The Iranian team lost to Al-Taawoun 3-0 in Buraidah, Saudi Arabia early Friday.
Sepahan’s Ezzatollah Pourghaz was sent off just 10 minutes into the game.
“The start of the match was very bad for us after one of our players was sent off in the first 10 minutes, which made it difficult for us,” said Navidkia.
“Despite the expulsion, we played at a good level and created some chances during the first half, but we conceded a goal in the last minutes of this half, which made this encounter more difficult against a team with quality players.
“In the second half, we were not organized as required, and we were unable to create chances and threaten the opponent's goal as required, while Al-Taawoun succeeded in creating opportunities and exploited them by achieving two more goals. In any case, we will try to forget the result of this match and think about the next match being against the same opponent,” Sepahan's coach stated.