Toure flops, as Sepahan only draw in Riyadh [VIDEO]

PFDC – RIYADH, Sepahan Esfahan could have easily scored a dozen goals against Al Shabab in Riyadh, but instead, due to lack of concentration and coolness upfront, the Iranians struggled to a 1-1 draw in their AFC Champions League opener.

Team Melli defender Jalal Hosseini gave the visitors an early lead, heading the ball into the net after a bad clearance following an Ehsan Hajsafi freekick just 13 minutes into the game.

The goal played right into Sepahan’s hands, allowing their fast paced strikers Emad Reza and Ibrahima Toure getting to the end of many long balls, however, the striking pair failed to capitalize on their many excellent scoring oportunities, either shooting wide or being denied by the goalkeeper or the woodwork.

Especially Senegalese Toure’s selfishness and poor finishing touch were the main reason for Sepahan’s failure to achieve a comfortable lead. The fast-paced striker even found himself one on one with the keeper a couple of times, but neither had an eye for the unmarked Emad Reza beside him, nor was able to finish off himself.

So, as often in football, the team not taking it’s chances was punished. Sultan equalized with a perfectly struck shot from just outside the area, leaving Mehdi Rahmati no chance with 21 minutes on the clock.

Toure immediately had another chance to restore the lead, but unsurprisingly failed to convert.

Emad Reza didn’t do better five minutes from time, failing to beat Al Shabab’s keeper from close range after being inscened by Toure.

It was again Toure who failed to get his volley on target, shortly before end of regular time and so Sepahan had to settle with the draw, which concluded an overall very successful first round for the Iranian teams, with three wins and one draw.

In the other game of the group Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan were able to defeat Al Ain in the UAE by 1-0.