With Al Qadsia having already claimed top spot, the Uzbeks trailed Al Ittihad by two points in the battle to join the Kuwait side in the knockout round.

Following a goalless first-half, it seemed Shurtan’s bid was coming to an end until Vujovic broke the deadlock in the 50th minute at Aleppo International Stadium.

The visitors managed to close out the victory and could celebrate qualifying for the next stage and a trip to Al Wehdat after news filtered through that Al Qadsia had beaten Al Ittihad 3-2 in Kuwait.