UAE sides all earn vital points ahead of the AFC Champions League knockout round  

Al Rayyan 0-1 Al Wahda 

Al Wahda clinched victory over Al Rayyan to boost their chances of qualifying for the Asian Champions League last 16.

The win saw Henk ten Cate’s side do the double over Al Rayyan in a space of a couple of days. After sealing a 3-2 comeback win in the first game, the two teams were separated by just one goal.

Yohan Boli with the first real opportunity for the Qatari side. The Frenchman sent his header wide after a lovely cross from Abdulaziz Hatem. Tim Matavz came to the closest to open the scoring for the Red Giants but his superb effort was tipped over the bar by Fahad Younus in goal.

Late drama at the end of the half when Abdulla Anwar burst through on goal but was hauled down by Ahmed Abdelmaqsound who was shown a straight red card.

Al Rayyan held their nerves until the 70^th minute but their hopes of nicking a point was taken away from them when Faras Juma allegedly fouled Frank Kom in the box and was sent his marching orders following a second yellow card, leaving the hosts with nine men on the pitch.

The 2017 Asian player of the year stepped up and slotted comfortably into the corner to give Al Wahda the victory and send the hosts to ACL elimination.

Ismail Matar was the third player to be sent off in injury time before Al Wahda ensured victory, giving them a big boost ahead of their next game against leaders Persepolis.

Credit: Al Wahda

Pakhtakor 1-1 Sharjah FC  

Sharjah FC fought back to earn a crucial point and take a big step towards the last 16 qualifiers.

The two teams meet again for the second time in the group stages. Sharjah FC thrashed Pakhtakor in the first outing however, things were different as the Uzbekistan side needed the points to avoid elimination but failed to take advantage.

The King’s goalkeeper Adel Al-Hosani made a tremendous save to keep out Sardor Sabirhadjaev’s close range attempt early on.

Caio, who dominated the first game between the sides came the closest for Sharjah sending his shot just wide of the mark.

Pakhtakor were rewarded for their efforts in the second half, striker Eren Derdiyok capitalised on Allijonaov’s miss hit shot to open the scoring.

Four minutes before the end, Mohammed Khalfan equalised for the Emirati side, having been on the pitch for less than two minutes, the forward met Abdulazais Salem’s cross from the left to snatch a point as Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Anberi’s side stay top of group B.

Photo: Sharjah FC

Shabab Al Ahli 3-1 Olmaliq  

After sealing a comeback win in the dying stages in the first outing, there was no way back for AGMK who were hit by three first half goals from the UAE side.

Al Ahli whose ACL campaign was looking to end started the match the better and took the lead in the opening two minutes. Jaloliddin Masharipov with a lovely ball over the top to Hareb Abdullah who finished off incredibly into the corner.

The hosts were full of energy and were searching for more goals. Carlos Eduardo doubled the lead with a superb overhead kick to stun the visitors. A goal that is worthy for goal of the competition.

However, three minutes later AGMK halved the deficit. The Red Knight’s defenders looked asleep as a quick free kick saw Shohruh Gadoev with an easy tap in from close range.

AGMK might have felt they should have been on level of terms but Kasyan saw his header rattle the crossbar.

A crazy start to the game didn’t stop there. Al Ahli won the ball in the AGMK penalty area after a defensive mistake by Bobourbek Yuldashov allowed Mashripov to win the ball and feed Ahmed Alhashmi to finish off and restore the Red Knight’s two goal lead.

A much slower 45 minutes than the first as Mahdi Ali’s side will feel they could’ve extended their lead. Al Hasmi failed to find contact after a swinging cross from Mashraipov.

A fine save from Majed Nasr late on as Al Ahli get their revenge and their first win of the ACL tournament.

Credit: Shabab Al Ahli