Cerezo Osaka's hopes of progressing to the knockout phase of the Asian Champions suffered a blow after they were beaten 2-0 at home to 2009 champions Pohang Steelers in their penultimate Group E game on Wednesday.

In China, Naoki Ishihara scored twice in the space of three minutes as J. League champions Sanfrecce Hiroshima kept alive their hopes of progressing from Group F, rallying from two goals down to draw 2-2 away to Beijing Guoan.

Hiroshima have six points, two behind group leaders FC Seoul, who won 1-0 away to Central Coast Mariners. Hiroshima face Mariners at home and Seoul host Beijing in the final round of group stage games next week.