Star striker Abderrazak Hamdallah set up Abdulfattah Asiri’s 54th minute opener before sealing the points with a late goal of his own as Mano Manezes’ side climbed to eight points from four matches, one clear of Al Sadd SC, who beat Al Wehdat across town in Friday's other Group D clash.

Foolad’s first defeat in the competition leaves the Iranian club three points adrift of top spot, with Monday’s clash against Al Sadd now looming as a must-win proposition.

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.

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 Islamic Republic of Iran side’s fourth consecutive win means they have a five-point lead at the top and avoiding defeat against Al Wahda FSCC of the UAE on Monday will seal the 2020 AFC Champions League runners-up their place in the Round of 16 as the Group E winners with a match to spare.

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.

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.