The Iranian side huffed and puffed but could not penetrate their opponents defence as they made it three consecutive draws to start their continental campaign. A combination of lacklustre finishing and heroic goalkeeping saw both sides unable to find the back of the net at Sharjah Stadium.

Both teams came into their first-ever encounter in the competition on the back of goalless draws in the previous game, with Tractor having also drawn their Matchday One fixture against Pakhtakor and Air Force beaten by group hosts Sharjah on the opening day.

The two sides had played out two goalless draws in the previous round of games, with Sharjah successfully consolidating their place at the top of the group with the massive win leaving Pakhtakor bottom of the table.

Both are on four points after two matches, with Al Hilal ahead with a better goal difference and a win for either will boost their hopes of winning the group and sealing the sole automatic spot to the Round of 16.

With only a point each to their name, both can't afford to drop more in their Matchday Three encounter at the King Fahd International Stadium if they want to keep pace with Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal SFC and Tajikistan's FC Istiklol.

Both sides are still in search of their opening win with Iraq's Al Shorta having succumbed to defeats against Esteghlal FC of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Qatar's Al Duhail SC.

Al Ahli Saudi are in a slightly better position, having salvaged a last gasp draw against Al Duhail on Matchday Two after having succumbed 5-2 to Esteghlal in their opener.

A five-point lead after three matches would mean a hefty advantage in the race for the solitary automatic slot to the Round of 16 and the Islamic Republic of Iran club will fancy their chances after having defeated Iraq's Al Shorta (3-0) and Al Ahli Saudi FC (5-2).

Al Duhail, meanwhile, will have to beat Esteghlal after the Qatar side conceded a stoppage time equaliser to Al Ahli Saudi FC on Matchday Two, having beaten Al Shorta 2-0 in their opener.