Sepahan stunned by Al Wehdat in ACL Two opener
Persian Gulf Pro League club Sepahan fell to a shock 2-1 defeat against Jordan’s Al Wehdat in their opening AFC Champions League Two Group C tie at Amman International Stadium.
The leader in the Iranian top-flight table with a perfect run, the Isfahan-based club thought it was on its way to a comfortable victory on the road when Tajikistan international Vahdat Hanonov’s long-range effort found the back of the net nine minutes into the game.
The home side, however, had other ideas as Ousseynou Gueye drew Al Wehdat level with a cool touch in a one-on-one situation with Sepahan keeper Payam Niazmand midway through the first half.
Sepahan’s clumsy backline was punished again 10 minutes after the break, with Ibrahim Sabra slotting home for Al Wehdat’s second of the night.
Desperate to salvage the game, Sepahan coach Jose Morais made four changes at one go, sending on Steven Nzonzi, Reza Asadi, Hossein Goodarzi and Aboubakar Kamara.
However, it was the host which came close to doubling its lead in the closing stages as Sabra forced Niazmand into a good save before his follow-up effort came off the post 18 minutes left on the clock.
Defending comfortably in numbers and with Sepahan’s Hadi Mohammadi sent off in stoppage time, Al Wehdat saw off the remainder of the game to claim the win.
“Al Wehdat played teamwork football with high spirit, and therefore deserved to achieve the victory,” Morais said after the game.
“The match was difficult for both sides, and our success in scoring the first goal put additional pressure on us. Al Wehdat players’ reaction was very distinctive, and I believe that they presented a performance that reflects their club and fans,” added the Portuguese.
Al Wehdat head coach Rafat Ali couldn’t hide his delight after his team produced a stirring comeback, saying: “It was a difficult match that presented its own challenges but we were able to control the opposing team in our own way.”
“We worked hard for eight consecutive days to achieve this victory, and I believe that Al Wehdat players are showing that they can live up to their responsibilities,” Ali added.
“The upcoming matches will be difficult, but we will fight to achieve our target in the competition.”
Sepahan will face FC Istiklol of Tajikistan next at home on October 2 while Al Wehdat will visit UAE’s Sharjah FC, which walked away with a 1-0 win at Istiklol.