach maintains their participation in the competition is key to the club’s future.
“It is evident that the directors and the management are always scared when the team goes abroad because we could maybe lose by four or five goals,” he said.
“Such results may be bad for the players’ morale, but this is part of the evolution of the football here.
“We have become a professional league only this year, so there is a little difference between UAE clubs and the rest of Asia.
“However, we must compete to gain experience and then eventually rise to the same level of the other teams."