Al Wehdat, who had sealed their place in the Round of 16 with a game to spare, came under pressure in the seventh minute after Khaled Ebraheim sent an inviting cross for Luanzinho but the Brazilian sent his header over the bar.

Luanzinho had another crack in the 16th minute when Ousmane Camara sent a delightful ball through for the midfielder, who did well to cut through a packed box but skied his shot.

Al Wehdat threatened through Alain Akono and Mohannad Semreen with Baha Faisal also missing the target after failing to connect with an overhead kick off Feras Shilbaya’s cross.

Sharjah came close just before the half-hour mark with Luanzinho forcing Al Wehdat keeper Ahmad Al Juaidi into a fine save after Camara’s lay-off.

The visitors, however, took the lead in the 31st minute when Camara combined well with Ebraheim before the defender’s cutback was planted into the back of the net by Caio Lucas.

Al Wehdat responded seven minutes later as Saleh Ratib’s cross off a set-piece situation found Danial Afaneh, who sent his dipping header over Sharjah custodian Adel Al Hosani.

Sharjah, who needed victory to confirm their spot in the knockout stage, regained the lead two minutes later after Al Wehdat failed to deal with a deep cross into the area, allowing Camara the nod the ball into the path of Luanzinho to strike home.

Luanzinho extended the UAE side’s advantage in the 67th minute after Khaled Ibrahim surged down the right before setting up the Brazilian to head home from close range as Sharjah took the win and the Group C top spot.