Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Isfahan: Zobahan FC will be looking to bounce back from an opening-day defeat in Group B of the AFC Champions League when they welcome Uzbekistan’s PFC Lokomotiv to Foolad Shahr Stadium on Monday.
Brazilian forward Kiros gave Zobahan an early lead against Al Duhail last week, but the Islamic Republic of Iran side were unable to hold on and ultimately lost 3-1 following three goals in the final 16 minutes. They have now lost their last three games in the tournament proper.
Lokomotiv got off to the perfect start last week by posting a 5-0 victory over Al Wahda in Tashkent with Ikromjon Alibaev’s stunning effort from inside his own half the pick of the goals as the Uzbek champions put their disappointing 2017 campaign firmly behind them.
This will be the first meeting between the sides, although Zobahan’s only defeat in eight games against Uzbek opposition came way back in 2005 to Pakhtakor, while Lokomotiv’s last trip to Iran resulted in a 2-0 defeat to Esteghlal in 2017.