(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Al Jazira came from behind to outclass Qatari side Al Gharafa 3-2 and enter the round of 16 in the AFC Champions League Group A match on Tuesday.
Ali Mabkhout, making a statement on his return, scored the winner in the last minute of additional time.
Brazilian striker Romarinho put Al Jazira in front through a fine header in the 14th minute. But Al Gharafa returned into the match through goals from Ahmed Al Aaeldin and Diogo Amado and led 2-1 at half-time.
Al Jazira got the equaliser in the 70th minute - Mabkhout scored from an assist by Romarinho.
Following the goal, the game saw some tense moments. Al Gharafa's Assim Madibo was shown a second yellow for a harsh tackle.
With few minutes left on the clock, Mabkhout delivered. It was a quick pass from keeper Ali Khaseif to Romarinho, who passed onto Mabkhout.
The striker won the duel with keeper Qasem Burhan and placed the ball into the left side of the box to clinch a top-notch win.
Al Jazira (8 points) now sit second behind Saudi's Al Ahli at 11 points.
Meanwhile, Esteghlal defeated Qatar's Al Rayyan 2-0 to punch their ticket for the knockout stage of the 2018 Asian Champions League, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said on its website.
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