Hosts Esteghlal never looked troubled by the visitors, who were restricted to half-chances by an impressive back-line. One of many long-distance shots almost reduced the deficit later on in the second half, but the post denied Al Rayyan a way back into the match. Noorafkan leads from the back Starlet Omid Noorafkan shone brightly at left-back against his Qatari opponents, who rarely threatened down his flank all match long. Much is expected of the youngster, who broke into the first team aged just 18, a club record. Just days after scoring his first-ever league goal, a winner against Naft Tehran on Thursday, Noorafkan completed three dribbles and had 94 touches of the ball against opponents who had no answer to his quality.
