Bunyodkor knew a third of the campaign would secure qualification with a game to spare, and with Beijing Guoan earlier edging out Pohang Steelers 2-0, also top spot in Group G.

But Sanfrecce picked up just their second point of their campaign to leave Bunyodkor needing to avoid defeat by 2009 champions Pohang next week to advance to maintain their perfect record of reaching the last 16 in every AFC Champions League campaign since making their debut with a run to the semi-finals in 2008.

Bunyodkor, who also reached the semi-finals for a second time last year, could have snatched all three points with 10 minutes remaining but Park Hyung-jin came to Sanfrecce’s rescue as the defender cleared Kamoliddin Murzoev’s follow up effort off the line after goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa had failed to hold Oleg Zoteev’s shot.

Despite seeing their qualification chances ended two weeks ago, winless Sanfrecce can still play their part in the race for the 16 with Beijing travelling to Japan next week needing to avoid defeat to reach the knockout stage for just the second time.