Al-Duhail needed the win following its defeat against group host Al-Taawoun on the opening matchday, and it duly delivered despite missing a host of chances in the first half, not managing any shots on target though the team clicked into gear in the second.
2021 top scorer Michael Olunga scored the winner in the 84th minute. Quiet throughout the game, Almoez Ali played an excellent ball into the area and the Kenyan finished with a diving header to give his side their first three points.
Sepahan will play group host Al-Taawoun on Thursday, while Al-Duhail face Uzbek Super League champion Pakhtakor.