Bengar books top spot for Sepahan [VIDEO]
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PFDC – ESFAHAN, Newly crowned 2011/12 Persian Gulf Cup champions Sepahan finished the Asian Champions League’s group stage in style thanks to a late Mohsen Bengar header, which secured a 2-1 victory over Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday evening.
With both Sepahan and Al Ahli having qualified for the round of 16 already before the final matchday, Sepahan needed a goalless draw or a win to overtake their rivals in the table. The first positioned team in the final ranking will have a home game in the single leg of the playoff’s first stage, making the battle for the top spot a crucial one.
Things looked great for the homeside when Albanian striker Xhehavir Sukaj gave them a 21st minute lead after finding himself one on one with the goalkeeper.
However, Oman internationa striker Imad Al Hosni could equalize for the Saudis shortly after the hourmark, after he had beaten the offside and kept his cool in front of Rahman Ahmadi.
The visitors retreated and tried to keep the result, which had them on top of the group thanks to goal difference, however, Mohsen Bengar had different plans.
The tall defender rose over his marker to powerfully head a cross from the right wing into the net with just four minutes on the clock, putting the fans in the Naghsh-e-Jahan stadium in ecstasy.
Sepahan will now host the runners-up of group A on May 22, which will most likely be Esteghlal Tehran. The Blues will only need a draw against Nasaf Qarshi on Wednesday to secure the second spot behind group winners Al Jazeera (UAE). Only if the Iranians lose, Al Rayyan of Qatar could overtake them with a victory.
Not too surprisingly, the two Arab teams will not play simultaniously to Esteghlal’s game, but instead 85 minutes later.
