Zob Ahan 3-0 Bunyodkor [VIDEO]

AFC – ESFAHAN, Two goals of the highest quality helped Zob Ahan stun Uzbekistan’s Bunyodkor 3-0 at the Foolad Shahr Stadium as the Iranians took over top spot in AFC Champions League Group B.

Mohammed Hosseini gave the hosts the lead in the 36th minute with a fine volley before Mohammad Ghazi found the back of the net with a superb 30-yard strike seven minutes into the second half.

A clinical finish from Mohammad Khalatbari 10 minutes from time put the seal on a deserved victory for Zob Ahan over a subdued Bunyodkor outfit.

The first-half proved a dour affair with the first shot on target coming in the 19th minute when Zob Ahan gave the ball away in midfield and Denilson was played in down the right but his shot was beaten away at the near post by Shahab Gordan.

The game came to life nine minutes before half-time, though, when the hosts took the lead in excellent fashion.

A clever ball inside the full-back set Hassan Ashjari away down the left and he stood up an inch-perfect ball to the back post where Hosseini cushioned a side-foot volley into the roof of the net from six yards.

Anvarjon Soliev volleyed over as Bunyodkor looked for an instant response and Server Djeparov saw a low attempt flash beyond the far post two minutes before the break as Zob Ahan went in at half-time one goal to the good.

They then doubled their lead in breathtaking fashion in the 52nd minute. Ashjari’s throw found Ghazi and the forward took a couple of touches, strode forward and unleashed a 30-yard rocket that gave Bunyodkor goalkeeper Ignatiy Nesterov no chance as it dipped into the top corner.

Ashjari created another chance for Igor Castro six minutes later but Nesterov got down well at his near post to keep out the forward’s header.

The Bunyodkor keeper pulled off another smart save to repel Ashjari’s low free-kick from 20 yards that had fizzed through the wall.

However, the home side added a third goal in the 80th minute to put the result beyond doubt when Ghasem Hadadifar’s smart ball inside set Khalatbari clear and after the striker had let the ball run across his body, buried a finish past Nesterov and into the bottom corner from 12 yards.

There was still time for Mohammad Mansouri to stab wide from six yards as Zob Ahan completed a comfortable victory.