AFC Champions League: Al-Hilal Pulls Out

 Here's an AFC Champions League update:

 Al-Hilal (of Saudi Arabia) were unable to play their final match of the group stage against Shabab Al-Ahli (of the United Arab Emirates) due to them having only 11 players left with the remaining team members testing positive for COVID-19. They were considered to have withdrawn from the competition, and all previous matches played by Al-Hilal shall be considered "null and void" and will not be considered in determining the final group rankings.

Two West Zone games were played in the AFC Champions League's group stage on Wednesday, both contested in Qatar.

GROUP A:

At Doha:

Mehdi Ghayedi (29'), Ali Karimi (38'), and Cheick Diabate (54') each scored once as Esteghlal dominated Al-Ahli 3-0 to snatch a knockout-stage berth.

Final Group A Standings:

1. Al-Ahli (GP: 4; GD: -2; PTS: 6)

2. Esteghlal (GP: 4; GD: +2; PTS: 5)

3. Al-Shorta (GP: 4; GD: 0; PTS: 5)

Al-Ahli and Esteghlal advanced to the knockout stage.

GROUP B:

At Al Wakrah:

Jaloliddin Masharipov scored the game's lone goal in the 65th minute as Pakhtakor defeated Shahr Khodrou 1-0.

Final Group B Standings:

1.

2.

3.

Pakhtakor Tashkent and  Shabab Al-Ahli advanced to the knockout stage.