The Islamic Republic of Iran side’s fourth consecutive win means they have a five-point lead at the top and avoiding defeat against Al Wahda FSCC of the UAE on Monday will seal the 2020 AFC Champions League runners-up their place in the Round of 16 as the Group E winners with a match to spare.

The result sees Tractor climb to six points, keeping their qualification hopes alive, while Air Force Club freeze at two points as their search for a first win and a first goal continues.

Khibin converted from the spot 19 minutes from time to give Henk ten Cate’s side victory and move the club from Abu Dhabi on to seven points from their first four games of this year’s campaign.

The win was Al Wahda’s second in three days over the Qatari side and came after Ahmed Abdul Maqsoud and Franck Kom had both been sent off for Laurent Blanc’s team before the 2017 AFC Player of the Year scored the game’s only goal.

Al Hilal lead with seven points from three matches, with Istiklol sittinng second on four ahead of AGMK FC on goal difference. Shabab Al Ahli Dubai prop up the group with one point.

UAE's Shabab Al Ahli find themselves bottom of the group with only one point, six adrift of leaders Al Hilal SFC, and must beat AGMK of Uzbekistan at the King Fahd International Stadium if they are to remain in contention for a place in the Round of 16.

AGMK, meanwhile, are still in the running for top spot in the group - which secures direct qualification to the Round of 16 - with four points.

Al Ahli Saudi are the better placed of the two, with the Saudi Arabia club on four points from three matches while Al Shorta are on the brink of elimination with no points and no goals to show for at the end of Matchday Three.

With Qatar's Al Duhail SC and Esteghlal FC of the Islamic Republic of Iran to come for both sides, a win on Saturday will mean their respective fates will still very much be in their hands as the group stage approaches its climax.

The two were involved in a thrilling Matchday Three encounter with Qatar's Al Duhail claiming a 4-3 win in one of this season's best group stage matches.

The result meant Al Duhail reached the halfway stage on seven points, one ahead of Islamic Republic of Iran's Esteghlal and this sets the stage for another epic encounter at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.