Esteghlal were the first to threaten as Ghaedi tested the goalkeeper from a narrow-angle within two minutes and Al Duhail responded through OlungaтАЩs powerful header from Edmilson JuniorтАЩs out-swinging corner that was saved by goalkeeper Mohammad Rashid Mazaheri.
The Iranian side were then awarded a penalty after their former player Ali Karimi brought down Farshid Esmaeili inside the box, and Malian forward Diabate converted from the spot, putting them in front with his fourth goal of the campaign.
As the game was heading for half-time, Al Duhail won a penalty after Esteghlal captain Vorya Ghafouri handled EdmilsonтАЩs cross inside his own box and Olunga stepped up and powered in from the spot for his fifth goal of the 2021 competition.