In one of the memorable comebacks in the tournament’s history, the Mohammed Eisa’s side were trailing by two goals in the first half but Jamoliddin Sharipov’s own goal turned the corner.

Earlier, Ardus started the match promisingly after Abdumavl Yanov put them ahead in the 5th minute. Artur Yunusov doubled the lead in the 18th minute as Ardus were in total control at the break.

Sharipov’s own goal in the 23rd minute kick started Al Sadd fight back and a minute later Mohammed Ismail made it 2-2 for the Qatari champions.

Samer Samih continued his scoring spree in the tournament by putting Al Sadd ahead for the first time in the match in the 35th minute. Mohammed Rashid scored his first of the afternoon in the 38th minute and completed his double in the 40th minute to bury Ardus’ hope of late rally after Shahrat Tojiboev scored their third in the penultimate minute of the match.

The win put Al Sadd in the third place of the Group B table as they will face current leaders Chonburi Bluewave in their last group match on Thursday. A win against the Thai side will seal Al Sadd’s place in the semis.

“We were in control in the first half and the boys were brilliant in terms of both defending and attacking without giving spaces to the opponents, Ardus coach Buhodir Ahmedov said.

“But things changed in second half and I believe there were little bit of complacency and the tempo was surprisingly slowed down and we started giving them longer possessions. “Anyway, we are still not down and will try our best on Thursday against the defending champions,” he added. “We begun exactly like how we did against Sanaye yesterday as we allowed early goal due to lack of concentration,” Al Sadd coach Mohammed Eisa told www.the-afc.com.

“We faltered in front of the post and instead conceded one more. But I am happy with our second half as the players were more aggressive and we managed to score goals. “I am happy with how we copped the late nervy situation with brilliant power-play which yielded two goals,” he said.