UzLand.Uz
November 13

Iranian league giants Esteghlal took a step towards qualification for the lucrative group stage of the inaugural US$3 million AFC Champions League on Wednesday as they recorded a narrow 1-0 win over Uzbekistan's Neftchi in Tehran.

Uzbekistan's other AFC Champions League representatives, Pakhtakor, enjoyed better fortune though as they scored a 3-2 victory over Al Ahli of the United Arab Emirates in Wednesday’s other Zone One (West) fourth round encounter.

At the Takhti Stadium in Tehran, a second half goal by Mehdi Hasheminasab proved to be the difference as Estehglal edged Neftchi. Hasheminasab had a first half header disallowed for offside, but he made no mistake in the 50th minute as he outjumped the Neftchi defence to head home a corner kick from the right by Ahmad Karimlou

The goal was an especially timely one for Hasheminasab, who was keen to impress with Iranian national coach Branko Ivancovic in attendance at the Takhti Stadium.

With Alireza Vahedinikhbat and Alireza Akbarpour in excellent form, Esteghlal dominated proceedings and could have added to their advantage. Ali Samerah went close in the first half with his a shot that came back off the post, and Hasheminsab headed in a cross by Akbarpour only for the referee to disallow the effort for offside.

After the Hasheminsab goal, Ahmad Momenzadeh had a header cleared off the line, while Karimlou’s free kick went narrowly wide.

There is still plenty to play for in the tie with Esteghlal facing a daunting return leg in Fergana in two weeks’ time.

In Tashkent City, Uzbek League leaders Pakhatakor edged out Al Ahli in a thrilling match that saw the visitors come from behind twice before succumbing 3-2.

Pakhtakor went in front after 28 minutes through Soliev Anvarjon, but Iranian international Ali Karimi replied for Al Ahli just a minute later to make it 1-1 at the break.

The home team enjoyed the greater share of possession and they went ahead again after 68 minutes as Gochguly Gochguliyev headed in a corner kick.

However, the lead proved to be short-lived once again as Hassan Ali Ibrahim equalized almost immediately with a shot from 15 metres out.

Zainitdin Tadjiyev settled matters for Pakhtakor though as he scored from close range in the 73rd minute to give the Uzbeks a slender advantage to take into the second leg in Dubai.

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