The result leaves Sharjah still at the top of Group B, but with Tractor FC just two points behind in second place ahead of Matchday Five with the Iranian side meeting Pakhtakor next, while Sharjah take on Iraq’s Air Force Club.

The result sees Tractor climb to six points, keeping their qualification hopes alive, while Air Force Club freeze at two points as their search for a first win and a first goal continues.

The win took Qatar champions Al Sadd to seven points from four matches, one behind Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr who beat Foolad Khouzestan FC of the Islamic Republic of Iran 2-0 in Group D's other tie on Friday.

Al Sadd will now aim for three points against Foolad on Monday, with Al Nassr to face Al Wehdat as Group D heads for an exciting finish with two Matchdays remaining.

Al Hilal lead with seven points from three matches, with Istiklol sittinng second on four ahead of AGMK FC on goal difference. Shabab Al Ahli Dubai prop up the group with one point.

UAE's Shabab Al Ahli find themselves bottom of the group with only one point, six adrift of leaders Al Hilal SFC, and must beat AGMK of Uzbekistan at the King Fahd International Stadium if they are to remain in contention for a place in the Round of 16.

AGMK, meanwhile, are still in the running for top spot in the group - which secures direct qualification to the Round of 16 - with four points.

Al Ahli Saudi are the better placed of the two, with the Saudi Arabia club on four points from three matches while Al Shorta are on the brink of elimination with no points and no goals to show for at the end of Matchday Three.

With Qatar's Al Duhail SC and Esteghlal FC of the Islamic Republic of Iran to come for both sides, a win on Saturday will mean their respective fates will still very much be in their hands as the group stage approaches its climax.

The two were involved in a thrilling Matchday Three encounter with Qatar's Al Duhail claiming a 4-3 win in one of this season's best group stage matches.

The result meant Al Duhail reached the halfway stage on seven points, one ahead of Islamic Republic of Iran's Esteghlal and this sets the stage for another epic encounter at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.