Brazilian veteran Shimba scored a 71st-minute penalty while Shabab Al Ahli’s Yahya Al Ghassani took advantage of a rare defensive mistake from Foolad as both sides settled for a draw to remain unbeaten in Group C.
With the other results in the groups going the way of Shabab Al Ahli, the Emirati side will advance to the next stage as one of the three best runner-up teams.
Foolad ended the campaign on top of Group C while runner-up Shabab Al Ahli had reason to celebrate with its qualification to the next round.