The visitors took the lead in the 41st minute through Japanese midfielder Dan Ito before Al Wahda levelled the scores courtesy of Brazilian striker Fernando Baiano four minutes later.

Al Wahda gained the initiative in the first minute of the second-half through Mahmoud Khamis and Abdulraheem Juma made it 3-1 in the 63rd minute before Baiano scored his second goal of the game two minutes later.

Churchill Brothers pulled a goal back in the 77th minute through Leihaorungbam Dhanachandra Singh but Ismaeil Matar sealed the win for Al Wahda with five minutes remaining.

Al Wahda enter Group B of the AFC Champions League along with two-time ACL winners Al Ittihad, 2008 semi-finalist Bunyodkor of Uzbekistan, who also reached the last eight last year, and Iranian outfit Zob Ahan.

The home fans had to wait just 10 minutes to witness their side’s first chance when Fahed Masoud drove a powerful shot from inside the area but Churchill Brothers goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharja pushed the ball away for a corner.

The visitors created their first chance five minutes later when Okolie Odafa shot just wide of the right upright from distance before Reisangmi Vanchum suffered a thigh injury and had to be replaced by Japanese midfielder Ito.

Al Wahda should have been rewarded for their pressure in the 23rd minute when Masoud’s free-kick hit the woodwork before Khamis’ effort was punched away by Bhattacharja in the 35th minute.

Although the hosts had been controlling the game and enjoying the better chances, it was Churchill Brothers who took the lead in the 41st minute when Charan Rai’s cross from the right found Ito, who fired home with a first time touch from close range.

However, Churchill Brothers’ joy lasted for only four minutes as Matar set up Baiano with a neat pass before the striker worked his way past two defenders and despatched a shot beyond the Indian goalkeeper.

Al Wahda then took the lead just 10 seconds into the second half when Masoud crossed from the left and Khamis powered a header home.

The home side increased their tally three minutes after the hour mark when Matar played the ball to Juma, who bore down on the goalkeeper before sending a low shot into the net.

Al Wahda made it 4-1 in the 65th minute only when Baiano grabbed his second goal of the night and the fourth for his side when he headed home from Masoud’s cross.

Churchill Brothers pulled a goal back in the 77th minute when Jaison Vales broke down the left flank before sending a cross for substitute Leihaorungbam Dhanachandra Singh to direct into the empty net.

However, Al Wahda regained their three-goal cushion five minutes before the end through another Matar header.