MNA - Three-time Asian
champions Iran failed to give new coach Amir Ghalenoiee a winning start
in the AFC Asian Cup 2007 qualifiers after conceding a last-minute
equaliser against Syria for a 1-1 draw on Wednesday here at the Azadi
Stadium.
The Syrians, who are getting used to life without Serb coach Miloslav
Radenovic who quit recently over a pay dispute, had Zyad Chaabo’s
last-minute strike to thank for the one point after Javad Nekounam had
put Iran ahead with his 72nd minute goal.
Ghalenoiee had to make do without the injured Ali Karimi and Vahid
Hashemian, and also regular custodian Ebrahim Mirzapour for the game
though Mehdi Mahdavikia and Nekounam linked up to beef up Team Melli.
Iran handed out a 4-0 thrashing to Chinese Taipei in the only match they
played before this and Ghalenoiee’s men will be keen to make up for
today’s disappointing performance on September 2 when they take on
current group leaders Korea Republic.
