Iqboljon Akramov put the hosts ahead after just one minute before Brazilian striker Emerson leveled the score for Al-Sadd in the 17th minute.

Nasim Shoimov sealed the victory for Neftchi four minutes before halftime to hand Al Saad their third defeat in the Asia’s premier competition this season.

Neftchi are on top of Group C with nine points, five ahead of Iraq’s Al-Najaf and Al Karama of Syria, who face each other later on Wednesday.

Al-Saad lie at the bottom with just three points from four games as they risk losing the quarter-finals berth for the first time in their history.

In Group D, UAE club Al-Ain held Iranian outfit Sepahan to a 1-1 draw at Foolad Shahr Stadium to revive their hopes of progressing to the knock out phase.

Iraqi international Hawar Mohammed notched home four minutes from time to cancel out Hossein Papi’s opener in the 49th minute.

Al-Ain are third in the group with five points, one behind second-placed Al-Shabab, who have a one game in hand, and two adrift of leaders Sepahan.