AL AIN. United Arab Emirates. Mar 2: Moroccan international Rachid Daoudi inspired hosts Al Ain to a famous 1-0 victory over former champions Al Hilal in the last round of quarterfinal matches in the Aslan Club Championship on Monday, reports Reuters.

Their success gave Al Ain their first-ever semifinal place against Japan's Jubilo Iwata on April 28.

Daoudi. who singed for Al Ain in the summer along with former African player-of-the-year Abedi Pele, hit the woodwork twice with long range free-kicks before setting up substitute Garib Harib for a near-post header in the 68th minute.

Daoudi first troubled the Saudi team's defence with a curling free-kick that ricocheted off the crossbar in the 25th minute.

His second effort, two minutes later, was even more spectacular when he found the woodwork again, only this time from over 35 yards with another left-footed effort.

Al Ain had to wait until the second half for the goal that finally killed off Al Hilal's hopes, Harib’s header coming as he beat the Saudi defence to meet Daoudi's vicious free-kick.

Al Ain's win was sweet revenge for Romanian coach Ilie Blacci. who was sacked by Al Hilal after guiding them to the semifinals of this competition last year.

Jubilo Iwata finished second in the group in mid-February.

Meanwhile, Iranian champions Esteghlal. who had already qualified for (he semifinals with their opening two wins over Al Ain and Al Hilal, were humbled by the group's whipping boys. Kopetdag from Turkmenistan.

A solitary goal by Vladimir Khalikov in the 72nd minute was enough for the team that had conceded 10 goals in their two previous matches to win their first points and deprive Esteghlal of top spot in the Sroup and a show-down against ubilo Iwata.

Instead Esteghlal will meet Chinese champions Dalian Wanda in the semifinals.

Recent international meetings between the two countries have seen Iran emerge victorious four times in a row. a statistic that haunts the Chineses