Ali broke the deadlock after just three minutes after receiving a fine through ball from veteran Yasser Al-Qahtani, who doubled Hilal’s lead in 14 minutes.

Ahmed Jomaa pulled one back for the Emiratis five minutes later, but midfield star Mohamed Al-Shalhoub restored Hilal’s two-goal lead with a stoppage time strike.

In the other group game, Iran’s Sepahan Esfahan maintained their 100% record with a 2-0 victory over Gharrafa of Qatar.

Hilal lie second with six points from three games, while Gharrafa and Jazeera both have a single point.