Al Kuwait edged out South China 2-1 in Thursday's AFC Cup semi-final first leg.
Although the Hong Kong champions will be boosted by Guy Ambassa's stoppage-time strike.
Second-half goals from Abdulla Marzooqi and Ismail Al Ajmi put the home side into a commanding position.
But, with time running out, defender Ambassa converted from close range to hand South China a lifeline ahead of next week's second leg at Hong Kong Stadium.
Al Kuwait took the game t! o South China from the start at Al Kuwait Stadium and came close to an opener after 14 minutes as Samer Al Martah headed over.
South China came close after 31 minutes as captain Li Haiqiang drifted a free-kick just wide before Al Kuwait's Jarrah Al Ataiqi was denied by South China goalkeeper Zhang Chunhui just before the break.
Marzooqi headed over from a good position following Husain Hakim's cross just before half-time.
But the Bahrain defender made no mistake three minutes after the restart as he met another delivery from Hakim to open the scoring with a close-range header.
Al Kuwait continued to dominate and second-half substitute Al Ajmi saw his header with 16 minutes remaining saved by Zhang.
But just five minutes later the Oman international rounded off a strong run from Walied Ali with a close-range finish to double the lead.
South China improved in the closing stages and were rewarded in the first minute of stoppage time as! Ambassa turned home from close range after Al Kuwait failed t! o clear Li's corner.
