Persepolis entered the Matchday Five fixture knowing a win would keep the team top of the group going into the final matchday, while for Al Duhail - defeated by Sharjah in its previous match - the three points would take them past its opponent and boost its chances of progress to the Round of 16.
Al-Duhail was awarded a penalty in the 58th minute after a heavy Shoja Khalilzadeh aerial challenge on Edmilson inside the box.
Al-Duhail captain Almoez Ali stepped up and fired home his third goal of the 2020 AFC Champions League to put the Qatari side in front.
The Iranian team continued to push forward for an equalizer but found itself faced with a strong Al-Duhail defense and was unable to break through until the final whistle.
The result means Al-Duhail now leaps above previous leader Persepolis, reaching nine points for the campaign and enhancing its fortunes ahead of the final matchday.
Persepolis has no way but to defeat Sharjah on Thursday.
Sharjah of the UAE also defeated Al-Taawoun of Saudi Arabia 6-0 in the group and it can reach the Round of 16 for the first time in its history with a win against Persepolis in its last game, while Al-Taawoun’s fate is now out of its hands.
The Saudis need a win against Al-Duhail and a draw between Sharjah and Persepolis to qualify.