Al Sadd Open AFC Champions League Elite Campaign With 0-3 Loss to Esteghlal

Al Sadd Open AFC Champions League Elite Campaign With 0-3 Loss to Esteghlal

Baghdad, September 14 (QNA) - Al Sadd began their campaign with a 0-3 defeat to hosts Esteghlal of Iran in a match played today at Basra International Stadium in the opening round of the West Asia league stage of the 2026-2027 AFC Champions League Elite football tournament.

Esteghlal's goals were scored by Yaser Asani in the ninth minute, Saeid Saharkhizan in the 47th minute and Esmaeil Gholizadeh in the 90+5th minute.

The Iranian team took the lead after benefiting from a misplaced pass by Brazilian Claudinho near the edge of the penalty area. Albanian Yaser Asani intercepted the ball, advanced and fired a powerful shot that goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham could not stop, sending it into the net in the ninth minute.

Al Sadd tried to respond after falling behind and came close to equalising following a cross from Hashem Ali, which Roberto Firmino headed over the bar in the 18th minute.

Al Sadd continued their pressure and enjoyed a clear advantage over their opponents. Claudinho almost found the net after receiving a pass from Firmino and advancing past the defender, before sending a low shot just wide of the post in the 29th minute.

Esteghlal extended their lead after Yaser Asani passed to Saeid Saharkhizan, who entered the area and fired a low shot into the goal in the 47th minute.

Al Sadd then pressed in an attempt to reduce the deficit and scored through Brazilian Firmino, but the referee cancelled the goal after reviewing the video assistant referee footage because Youssef Abdelrazak had handled the ball before the goal in the 57th minute.

Al Sadd continued their efforts to score their first goal and created several chances. The most dangerous fell to Firmino, who had an opportunity one-on-one with the goalkeeper but shot over the bar in the 88th minute. Esteghlal then scored a third through Esmaeil Gholizadeh, who advanced and shot from inside the area in the 90+5th minute.

Source: QNA

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