Mohanad Ali, 19′
Persepolis (IRN) v Al Shorta (IRQ)
image content
An audacious lob from 24-year-old Mohanad Ali gave Al Shorta the lead, seven minutes after the Iraq international forced Persepolis goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz to thump the ball clear in the game’s first opportunity.
Mohammad Hossein Eslami, 51′
Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA) 2-2 Esteghlal FC (IRN)
image content
Mohammad Hossein Eslami beat former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy with a volley from distance that bounced over the Senegalese’s attempts to save.
Akram Afif, 53′
Al Nassr Club (KSA) 1-2 Al Sadd SC (QAT)
image content
Al Sadd found the opening after a cross by Gonzales from his own half was perfectly collected by Akram Afif, who surged forward to slot home in the 53rd minute.
Otabek Jurakuziev, 6′
Pakhtakor (UZB) 1-1 Al Ain FC (UAE)
image content
Diyor Holmatov’s initial shot was parried by Al Ain goalkeeper Khaled Eisa as he dived left to deny the midfielder, only for Otabek Jurakuziev to instinctively throw himself at the rebound to head home.
Soufiane Rahimi, 49′
Pakhtakor (UZB) 1-1 Al Ain FC (UAE)
image content
Four minutes into the second half, Al Ain pulled level through Soufiane Rahimi. Last season’s top scorer was released by Matias Segovia’s first-time pass, and the nerveless Moroccan converted into the bottom corner to cancel out Otabek Jurakuziev’s opener.