Ahmad Zreik put Al Wehdat in front just before half-time, before substitute Abdou N’Diaye all but sealed the win with 20 minutes remaining, before Al Nassr’s Aberrazak Hamdallah scored a consolatory penalty with the last kick of the game.

While Al Wehdat’s knockout stage hopes had been dashed even prior to Monday’s clash, the result comes as a significant blow for an out of sorts Al Nassr, who slipped to second in Group D, two points adrift of Al Sadd, who they will meet in a winner-takes-all battle to top the group on Thursday.

The result, coupled with Jordan's Al Wehdat's stunning win over Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia in the other Group D match, means the Qataris lead the standings with 10 points going into the final matchday against Al Nassr, who are second on eight points.

Foolad's hunt for top spot, however, came to an end although the Islamic Republic of Iran side can still advance if they finish among the three best second-placed teams.

Following Tractor FC’s goalless draw with Pakhtakor in the earlier Monday fixture, Sharjah went into the fixture knowing that victory would grant them a place in the next round with a game to spare.

Istiklol threw the group wide open after beating 2019 champions Al Hilal SFC 4-1 on Matchday Four, with the Tajik club taking top spot from the Saudi Pro League champions on goal difference with both teams on seven points.

Shabab Al Ahli are also still in the running after playing their best football of their 2021 campaign to beat AGMK FC 3-1 on Matchday Four, placing them third in the standings on four points.

Al Hilal lost their spot at the top of the group after suffering an amazing 4-1 defeat to FC Istiklol on Matchday Four, with the Tajikistan taking pole position on a better head-to-head record with the Saudi Pro League side with both on seven points.

AGMK may be bottom of the group with four points but are still very much in the running going into the final two Matchdays.

Al Ahli Saudi and Esteghlal are on seven points, one behind leaders Al Duhail SC, and neither can afford to drop any at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

Only top spot is assured of a place in the Round of 16 and both will be desperate to stay within reach of Qatar's Al Duhail, who play winless Al Shorta of Iraq earlier on Tuesday.

With challengers Esteghlal FC and Al Ahli Saudi FC facing off in Group C's other tie with both needing victory, a win for Qatar's Al Duhail against Al Shorta will take them to 11 points and closer to the automatic slot to the Round of 16.

Esteghlal and Al Ahli Saudi are tied on seven points while Al Shorta are still in search of their first after four defeats.