AFC - Foolad Khouzestan coach Hossein Faraki described Tuesday’s goalless draw with Al Sadd in the first leg of their AFC Champions League Round of 16 tie as a positive result for his side ahead of next week’s return game in Iran.

The Iranian league champions played out a dour stalemate with the Qatari club at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium which maintained their unbeaten record in this year’s tournament and kept the tie intriguingly poised at its halfway mark.

“The result is positive for us as we showed a good performance tonight and we have big confidence in our ability to secure qualification for the quarter-finals when we host the second leg at home next week,” said Faraki.

Brazilian striker Chimba had a couple of fine efforts stopped by Al Sadd goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb while at the other end, Raul hit the woodwork for the hosts when he tried to go direct for goal with an inswinging corner kick.

“The two teams had a good match and there were many chances,” added Faraki. “Each side could have scored at least two goals but we missed several chances in the second period as Al Sadd’s defenders and goalkeeper denied us from scoring.”

The second leg will take place at the Ghadir Stiadium in Ahwaz next Wednesday.