AFC Champions League : Al Gharafa 2-2 Al Ahli

Doha, April 23 (QNA) - Al Ahli confirmed themselves as winners of Group C of the 2013 AFC Champions League on Tuesday Aleksander Ilics side twice came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw with Al Gharafa that also saw the Qatari side progress to the Round of 16. Last years beaten finalists dropped their first points of the 2013 campaign after having won their first four group matches, but the draw still means Al Ahli cannot be surpassed by Al Gharafa due to having a better head-to-head record. Brazilian attacking-midfielder Alex (Alex Raphael Meschini) gave Al Gharafa the lead only for Amad Al Hosni to level for Al Ahli, but Djibril Cisse put the Qatar Stars League side back in front from the penalty spot before Jairo Palomino equalised for the Saudi club. The draw moves Al Gharafa on to 10 points and they are guaranteed a second place finish in the group as they cannot be passed by former finalists Sepahan. Al Gharafa took the lead in the 24th minute when good work by Nene (Anderson Luiz de Carvalho) on the edge of the area set up Alex to score with an exquisite left-footed effort from 20 yards out that found the bottom corner of Abdullah Al Muaioufs goal. Five minutes later, Bruno Cesars free kick from just outside the area curled over the home sides defensive wall but was just wide. The Brazilian, though, was to turn creator two minutes later as Al Ahli pulled level when his cross from the right corner of the penalty area was met by Al Hosni as he pulled away from his marker before heading beyond Qasem Burhan. With 11 minutes remaining in the half, Bruno Cesar was again causing problems for the home defence, only this time Burhan was equal to the Brazilians long-range effort, pushing the ball over the bar. Nine minutes into the second half, however, Al Gharafa were back in front as Cisse stepped up to convert form the penalty spot for his fifth goal of the competition after Kamil Al Mousa was judged to have handled Nenes attempted cross. But the Qatari sides lead only lasted until the 68th minute, and Bruno Cesar was involved once again as it was his corner that was flicked on at the near post by Victor Simoes and Colombian defender Palomino dived in to head home at the far post and secure a share of the points for Al Ahli.(QNA)