Iran crushes Platinum Stars in friendly

Tehran Times – JOHANNESBURG, Iran registered its third successive victory in South Africa’s training camp on Monday, as part of preparations for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.

Team Melli defeated Platinum Stars 6-0 in a practice game at the University of Johannesburg Sports Grounds.

Mohammad Nouri was on target three times and Sajjad Shahbazzadeh, Masoud Hassanzadeh and Habib Gordani scored a goal apiece.

Team Melli will return to Iran on Tuesday night after its 10-day training camp in South Africa.

Carlos Queiroz’s men also defeated Kaizer Chiefs (2-0) and Orlando Pirates (3-1) reserves in their 10-day training camp.

The Asian Cup will kick off in Australia on January 9, with Iran playing Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE in Group C.

Iran will also play Palestine on December 28 in Tehran a day before travel to Sydney.

Iran will arrive in Sydney on December 30 and train at Cromer Park on the northern beaches until January 7, when it heads to Melbourne for their opening match against Bahrain on January 11.

CEO of the Asian Cup Local Organizing Committee said that the Iranian football team has selected the most beautiful areas of Sydney.

“The Iranians have chosen one of the most beautiful areas of Sydney, and indeed Australia, to complete their preparations, and I am sure the local community will give them a big Aussie welcome,” said Michael Brown told afcasiancup.com.

“They are proving one of the biggest box office drawcards of the tournament, which is a good indication that they will enjoy plenty of support in the grandstands.”

“With just over a month to go until kick-off, this announcement takes the excitement and anticipation up another notch,” Brown stated.