AFC Champions League: Group Stage Opens

Four games were played on Monday as group-stage play in the AFC Champions League commenced.

GROUP A:

At Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates:

Ahmed Al Atlas scored the winning goal in the 49th minute as Al-Jazira held off visiting Al-Gharafa of Qatar 3-2.

At Seeb, Oman (due to deteriorating relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia):

Muhannad Assiri scored the only goal of the match in the 67th minute as Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahli (designated as the road team) defeated Iran's Tractor Sazi 1-0.

Group A Standings:

1. Al-Jazira (GP: 1; GD: +1; PTS: 3)
2. Al-Ahli (GP: 1; GD: +1; PTS: 3)
3. Tractor Sazi (GP: 1; GD: -1; PTS: 0)
4. Al-Ghafara (GP: 1; GD: -1; PTS: 0)



GROUP B:

At Tashkent, Uzbekistan:

Ikromjon Alibaev scored twice (53', 87') as Lokomotiv Tashkent destroyed visiting Al-Wahda (UAE) 5-0.

At Doha, Qatar:

Karim Doufiaf scored twice (74', 76') as Al-Duhail defeated visiting Zob Ahan of Iran 3-1.

Group B Standings:

1. Lokomotiv Tashkent (GP: 1; GD: +5; PTS: 3)
2. Al-Duhail (GP: 1; GD: +2; PTS: 3)
3. Zob Ahan (GP: 1; GD: -2; PTS: 0)
4. Al-Wahda (GP: 1; GD: -5; PTS: 0)