Iran Victorious over Palestine in 2023 AFC Asian Cup
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran football team beat Palestine 4-1 in the 2023 Asian Cup Group C opener Sunday night.
The victory at the Education City Stadium means Iran tops the group ahead of the United Arab Emirates - who beat Hong Kong, China 3-1 earlier in the day - on goal difference.
Before kick-off, the players and fans in attendance stood united for a minute of silence, in compassion and solidarity with the people of Palestine and the Gaza Strip.
Karim Ansarifard gave three-time champion Iran the lead just 63 seconds into the match.
In the 12th minute, Saman Ghoddos' curling free-kick found an unmarked Shojae Khalilzadeh at the far post to sweep past a stranded Rami Hamada.
The third goal came seven minutes before the break when Mehdi Ghayedi found the back of the net.
Palestine, however, ended the first half with a glimmer of hope, a stunning Tamer Seyam header in the sixth minute of added time giving Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand no chance.
AS Roma forward Sardar Azmoun - who came on at the start of the second half - needed only 10 minutes to make his presence felt, knocking home a loose ball from close range after good work by Sadegh Moharrami on the right.
Iran will look to cement the top spot when it takes on Hong Kong on Friday while Palestine faces the UAE a day earlier.
