Al Jazira spurned the chance to close on a second-ever qualification to the Asian Champions League knockout stages after a shock 1-0 defeat to lowly Esteghlal.

The Iranians knew they had to win to remain in contention, and Mohammad Ghazi produced a stunning finish high into Ali Khaseif's net on the 70-minute mark to send the travelling support into rapture.

Ahmed Rabia had wasted the host's best two opportunities in a lively start, which coach Walter Zenga's side were unable to build on.

Indeed, they had goalkeeper Khaseif to thank after he saved superbly with his legs to keep out a 20-yard drive when Pejman Nouri seemed certain to score prior to Ghazi's deciding strike.

Jazira knew that victory coupled with a defeat for Qatar's Al Rayyan at Saudi Arabia's Al Shabab would have ensured progression from Group A after only four games played.

But they instead fell to their first continental defeat this season, to drop back to within touching distance of the chasing pack.

Zenga's side failed to find the back of the net in Thursday's Arabian Gulf League stalemate with Al Nasr, and this fruitless return was to continue as Felipe Caicedo wasted two openings in injury time.