AFC Champions League: Sharjah seal spot in last 16

UAE side came from behind at Sharjah Stadium to eventually overcome Iraq’s Air Force Club 3-2

Sharjah's defender Khaled Ibrahim, right, under pressure from Air Force Club's Mustafa Maan. AFP

Sharjah have booked their place in the knockout stages of the AFC Champions League for the first time in 17 years, defeating Iraq’s Air Force Club 3-2 late on Monday to top Group B with a game to spare.

The UAE side, who last progressed beyond the groups in 2004, came from behind at Sharjah Stadium to eventually get over the line thanks to Salem Salem’s winner on the hour.

The win means Sharjah remain unbeaten in their five matches thus far in this year’s competition, and secured the Emirati club’s position at the top of the group. They sit on 11 points, four clear of second- placed Tractor FC with only Matchday 6 to be played.

In fact, Tractor’s stalemate earlier on Monday had allowed Sharjah to go into the game against Air Force Club knowing victory would seal a place in the last 16.

However, Abdulaziz Al Anbari’s men were given a fright at their home ground on 15 minutes, when Colombian striker Jefferson Collazos gave the Iraqis the lead, before Khalid Bawazir restored parity 10 minutes later. Not long after, Bawazir turned creator, teeing up Saleh to drill home his second goal of the campaign.

Yet Air Force Club were level within seven minutes of the second half, with Collazos latching on to a clever through ball from Shareef Abdulkadhim to coolly slot past Adel Al Hosani in the Sharjah goal.

The 2018/19 Arabian Gulf League champions responded brilliantly, though, when Saleh rose unmarked on the hour to head home Ali Al Dhanhani’s cross.

The win capped a brilliant night for UAE sides in the Champions League, with Al Wahda earlier defeating Group E leaders Persepolis 1-0 in Goa, India. Tim Matavz struck in the fifth minute against last year’s tournament runners-up to move Wahda to 10 points, two off the previously unbeaten Persepolis. The Abu Dhabi club played out the final seven minutes with 10 men following Abdullah Anwar’s straight red card for a lunge at Ali Shojaei.

Wahda could still finish top, but are now well placed to at least advance to the last 16 as one of the three best runners-up from the West region. They play hosts FC Goa on Thursday. The knockout stages are set to take place in September.