Kuwait international Bader Al Mutwa struck with just seconds remaining to put his side within one victory of the quarter-finals.

They remain three points clear at the top of the pool and can confirm their place in the next round when they face closest challengers Pakhtakor next month.

Despite a host of absentees through injury and suspension, Al Gharafa started well and Al Qadisiya were indebted to keeper Nawaf Al Khaldi when he kept out Fahid Al Shammari's shot.

Striker Araujo then fired wide from distance as Al Gharafa continued to press.

The Brazilian had another chance after the break but once again failed to find the target.

Al Khadi had to be at his best to deny Al Shammari after 72 minutes and the keeper repelled Araujo's effort nine minutes later.

Al Qadisiya came into it more in the closing stages, with Ahmed Ajab going close.

And Al Mutwa finally broke the deadlock with a fine individual effort as he skipped through the Al Gharafa defence before taking the ball past Abdulaziz Ali.