31-03-10
Sepahan will take a good opportunity for the next leg of their Champions League group stage with Pakhtakor a thoroughly entertaining clash at Fulad Shahr.
It was the visitors who made the more settled start to proceedings, with Odil Ahmedov and Asqar Jadigerov looking comfortable in midfield.
But they were dealt a blow as the home side took the lead against the run of play in the 10th minutes.
Sepahan had ball possession and ball turned many times to the gate of Temur Juraev by home sides. Our goalkeeper saved us after dangerous shots by Jamshdian, Navidkiam, Emad Riza and Toure. Lions had two pretty chances to open result, but Odil Ahmedov and Arthur Gevorkyan missed attempts. First half was finished with goalless draw.
Sepahan continued to look the more threatening side and their attacking ambition was rewarded when Toure fired them back ahead.
Haji Safi's corner ball was not cleared by Pakhtakor and Toure with head shot to rifle into the middle of the net for his goal.
After two minutes Sepahan celebrated his second and the last goal in the match. Again corner kick, again mistake by defenders and Mohsin Bengar fined our team with head shot.
After this goal both teams played clear and without chances. Lions lost second game in the group stage. But it`s not over for us and we have a good chance to qualify next round.
AFC Champions League, 4th match day
Sepahan – Pakhtakor 2:0 (0:0)
Goals: Toure 74, Bengar 75.
Sepahan: Mahdi Rahmati, Hadi Aghily, Said Jalol Hussaini, Mohsin Bengar, Moharram Navidkia (Farzad Hatami 46), Mehdi Karimian (Mahdi Jafarpour 67), Shahin Kheiri, Ahmad Jamshidian, Ehson Haji Safi, Ibrahim Toure, Emad Riza (Hossein Papi 84).
Pakhtakor: Juraev, Suyunov, Miladinovic, Kletskov, K.Tadjiev, Markovic, Ahmedov, Andreev (Holmuhammedov 69), Gevorkyan, Jadigerov (Holmatov 78), Janjus (Azizov 45+2).
Yellow cards: Bengar 35. Aghily 56. Suyunov 79.
Referee: Mohammed Balideh (Qatar).
Isfahan, Fulad Shahr stadium. 9570 spectators.
