Dubai based Al Ahli of the United Arab Emirates have qualified for the 2017 AFC Champions League Round of 16 as Group A winners after a resounding 4-0 victory over Lokomotiv on Tuesday that also eliminated the Uzbek side.
Centre-back Salmin Khamis opened the scoring on 27 minutes at Rashid Stadium when he headed home an Everton Ribeiro cross, before the home side extended their lead as the hour approached after Ismail Al Hammadi's shot struck the post and went in off the unfortunate Lokomotiv 'keeper Mamur Ikramov.
A two-goal cushion was Al Ahli’s cue to cut loose, with Asamoah Gyan and Ribeiro adding their names to the scoresheet with clever finishes in the final 20 minutes as the hosts secured their victory in style.
The win means Al Ahli claimed top spot in Group A to book a date with namesakes Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia in the last 16, while Esteghlal secured second place in the standings following their 2-1 victory over Al Taawoun.
