Esteqlal's AFC-CL hopes up in smoke

Esteqlal is held to a 1-1 against Qatar's Umm-Salal to almost lose its glimmers of hope for reaching the AFC Champions League's second round. Having secured only two points from the last four matches, Esteqlal needs at least six points from its remaining two games to secure a place in the next round. Right before the break when Arash Borhani put Esteqlal ahead, only to see Umm-Salal's Ghanem equalizing the game in the 70th minute. Esteqlal remained in the fourth place with 2 points, on lower goal difference with the UAE's Al Jazira standing third. Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad and Umm-Salal both have seven points with the former topping the group on goal difference and with a game in hand. Esteqlal, tipped as favorite to wing Iran's Premier League trophy, also sees its title challenged by Zob Ahan, which leapfrogged the Blues two weeks ago to lead the table. Esteqlal has to beat Payam in the final day of the season, knowing that Zob Ahan will claim the IPL title even with a single point from its match against Foulad. AFC Champions League Wednesday fixture and results Group A Al Ahli (UAE) vs. Al Hilal (KSA) Pakhtakor (UZB) vs. Saba (IRI) Group C Al Ittihad (KSA) vs. Al Jazira (UAE) Esteqlal (IRI) 1, Umm-Salal (QAT) 1 Group E Beijing Guoan (CHN) vs. Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) Newcastle Jets (AUS) 0 Nagoya Grampus (JPN) 1 Group G Suwon Bluewings (KOR) 2, Shanghai Shenhua (CHN) 1 Kashima Antlers (JPN) 5, Singapore Armed Forces FC (SIN) 0