2021 ACL Group C: Esteghlal, Al-Duhail Share Spoils
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Esteghlal football team from Iran was held to a 2-2 draw against Al-Duhail of Qatar on Matchday Four of the 2021 AFC Champions League Group C on Saturday.
The result means Al-Duhail remains unbeaten in four games, topping Group C with eight points, while Esteghlal continues to chase with seven points to its name, level with Al-Ahli Saudi FC.
Matchday Five sees Al-Duhail facing Iraq’s Al-Shorta while Esteghlal clash with Al-Ahli in the late Tuesday fixture.
The Iranian side suffered a blow as left-back Mohammad Naderi, with two goals to his name in the competition already, was stretchered off to be replaced by Hrvoje Milic in the 24th minute.
The smile was soon back on the faces of coach Farhad Majidi’s men as they were awarded a penalty after Ali Karimi brought down Farshid Esmaeili inside the box and Malian forward Diabate converted from the spot, putting the Iranian team in front with his fourth goal of the campaign.
Seconds before the referee blew his whistle for half-time, Al-Duhail was awarded a penalty after Esteghlal captain Vorya Ghafouri’s foul on Olunga. He stepped up and powered in from the spot for his fifth goal of the 2021 AFC Champions League.
Olunga continued his fine scoring form in the second half, finding space at the far post to rise unopposed and head Edmilson’s cross from the free-kick into the back of the net just before the hour mark, moving clear of Omar Al Soma at the top of the competition’s scoring charts with six goals.
Mehdi Ghaedi swept home his third goal of the campaign in the 61st minute to bring the Iranian side level, setting the stage for an exciting Matchday Five on Tuesday.
