Mahmoud Khamis’ second-half strike was enough to claim a 1-0 win for Al Wahda against Syria league champions Al Karamah in their AFC Champions League play-off match at Khaled Ibn Al Waleed stadium on Saturday.

Khamis struck in the 72nd minute to ensure the UAE side will play India’s Churchill Brothers next week for the right to play in the group stage of the continental competition.

Al Wahda began as the stronger side and had a chance after just 1 minute when Fernando Baiano struck a powerful free kick forcing Mosab Balhous to deflect away for a corner.

Al Karamah fought hard under the early pressure and produced their first chance mid way through the first half when midfielder Aattef Jenniat saw his shot saved by Adel Al Hosani.

Towards the end of the first half the balance of play had swung in favour of the hosts and they maintained their dominance at the start of the second period, although failed to create any scoring chances with Kuwait international striker Fahad Al Rashidi struggling to impose himself in the game.

As Al Karamah pressed forward, Al Wahda opted to try and hit them on the counter attack and it was from one such move they took the lead in the 72nd minute when the dangerous Baiano played a quick pass to Khamis, who broke into the area before sending the ball over goalkeeper Balhous.

Stunned by the goal, Al Karamah tried in earnest to get back into the game and should have levelled the scores three minutes before the end when Alaa Al Shbli’s shot from just inside the area flew inches wide of the right upright.

Al Wahda came close to winning the game 2 mins later with a second goal when Mohamed Al Shehhi went on a driving run before hitting the crossbar.