Nekounam scores, Jahanbakhsh assists

Persianfootball.com – PAMPLONA, Javad Nekounam and Karim Ansarifard helped Osasuna to an important late 3-2 victory over Tenerife on Saturday.

Both Iranians started and showed pleasing performances in an exciting match. After falling behind, Javad Nekounam was pulled down inside the area and converted the resulting penalty himself to make it 1-1.

After conceding the second goal, Ansarifard was involved in the build-up leading to the 2-2.

Although out injured with a sprained ankle in injury time, Osasuna scored the winner thanks to a goalkeeping mistake.

Nekounam had a good game in central midfield where he once more showed his calmness and great overview while Ansarifard impressed in his starting lineup debut with good footwork, physique and speed.

The striker, who will be sidelined for an unknown period, scored a goal which was ruled offside as well.

Also on Saturday, right-back Steven Beitashour and Vancouver Whitecaps played out a goalless draw versus San Jose Earthquakes in MLS.

On Sunday, Alireza Jahanbakhsh wasn’t only honored as Dutch second league’s best player so far, the 20-year-old also added two assists to his tally in the 3-1 win over Den Bosch. NEC still lead the table comfortably.

While Daniel Davari, despite a solid performance, lost the derby 1-3 to FC Zurich with Grasshoppers, Alireza Haghighi helped Penafiel avoiding an embarassing Cup defeat, finally downing minors Tondela in a penalty shoot-out.