ACL; Saipa surge ahead, Sepahan falter

Persianmirror - Day 2 of Asian Champions League (ACL) saw contrasting results for Iranian sides with Saipa winning 2-0 at home to take the lead in Group B but Sepahan losing 2-0 away to finish bottom of the table in Group A.

The day started with Hazfi Cup winners Sepahan taking on Kuruvchi in Uzbekistan, having lost their first game 2-0 to Al Ittihad of Syria Sepahan had to get something out of this match to have a realistic chance of qualifying for the quarter finals, only group winners proceed to the next stage. Unfortunately for Sepahan they were missing 3 of their key players namely Bengar in defence, Navidkia in midfield and Karimi in attack, Sepahan's Brazilian head coach Vieira is yet to settle into the team and has had a poor run of results since joining the club last month.

Sepahan had problems in defence throughout this match with Hadi Aghili the main man in full back, Papi struggled on the right, I was surprised to see the attacking winger used in right back position, Kuruvchi took full advantage of Sepahan's weakness in defence and put Sepahan's right back under pressure throughout the match, Sepahan playing a 4-5-1 formation relied on counter-attack but it wasn't to be, two second half goals put the match beyond Sepahan. In the other Group A match the two Al Ittihads from Syria and Saudi Arabia took to the field, one goal was enough to settle the match in favour of the Saudis, with 6 points out of two matches Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia become early favourites to win Group A, Sepahan could earn 12 points by winning their remaining four matches but I doubt if 12 points would be enough to win the group.

Saipa FC of Karaj coached by Ali Daei made a better start to ACL narrowly missing on a win against Al Kuwait last week but outplaying their opponent. Match 2 against UAE champions Al Wasl was a tougher challenge but a well disciplined determined Saipa was to have the last say in the match, a last minute Traore first half goal put the home side ahead, Ansarifard added a second in 57th minute to put the match beyond Al Wasl in the last match of the Iranian calendar year, Saipa on 4 points take the lead on goal difference in Group B, in the other match of Group B Al Quwa Al Jawiya of Iraq and Al Kuwait settled for a goalless draw.

It should be noted that Daei's Saipa have now played clubs from two countries that will be playing Iran in world cup 2010 qualifiers (Kuwait and UAE), Saipa have been the stronger side in both matches collecting four out of six points and that will serve as a morale booster to the national side 'Team Melli', these matches have also provided Team Melli coaches to analyse their forthcoming opponents. Happy Norouz and all the best to Iranian fans, clubs and Team Melli.

Forthcoming International matches:
March 21st - Bahrain vs. Iran (friendly)
March 26th - Kuwait vs. Iran (World Cup 2010 Qualifier)

April 9th - Sepahan (Iran) vs. Al Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)
April 9th - Al Quwa Al Jawiya (Iraq) vs. Saipa (Iran)

By Afshin Dastafshan
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