Iranian Hazfi Cup:
Joao off the mark in Reds shirt as Persepolis eases into last-16
Angolan striker Lucas Joao bagged his long-awaited first goal in the Persepolis colors as the Tehran Reds defeated Mes Songun 3-0 at home to head into the round of 16 in the Iranian Hazfi Cup.
Having teed up fellow-striker Ali Alipour for the opener in the first half, Joao dribbled past a Mes defender before his composed effort found the bottom corner to double the Reds’ lead against the second-tier club on the hour mark – his most productive performance in 10 games across all competitions since signing from Qatari outfit Umm Salal in September.
Masoud Rigi came off the bench to seal the victory with a third goal three minutes from normal time.
Next for Spanish Juan Carlos Garrido’s side is a vital away game against Qatar Stars League side Al Rayyan in the AFC Champions League Elite on Monday.
Sitting ninth in the 12-team table of the West Zone with two points, Persepolis is yet to win a game after four rounds of matches in the continent’s flagship club competition and will have to walk away with maximum points against Al Rayyan to remain in contention for a place in the knockout stage.