Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Ho Chi Minh City: Sanaye Giti Pasand booked their place in the last four of the AFC Futsal Club Championship Vietnam 2017 after battling to a 2-0 victory against a spirited Bank of Beirut FC side on Thursday.
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Having never defeated an Iranian team in the competition, history was certainly in favour of mighty favourites Giti Pasand who were eyeing a third final in the last six editions, but Bank of Beirut gave a good account of themselves in the opening minutes and created the game’s first clear chance.
Mohamad Kobeissy outmuscled Mohammad Keshavarz to set himself goal-bound, with just the goalkeeper to beat, but Sepehr Mohammadi did well to clear with his feet.
The Lebanese side's roaring start seemed to have unnerved Giti Pasand with the Iranians struggling to find the rhythm to carve out any meaningful chance as the first half reached the midway mark.
Abolghasem Orouji finally came close for the Iranians, but his long-range effort forced a fine save from Hussein Hamadani in the 12th minute.
A minute later, it was Bank of Beirut’s turn to come close, Ahmad Kheir El Dine letting fly a thunderous effort from Behroz Jafari’s corner but Mohammadi was once again the Iranians' saviour.
Bank of Beirut’s Iranian import Jafari came close again with six minutes remaining, but the former Dabiri Tabriz forward failed to match his powerful shot with accuracy as the ever-ready Mohammadi showed safe hands once again.
With 38.8 seconds on the clock, Giti Pasand finally broke the deadlock, somewhat against the run of play, when Orouji eased past Ali Tneich before slotting home to give the Iranians a crucial lead.
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