TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Persepolis football team of Iran failed to defeat Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal in the AFC Champions League’s Matchday 5 on Monday.
Persepolis could have won the match but the team’s players squandered their chances at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat, Oman.
 Al Hilal secured its place in the knockout phase of the 2017 AFC Champions League with this draw.
The point earned moves the Saudi Arabia champion onto nine points in Group D and, thanks to the goal scored in the 1-1 draw in its first meeting with Persepolis on Matchday One, the club from Riyadh cannot be passed by Branko Ivankovic’s team.
Persepolis remain in third place in the group with six points with their hopes of a place in the Round of 16 growing increasingly slim after it failed to score for the second game in a row.
Al Rayyan of Qatar lost 5-1 to Al Wahda of the UAE in another match at Al Nahyan Stadium.
Persepolis will have to beat Al Wahda in Matchday 6 and will qualify for the next stage if Al Hilal don’t lose to Al Rayyan.

FIFA President Congratulates Persepolis Over Winning IPL Title
 FIFA President Gianni Infantino has sent a congratulatory message to the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) and congratulated Persepolis FC over winning its 10th Iran Professional League (IPL) crown.
Persepolis football team claimed the title last week with three games to spare.
"On behalf of the entire football community, I would like to congratulate Persepolis since it's a great achievement for the team. My congratulation goes to players, head coach, coaching staff, medical staff, and the club’s fans,” Infantino wrote.
"I would like to thank Persepolis over sending positive message to the world,” FIFA president added.
UAE’s Al Ain Beat Iran’s Zob Ahan
Ans also, Zob Ahan football team of Iran lost to the UAE’s Al Ain 3-0 in Matchday 5 of the AFC Champions League on Monday.
Danilo Asprilla gave Al Ain the lead in the 25th minute in Isfahan before Jerry Bengtson’s missed penalty saw last year’s beaten finalist hold onto its advantage going into the half-time interval.
A fine solo effort from Omar Abdulrahman doubled Al Ain’s advantage 12 minutes into the second half and Mohammed Abdulrahman added a third nine minutes from time to seal all three points.
The win moves Al Ain into first place in Group C with nine points, one ahead of Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli and a further point clear of Zob Ahan. With Al Ahli and Zob Ahan due to meet on Matchday 6, Al Ain are assured of a place in the top two positions.