TEHRAN, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Esteghlal FC held to a 1-1 draw with Al Duhail SC of Qatar in the Matchday Five of ACL competitions in Theran's Azadi Stadium on Monday.

Despite the struggles from both sides, the first half ended in a clean sheet for both goalkeepers.

Eight minutes after the restart, it was Esteghlal who erupted the spectators.

South African midfielder Ayanda Patosi's cross from the right reached Esteghlal defender Roozbeh Cheshmi whose shot from the close-range disappointed Al Duhail goalkeeper Amine Lecomte.

Al Duhail fired back instantly after resumption of the play and the Brazilian Edmilson's shot from the edge of the box found the back of the net.

With the result, the Qatari side progressed to the round of 16 with a game to spare.

In another match of Group C on Tuesday, Al Hilal SFC also advanced to the 2019 AFC Champions League round of 16 by beating the Al Ain of the UAE 1-0.