Qatar’s Al Duhail beat Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor 3-2 in the third round of 2022 AFC Champions League Group D at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium in Buraidah on Thursday.

Al Duhail thus raised their score to six points from two wins and one loss.

Pakhtakor remained on three points.

Al Duhail had lost their opener 1-2 to Saudi Arabi’s Al Taawoun, but beat Iran’s Sepahan 1-0.

Al Duhail will next play against Pakhtakor on Monday, 18th April.

Edmilson Junior was the hero for Al Duhail with a hat-trick (66th, 71st and 84th minutes), while Pakhtakor scored through Sarkic (44th minute) and Sobirkhojaev (69th minute).

Pakhtakor took the lead twice, but Edmilson’s heroics in the second half saw Al Duhail stage an incredible comeback and seal victory at the end of a thrilling game.

Hernan Crespo-coached Al Duhail’s goalkeeper Salah Zakaria too deserved credit for warding off some rival raids.