AFC - Abolfazl Alaii’s 80th minute header ensured Iranian champions Esteghlal Khouzestan took all three points in the 2017 AFC Champions League opener after their 1-0 Group B win over Saudi Arabia’s Al Fateh on Monday at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex.
The continental debutants from Ahvaz were on top for much of the tie but could not find the breakthrough until 10 minutes from time when defender Alaii rose highest to nod home Peyman Shirzadi's inswinging corner at the back post.
Al Fateh, who are making their second appearance in the competition after 2014, see their winless run in the AFC Champions League stretch to seven games after they failed to pick up a victory in their inaugural campaign.