Ali Karimi, the ‘Asian Maradona' who spent two seasons with Bayern Munich, captained Piroozi in last week's crucial 1-0 home win over Al Shabab that ensured they topped Group B ahead of their rivals and secured a home tie. Mohsen Khalili scored the decisive goal in the first minute of the second half.
Karimi took over the armband from former national team captain Karim Bagheri, who was not selected by Portuguese coach Nelo Vingada, much to the dismay of many of the 31,000 fans at the Azadi.
"I'm not interested in how big or small a player's name is. I'm only interested in players who make an effort and carry out my instructions. I always make my choices based on these criteria, not on pressure from supporters," said the former Portugal, Saudi Arabia and Jordan coach.
"I congratulate the players for winning the match and the group. They fought well and gave us the prize of staying at home in the next round against Bunyodkor," Vingada added.
Brazilian legend Rivaldo, the 1999 FIFA World Player of the Year, wore the captain's armband for Bunyodkor through the group stage. After reaching the semi-finals last year, the Tashkent club progressed to this year's knockout stage following last week's scoreless draw against UAE's Al Shabab Al Arabi.
Bunyodkor feature an array of Uzbek stars, including Server Djeparov, the 2008 AFC Player of the Year. Other internationals include fellow midfielders Jasur Hasanov, Timur Kapadze and Victor Kapadze, striker Anvar Soliev, and defenders Hayrulla Karimov, Sakhob Jurayev and Anvar Gafurov.