Zob Ahan Advances to AFC Champions League Round of 16
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Substitute Reza Habibzadeh scored in added time to send Zob Ahan to the 2019 AFC Champions League Round of 16 with a 2-2 draw against Iraq's Al Zawraa at Karbala International Stadium on Tuesday.
Zob Ahan needed one point to advance to the next round with a game to spare, while Al Zawraa’s hopes hinged on them bagging the three points at home.
Mohammad Zobeir Niknafs headed the visitors into the lead in the 28th minute.
As the first half drew to a close, Al Zawraa levelled the score through Alaa Abbas in the 44th minute.
He was again the creative force for Al Zawraa as he set up the Iraqi side’s second goal of the night in the 61st minute.
The home fans were left heart-broken as Zob Ahan clawed back the difference in added time. Vahid Mohammadzadeh rose highest to head a long pass into the path of Habibzadeh, and the substitute controlled and applied the finish from close range.
Zob Ahan was reduced to 10 men after Milad Fakhreddini was sent off deep in added time, but Alireza Mansourian’s men held on to earn the all-important point, sending them into the next round.
Zob Ahan’s place in the last 16 is confirmed with a game to spare, as the Iranian side takes its tally to 11 points. While Al Zawraa stays third with five points ahead of the final Matchday fixture against UAE’s Al Wasl.