Iran, UAE lads in action-packed 1-1 draw

DUBAI - Iran national youth team fought back to hold their UAE counterparts to an action-packed 1-1 draw in their return friendly football match at the Iranian Club Stadium here on Saturday night.

The Iranians won the first match 3-2 at the same venue on Thursday night. The friendlies formed part of the two teams' preparations for the Asian Youth Football Finals scheduled to be held in Kolkata from October 26 to November 14.

UAE will face Jordan in their final warm-up match in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

The UAE, who conceded some easy goals in the first match, were better organised especially in the defence on Saturday night. Hojat Chahaar Mahadi, who scored all the three goals for the visitors in the first encounter, was kept under check. Mohammed Najib was on target for UAE after 25 minutes before they hit back to draw level through Mehrdad Pourladi, three minutes on resumption.

UAE were kept under early pressure by Iran, giving some uneasy moments to the keeper Ali Kasef. The visitors earned the first corner of the match during this period, but the UAE defence managed to survive the storm. After fending off Iran’s attacking moves, UAE began to impose their authority on the game with a series of spectacular breaks from the mid-field. Captain of the side Abdullah Noobi and Mohammed Najib spearheaded most of the attacks with some superb moves into their opponents’ half. Iran, however, managed to keep UAE at bay through fine tackling at the rear by Farhad Al Khamis, Variah Gafouri and Mahdi Chaman Ara. Iran’s keeper Ali Raza Hakiki was also at his best producing two brilliant saves to deny Abdullah Moosah and Mohammed Najib scoring chances after 22 minutes. But Najib was not to be denied three minutes later when he fired UAE into the lead. After picking a pass on the left, he dribbled past two defenders before driving a low shot past Ali Reza Hakiki.

Iran went close a minute later when Hojat Chahaar Mahadi missed the target with a powerful volley following a cross from the left. UAE keeper Ali Kasef rushed out to punch away after another inswinger from Ali Amiri on the left in the 30th minute. UAE’s defence, revolving around Fauzi Faiz, Talal Ahmed and Mussala Faiz, had to work hard as their opponents pressed for the equaliser.

After a long spell on the defensive, UAE made one break through Mohammed Najib whose 25-metre effort went over the bar after 40 minutes. Iran, however, gained control immediately after the break to level the scores, three minutes into the session. The hard-working Mehrdad Pourladi, who received a pass on the left, beat a defender before firing a low shot past the keeper for the equaliser.

After the match, UAE’s coach Bonnevay Jacky said the players were more determined not to lose for the second time at the hands of their opponents.

“The draw is a good result as Iran are a strong side. I am happy with that,” he said.

Jacky said he reminded the players after the defeat last time that it was not appropriate to attack all the time and forget about defence. “I feel they heeded this advice.”

Jacky expressed satisfaction with the preparations for the Asian finals as they had played against some strong teams in the warm-up matches. “We have played against the Malaysian Olympic team, Saudi Arabia and twice against Iran. All these teams are strong,” he added.