Doha: Al Ahli were held to a 2-2 draw by Iran's Sepahan in the first leg of their AFC Champions League Two last-16 tie at Al Thumama Stadium. Sepahan took the lead in the 20th minute through Brazilian forward Ricardo Alves, before Michel Vlap equalized for Al Ahli eight minutes later. The Iranian side restored their advantage deep into first-half stoppage time, with Arash Reza heading home to make it 2-1.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al Ahli dominated much of the second half and were handed a late boost when Sepahan's Omid Noorafkan was sent off in the 90th minute. The hosts capitalized almost immediately, with Spanish forward Erik Hernandez scoring in stoppage time to secure a draw.
The return leg will be played on February 18, again at Al Thumama Stadium, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.