Zobahan zoom to the fore

AFC – ESFAHAN, Zobahan started their AFC Champions League 2010 campaign with a 1-0 victory at home to UAE’s Al Wahda.

It was a laboured, if expected triumph that many pundits felt was the Iranian side’s only hope for points in a group that also featured Asian giants Al Ittihad and Bunyodkor.

A 2-2 draw away to Ittihad in their next match raised a few eyebrows, not so much for Zob Ahan’s performance but for how the Saudis managed to waste a chance against the unfancied Iranians.

Turnaround

However, Match Days 3 & 4 saw Zob Ahan turn the group on its head in stunning fashion. A 3-0 home win against previously unbeaten Bunyodkor and a sensational follow-up 1-0 triumph in Tashkent had Zob Ahan standing proudly atop the group and o the verge of a last 16 place.

With bottom side Wahda visiting Esfahan on Match Day 5, Zobahan are in the driving seat and could seal their advance even before entertaining Ittihad on MD6.

Striker Mohammad Reza Khalatbari has been a key figure in both wins over the Uzbeks, scoring at home and the winner in Tashkent.

Nearly there

Coach Mansour Ebrahimzadeh must now only ensure his teams do the simple things well to emerge from the group in only their second ACL campaign.

“We prepared well for the match and we knew that it would be difficult,” said the coach.

“We capitalised on the mistakes made by our opponents and it helped us to win. I’d like to congratulate our fans and my players for this win.”