Doha: Qatar’s teams faced tough challenges in the final round of the AFC Champions League Elite Group Stage (West Zone) but secured crucial qualifications. Al Rayyan, Al Sadd, and Al Gharafa suffered defeats—Al Rayyan fell 2-0 to Iran’s Esteghlal in Doha, Al Sadd lost 2-1 to Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor in Tashkent, and Al Gharafa was beaten 4-2 by Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli in Jeddah.

Despite the setbacks, Al Sadd and Al Rayyan advanced to the Round of 16, joining Saudi clubs Al Hilal, Al Ahli, and Al Nassr, as well as UAE’s Al Wasl, Esteghlal, and Pakhtakor. Al Rayyan is set to face Al Ahli, while Al Sadd will take on Al Wasl. The first-leg matches will take place from March 3-5, with the return legs the following week.

Meanwhile, in the AFC Champions League 2, Al Wakrah narrowly missed out on a quarterfinal spot after a dramatic loss to Saudi Arabia’s Al Taawoun. The match ended 2-2 after extra time before Al Taawoun edged out Al Wakrah 4-3 in a penalty shootout. Al Wakrah's Gilson Dala scored twice, but the Qatari side fell short despite a strong fight.