Al Rayyan defeated Sharjah FC 3-1 in the fourth round of 2022 AFC Champions League Group A at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh on Tuesday.

The match was back-to-back, the teams having faced off in the third round when Al Rayyan and Sharjah played out a 1-1 draw.

Steven Nzonzi (39th-minute) and Yacine Brahimi (62nd-minute penalty) scored for Al Rayyan, who were helped by an own goal by Sharjah’s Salem Sultan in the 12th minute.

Caio Lucas scored Sharjah’s goal in the 18th minute.

Al Rayyan moved on to seven points, while Sharjah stayed on four points.

Al Rayyan had beaten Tajikistan’s Istiklol 3-2 margin in their opener, but lost 0-3 to title holders Al Hilal in the second round.

Sharjah had lost to Al Hilal in their opener, but bounced back to beat Istiklol in the second round.

Caio’s long-range effort cancelled out Salem Sultan’s own goal, but Al Rayyan roared back as Nzonzi and Brahimi found the target.

Al Rayyan took their time to settle into their stride and could take the half-time break with a 2-1 lead.

Sharjah started the second half aggressively, but could not convert their chances.

And it was Al Rayyan who scored again past the hour mark when Brahimi converted a penalty awarded after Luanzinho brought down Hashem Ali inside the box.

Sharjah tried to claw their way back, but Al Rayyan were not to be denied.
Al Rayyan next play Istiklol on Saturday, 23rd April.