Al Wahda’s AFC Champions League ambitions have been put in further jeopardy after lowly Al Dhafra came from behind to inflict a 2-1 defeat and secure their safety on Saturday.

The Clarets went ahead through the Arabian Gulf League’s top scorer Sebastian Tagliabue in just the 22nd minute. The hosts in Madinat Zayed then roused themselves in the second half, goals from Makhete Diop and Omar Khrbin putting them onto 30 points with three games remaining.

This was the second disappointing result in a row for Wahda – who also had Denilson dismissed – after last week’s dire goalless draw with Emirates Club. It means they are now down to fifth, two points behind Al Wasl who are in the third-and-final qualification spot for Asia’s premier club competition.

The day started well for them, Tagliabue reaching 22 top-flight goals with a precise finish past goalkeeper Abdulla Sultan.

Dhafra impressed during their 2-0 triumph at Sharjah last week and they hit back after the break. Goals from Diop and Khrbin came in between Brazilian midfielder Denilson’s sending off for a second yellow card.