AFC - Captain Javad Nekonam scored a hat-trick as three-time champions Iran opened their AFC Asian Cup 2015 qualifying campaign in style with a 5-0 win over 10-man Lebanon in Tehran on Wednesday.

Standard Liege’s Reza Ghoochannejhad also netted twice at Azadi Stadium as Iran gained revenge over Lebanon having lost last year’s FIFA World Cup 2014 Asian qualifier 1-0 in Beirut.

With two teams from each group securing automatic qualification for the 2015 finals in Australia, Kuwait - who entertain Iran at the end of March- join Iran at the top of Group B after beating Thailand 3-1 in Bangkok.

Iran had to wait until midway through the first half to open the scoring as Mojtaba Jabari fed Ghoochannejhad for the Belgium-based striker to fire past Lebanon goalkeeper Abbas Hassan for his first international goal.

Anderanik Teymourian and Fulham midfielder Ashkan Dejagah both went close for Iran as the half progressed, with Hassan Maatouk creating Lebanon’s first real opportunity after 31 minutes.

But in first half stoppage time Iran finally doubled their lead as Nekonam converted from the penalty spot.

And Iran’s third arrived just after the hour mark as Nekonam again netted from 12 yards after Nour Mansour had been sent-off after picking up a second yellow card for a foul on the lively Dejagah inside the penalty area.

Ghoochannejhad’s second international goal extended the lead soon after as the striker converted from close range before Nekonam’s deflected strike with 10 minutes remaining sealed the win and his hat-trick.