Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Qarshi: Last year’s semi-finalists Persepolis sealed their place at the 2018 AFC Champions League Knockout Stage with a 0-0 draw against Uzbekistan’s FC Nasaf on Monday, as the Islamic Republic of Iran side claimed a better head-to-head record in their Group C campaign.
The Iranian champions dominated possession throughout the opening half but could not make a single shot on target for the entire 45 minutes as Nasaf defended resolutely in the face of frequent attacks.
The hosts’ most dangerous chance of the first half came in the 18th minute when Azizjon Ganiev’s cross from the right flank nearly tricked Persepolis goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand, but the Iranian international tipped it behind before defender Jalal Hosseini cleared the danger.
After the break, Persepolis stepped up their game as Siamak Nemati attempted to take Farshad Ahmadzadeh’s cross, but his half-volleyed effort sailed high above the Uzbek goal five minutes after the restart.