‘Team Melli’ didn’t travel to South Africa with their strongest squad and, instead, fielded a mixture of a few senior players, like goalkeeper and captain Mehdi Rahmati, along with a few younger inexperienced players.
Amakhosi created the better early opportunities. Valary Nahayo hit the ball over the crossbar from inside the box after a corner by Abia Nale in the seventh minute. Five minutes later, a cross from left-back Punch Masenamela got to Mandla Masango. However, the right-winger didn’t attack the ball and allowed an Iranian defender enough time to clear the danger.
Iran got their first goalscoring chance in the 23rd minute when striker Mohammed Reza Khala Tbari shot straight at Chiefs goalkeeper Thela Ngobeni. Amakhosi were slightly the more adventurous side, but without creating too many chances. Chiefs fielded a few of their new signings like centre-back Thomas Sweswe, striker Knowledge Musona and right-back Tshifhiwa Mmbooi.
The second half started at a better pace and this time it was Iran that got the early opportunity. Striker Khala Tbari provided a fine ball to Karim Ansari Fard, but he failed to score from close range. Another chance went astray when Musona failed to hit the target with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Chiefs coach Vladimir Vermezovic brought in some fresh legs in the form of Josta Dladla, Nkosinathi Nhleko and Tinashe Nengomasha, but it didn’t help much.
Iran were the better side in the second half, creating the more dangerous opportunities, but ultimately a goalless draw was probably a fair reflection of the game.