Doha: Akram Afif delivered a masterclass performance to propel Al Sadd to a 3-1 victory over Al Wasl, securing a 4-2 aggregate win and a place in the AFC Champions League Elite quarter-finals on Monday. The Qatari star provided an assist and scored a stunning goal to inspire his team’s comeback as they continued their pursuit of a third Asian title. Much like in the first leg, Al Wasl started brightly, taking the lead in the 10th minute when Alexis Pérez’s pinpoint cross found Fabio de Lima, who guided a first-time finish into the bottom corner, leaving Al Sadd goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham with no chance. The early setback jolted Al Sadd into action, with captain Afif leading the charge. In the 24th minute, his long-range effort forced a fine save from Khaled Al Senani before he notched his second assist in as many matches. Three minutes later, Afif cut into the box from the left and set up Moustafa Mashal, who slotted home the equalizer. Al Sadd seized control just moments later. In the 30th minute, Youcef Atal weaved his way into the box, and his attempted cross deflected off Jung Seung-hyun, wrong-footing Al Senani and finding the back of the net. With momentum firmly on their side, the Qatari side extended their lead in the 37th minute. Afif played a short free-kick to Claudinho, received the return pass, and unleashed a sublime curling shot into the top corner, leaving Al Wasl with an uphill battle. The Emirati side thought they had pulled one back in the 58th minute when João Pedro rose highest to head toward goal, but Barsham produced a superb save to deny him. Al Wasl made a triple substitution just past the hour mark, introducing Jonatas Santos, Takashi Uchino, and Caio Canedo in search of a lifeline. However, apart from a weak overhead attempt from Canedo, they struggled to break down Al Sadd’s defense. With a composed and disciplined display, Al Sadd saw out the game to seal their spot in the last eight.