Bunyodkor's Askar Jadigerov (R) and Al-Ittihad's Ziya Abdelmalik fight for the ball during their AFC Champions League match in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Wednesday. (AP)JEDDAH: Al-Ittihad edged host Bunyodkor of Uzbekistan 1-0 in a Group C match of the Asian Champions League (ACL) at Jar Stadium in Tashkent Wednesday. In a Group D match at Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Stadium in Riyadh, Al-Shabab played a goalless draw with visitor Zobahan of Iran. Ittihad took revenge for its last year's 3-0 defeat at the same venue when the Saudi team prevailed with a lone goal over Uzbek team. Ittihad defender, Osama Al-Muallad headed in the winner in the 34th minute. The Tigers looked determined to score a goal, after which they stood firm throughout to finally keep their net safe. After the break, the host started attacking heavily, but could not penetrate Ittihad defense. The win has significantly improved Ittihad chances of reaching the next round. The two-time title holder is now on top of Group C with six points while the loser is third with a single point. Shabab, on the contrary, lost a home chance to top its group. The draw is the second for Shabab. The team had earlier shared two goals with Al-Rayyan of Qatar. The two teams, in general showed a poor performance during the encounter. However, an away point is logically fine with the Iranian team, which now is atop the group with four points. The Lions, meanwhile, is third on the standings with two points. Elsewhere, South Korea's Suwon Bluewings routed Shanghai Shenhua 4-0. The group's other scheduled fixture between Kashima Antlers and Sydney was postponed because of Japan's earthquake. It was a good night for Korean sides, as Jeonbuk Motors won 4-0 away at Indonesia's Arema to make it two wins from two games. The 2006 league winner went to the top of Group G after Japan's Cerezo Osaka lost 2-0 away to China's Shandong Luneng. In Doha, substitute Ali Arif's second-half header helped Al-Sadd beat 10-man Pakhtakor 2-1 for first win in Group B. Al-Sadd took the lead just before halftime courtesy of Lee Jung-soo's stunning volley but Temurkhuja Abdulkholiqov leveled for visiting Pakhtakor in the 56th. Four minutes later, Arif headed home the winner from close range to seal the points for Al-Sadd. In Group D action, UAE team Emirates won its first match by upsetting Al-Rayyan of Qatar 2-0. In Group C, Al-Wahda of the United Arab Emirates salvaged a 1-1 away draw against Piroozi Athletic of Iran.
