ACL Group C: Esteghlal, Al Duhail settle for draw [VIDEO]
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Loading...Tehran Times – JEDDAH, Esteghlal football team of Iran and Qatar’s Al Duhail shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw on Matchday Four of the 2021 AFC Champions League Group C on Saturday.
The result means Al Duhail remain unbeaten in four games, topping Group C with eight points, while Esteghlal continue to chase with seven points to their name, level with Al Ahli Saudi FC.
Matchday Five sees Al Duhail facing Iraq’s Al Shorta while Esteghlal clash with Al Ahli in the late Tuesday fixture.
Three days after serving an entertaining seven-goal affair that saw Al Duhail emerge 4-3 winners in the corresponding fixture, the two sides locked horns again and there were goals in abundance once more.
Esteghlal were awarded a penalty in the 27th minute after their former player Ali Karimi brought down Farshid Esmaeili inside the box and Malian forward Cheick Diabate converted from the spot, putting the Iranians in front with his fourth goal of the campaign.
Seconds before the referee blew his whistle for half-time, Esteghlal captain Vouria Ghafouri fouled on Olunga and the Kenyan striker stepped up and powered in from the spot for his fifth goal of the 2021 AFC Champions League.
Olunga continued his fine scoring form in the second half, finding space at the far post to rise unopposed and head Edmilson’s cross from the free-kick into the back of the net just before the hour mark, moving clear of Omar Al Soma at the top of the competition’s scoring charts with six goals.
Esteghlal’s response was almost instant as Ghafouri dribbled down the right flank and sent a pinpoint low cross for Mehdi Ghaedi who swept home his third goal of the campaign to bring the Iranian side level, setting the stage for an exciting Matchday Five on Tuesday.
