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Crazy hailstorm in Iran forces footballers to run for cover

A ferocious hailstorm suspended play for over half an hour of Tuesday night's AFC Champions League clash between Qatar's Lekhwiya and Iranian side Tractorsazi Tabriz.

The Group C encounter had kicked off amid heavy rain, but the weather significantly worsened shortly after half-time and play was postponed by referee Wang Di as the teams ran for cover.

After a 35 minute delay, play resumed with the scores level at 0-0, but that changed soon after as Algerian defender Madjid Bougherra converted a 70th minute penalty.

The result meant that Lekhwiya, 2013 quarter-finalists and managed by former Morocco boss Eric Gerets, claimed a third place finish in Group C ahead of their hosts.

Elsewhere, there was calamity in the clash of the group's top two as UAE giants Al Ain and Saudi side Al Ittihad drew 1-1.

Mansour Sharahili's calamitous own goal had put Al Ain ahead midway through the first half only for Abdulrahman Al Ghamdy to equalise from the penalty spot.

While Asamoah Gyan spurned a number of good second half chances, Al Ain did enough to secure top spot and a possible last 16 clash with UAE rivals Al Jazira.

The Pride of Abu Dhabi currently lie second in Group A and must now beat Al Shabab Riyadh on Wednesday night to finish top and avoid a blockbuster clash with their domestic rivals.