Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli and Sepahan of Iran advanced to the last eight of the AFC Champions League on Tuesday.
Al Ahli eliminated the United Arab Emirates’ Al Jazira 4-2 on penalties in Abu Dhabi while Sepahan accounted for Esteghlal 2-0 in an all-Iranian affair.
Ricardo Oliveira scored on 114 minutes to give Al Jazira a 3-2 lead in extra-time before Victor Simoes hit a stunning equaliser two minutes from time.
Simoes then struck the winning spot-kick to condemn Al Jazira to their first loss in Asia’s premier club competition this season.
Al Jazira had dropped just two points in the group stage with former AC Milan and Valencia striker Oliveira the top scorer in the tournament.
The visiting Al Ahli, who recently won Saudi Arabia’s Kings Cup, took the lead midway through the first half as Marcelo Camacho capitalised on some poor defending to rifle a finish into the top corner.
However, the home side replied soon after through Oliveira, who levelled with an acrobatic header.
Al Jazira went ahead just after the hour when Argentine Matias Delgado flicked in a cross before Amad Al Hosni responded with a deft chip on 75 minutes to force extra time.
Oliveira grabbed his 12th goal of the tournament but had little time to celebrate as Simoes smashed in a long-range equaliser to force a penalty shootout.
Newly-crowned Iranian champions Sepahan clinched their spot in the quarter-finals for a second consecutive season courtesy of goals from Bruno Correa and Mohsen Bengar.
Albanian striker Xhevahir Sukaj was outstanding for the home side, who grabbed the lead through Correa after eight minutes.
Central defender Bengar doubled the advantage in the 35th minute as Sepahan controlled possession in front of a capacity Foolad Shahr Stadium crowd.
Source : http://www.soccernews.com/afc-champions-league-wrap-al-ahli-sepahan-progress/95105/
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