Persepolis deserved to beat Al Sadd: Branko Ivankovic

Tasnim – TEHRAN, Iran’s Persepolis football team’s coach Branko Ivankovic says the club is in a good position following its 1-0 win over Al Sadd.

The Iranian giant edged past the Qatari football team 1-0 in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium on Monday and advanced to Round of 16 as the table-topper in Group C of the AFC Champions League.

Mohammed Ansari whipped in a tricky cross from the left wing and Al Sadd defender Morteza Pouraliganji inadvertently headed past his own keeper to give the host an early lead.

“I am satisfied with the way we played and I think Persepolis deserved to beat Al Sadd,” Ivankovic said in the post-match news conference.

“We could have scored more goals against Al Sadd. I have to say we defeated a strong team and I praise my players,” the Croat added.

Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira blasted the referee’s decisions after the match, saying their goal was not offside.

“I don’t want to talk about the official but I don’t think so,” Ivankovic said.