Sharjah came into the match in a desperate need for a win to keep them in the race for a place in the next round, while for Al Duhail, a win could mean going top if Al Taawoun fail to defeat Persepolis in the second Friday fixture.

The two teams shared six goals equally the last time they met three days ago, with Baghdad Bounedjah, Santi Cazorla and 2019 AFC Player of the Year Akram Afif getting on the scoresheet for Al Sadd, while Kodjo Laba and Bauyrzhan Islamkhan got on the scoresheet for Al Ain supplemented by an own goal from Boualem Khoukhi.

The 2019 AFC Champions League MVP and Top Scorer failed to find the net for the second consecutive match although the defending champions remained top of Group B despite Thursday's stalemate.

Substitute Spanish striker Pedro Conde scored the winner with his first touch four minutes after coming on to steer Shabab Al Ahli past the Islamic Republic of Iran side for their second win.

Al Shorta took the lead inside the opening quarter of an hour in the Group A through a Saad Natiq header, and Mohammed Al Majhad’s second half leveler for Al Ahli was quickly cancelled out with Mazin Fayyad winning it for Al Shorta in the 65th minute.

The win represents the first time Al Shorta have won a match in the AFC Champions League, having previously competed in the 2004 and 2005 editions, finishing bottom of their group on both occasions.

The West Australia native and former Socceroo takes over from Tony Popovic after the former AFC Coach of the Year departed the club earlier in the month to take charge of Greek second division side Xanthi FC.

"I'm very proud to be taking charge of the club and being from WA, that makes it extra special," said Garcia . "I'm really excited at the challenge ahead and taking the club forward."

It was high octane action from the first blow of the referee's whistle in Doha on Monday as Asia's finest resumed their campaigns in the continent's biggest club tournament.

Seventeen goals were scored in the seven matches that were played in Groups A to D as the fans watching the action on their television screens were treated to a goal fest.

Join the-AFC.com as we pay tribute to the players who lit up Matchday 3 with their goal-scoring exploits.