Qatar’s Al Gharafa went down fighting 2-3 to the UAE’s Al Jazira in their AFC Champions League Group A match on Tuesday.

Ali Mabkhout mainly contributed a brace to Al Jazira’s victory with a two-goal effort.

The visitors went ahead in the 14th minute when Mabkhout dribbled past Al Gharafa defender Tameem Al Muhaza inside the box. Mabkhout then unleashed a powerful strike that rattled the crossbar which fell for Romarinho who was left with a simple header from point-blank range into the empty net.

Ahmed Alaaeldin restored parity for the hosts in the 28th minute after he beat Al Jazira goalkeeper Ali Khaseif at the near post to stab home Abdelaziz Hatem’s cross from the left wing following a Wesley Sneijder free-kick.

Al Gharafa’s comeback was completed in the last minute of the opening half when Portuguese midfielder Diogo Amado controlled Sneijder’s in-swinging corner kick and fired between Khaseif’s legs from close range to give them a 2-1 half-time lead.

Twenty minutes from time, Romarinho returned the favour for Mabkhout, supplying a through pass for the No.7 who struck through the legs of goalkeeper Qasim Burhan from a narrow angle to equalise for Al Jazira.

Al Gharafa were reduced to 10 men in added time as Assim Madbo received his second yellow card for a late challenge on Salim Ali.

Al Jazira made the most of the numerical advantage and netted the winner with virtually the last kick of the game four minutes into stoppage time. Mabkhout broke free and rounded the goalkeeper before applying a calm finish to earn his side their second win of the campaign.

The win took Al Jazira to eight points, three clear of Al Gharafa.