Al Jazira will face UAE rivals Al Ain in the Asian Champions League round of 16, after Abdulmajeed Alruwaili's double secured a 2-1 victory for Group A table toppers Al Shabab.
The wily midfielder was the first to react just before the 90-minute mark, as he followed up Imad Khalili's shot to condemn Jazira to defeat in their final pool game.
Coach Walter Zenga's side had initially gone behind before the break, when unfortunate defender Shin Hyung Min deflected in a close-range Alruwaili effort at a sticky Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium.
The highlight of an often laboured encounter between two clubs already through to the knockout stages came just before the hour as Salim Ali's struck an unstoppable 35-yard leveller.
The hosts had already wasted several excellent chances, with floundering Ecuador centre forward Felipe Caicedo particularly guilty.
Urged on by the sonorous Zenga, Abdelaziz Barrada's spurned a late opportunity to strike back when his chipped finish drifted narrowly wide.
Jazira had started the brighter against opponents who, as promised, made 10 changes ahead of their domestic Champions Cup final on Sunday.
Caicedo was twice denied his opening goal in five appearances by rangy goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais.
The cumbersome striker was first unable to round him, before shooting at the keeper's legs following Ahmed Rabia's unselfish decision to play him in after collecting a beautiful lofted pass.
The visitor's display was nowhere near as bright as their garish orange-trimmed kits. But despite being on the front foot, Jazira ignored the warning signs as their opponents stirred to see Abdulrahman Barakah fire inches wide of the post with Ali Khaseif well beaten.
Coach Walter Zenga's men were not so fortunate soon after, when Alruwaili slotted home from close range via the helpless Shin.
They should have gone in level at the break, as deep into injury time Rabia hit the crossbar and Ali's follow up was cleared off the line.
Replacements Jucilei and Ali Mabkhout breathed new life into Jazira in the second half, but it was Ali who provided the breakthrough in staggering fashion from distance.
Mabkhout was buzzing along the forward line, and his lunge came up inches short as he just failed to meet Abdelaziz Barrada's threatening fizzed centre.
The Bin Zayed was then stunned as, in a rare foray forward, Alruwaili got a double by being most alive in the box after Ali Khaseif pushed a shot out.
When Barrada unconvincingly lofted wide, Jazira's fate was secured, with a first leg meeting at home to Al Ain to come on May 6.
