Nafit, the 2016 runners-up, opened their 2018 with a 1-1 draw against United Arab Emitares’ Al Dhafra but followed up with wins against Thai Son Nam (4-3) and Korea Republic’s Jeonju MAG (6-1) to top their group.

The Iraqi club have been impressive since making their debut in the competition three years ago and are dark horses to win the title this year.

At stake for Nagoya is another title to their trophy cabinet and a chance to redeem themselves after missing last year’s edition in Ho Chi Minh City.

Nagoya finished top of Group A with a 100 percent record and only conceded one goal in their 6-1 win against Dalian Yuan Dynasty from a penalty and Costa is looking forward to facing his former coach Miguel Rodrigo.

Iranian clubs have regularly made the last four since 2010 and have produced three champions - Fooland Mahan (2010), Giti Pasand Isfahan (2012) and Tasisat Daryaei (2015).

Mes Sungun topped their group with a perfect record after defeating Lebanon's Bank of Beirut 3-1 on Monday but head coach Hamid Bigham Tabrizi is confident ahead of their clash against FC EREM.

Bluewave remain unbeaten in the competition and boast a prolific scoring record of 21 goals, equalling Islamic Republic of Iran’s Mes Sungun Varzaghan in the group stage.

Despite being powered by established players Kristada Wongkaeo, Suphawut Thueanklang and Jirawat Sornwichian, head coach Rakphol Sainetngamwas is aware of the dangers in facing a strong side like Beirut in the quarter-finals.