TEHRAN – Iran defeated Lebanon 2-0 on Thursday at the 2022 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualification.
Keen to build on their strong finish In Monday’s 4-0 win over Nepal, Iran took just five minutes to go ahead through Mehdi Limouchi, who latched onto skipper’s Yasin Salmani’s pass before beating Lebanese goalkeeper Antoine Al Douaihy from close range.
Mahdavikia’s side missed the chance to extend its lead when Saman Fallah’s Panenka-style penalty kick was kept out by the woodwork in the 90th minute, but the second goal did arrive in the fourth minute of injury time, with Milad Kor rising high to head home the sealer.
Team Melli Omid now faces what looms as a crucial clash with Tajikistan, while Lebanon will be playing for pride in its final outing against Nepal.