Asian Champions League: Iranian clubs urged to win title

AFC – TEHRAN, Iranian clubs have been urged to win the 2018 AFC Champions League title by the country’s Youth and Sports Minister Massoud Soltanifar.

Soltanifar, who was present as Persepolis celebrated winning the 2017-18 Iran Pro League title at the Azadi Stadium on Friday, said Iranian football was perfectly placed for more success.

“I congratulate the sports fraternity, especially football lovers, as this season of football was perfect and we witnessed good events.

“The qualification of our national team for the FIFA World Cup 2018 and the success of our club teams in Asia is commendable.

“The fact that three of our clubs have qualified for the next stage of the AFC Champions League means its time for an Iranian club to win the title,” said Soltanifar.

Persepolis clinched their 11th league title three weeks ago after defeating Padideh FC, making it back-to-back triumphs for the Tehran based club. The 2016-17 title had ended a nine-year wait for Persepolis.

In the 2018 AFC Champions League, Persepolis advanced to the Round of 16 as Group C winners and will face Al Jazira of the UAE.

Esteghlal advanced as Group D winners and will face Zobahan, the third Iranian team to make the Round of 16.

Zobahan finished runners-up in the Iran Pro League while Esteghlal were third.

The first leg of the Round of 16 matches will be played on May 7-9 and the return leg on May 14-16.