Tractorsazi had achieved their highest-ever finish in the Iran Pro League in the 2011-12 season, ending the campaign as runners-up, a single point behind champions Sepahan, which meant the club would be making their AFC Champions League debut the following season.

An experienced coach was needed to help the club navigate this new territory, and with past experiences in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and China PR, Toni was the chosen one for the challenge. The Portuguese remembers his first encounter with Tractorsazi players.

“I remember my first day; I told the players that being there was a challenge for me,” the 71-year-old told the-AFC.com.

“I explained to them that I want to bring my experience as a coach and as a player, to help them become not only better players, but better men too. I always give 100 percent to be engaged with the players.”

Al Gharafa got off to a flyer and were in front after just 11 minutes when Taremi powered in a header from Othman Al Yahri’s cross.

Back-to-back defensive mistakes from Sime Gregov cost Tractorsazi another goal in the 21st minute. 

The Croatian was first dispossessed by Taremi who out-muscled him to move clear on goal before selflessly squaring for Wesley Sneijder who had the empty goal at his mercy. 

However, Gregov has recovered just in time to intercept Taremi’s pass, only to fluff his lines and watch the ball roll into the back of the net from his attempted clearance.

Tractorsazi were thrown a lifeline six minutes before the break when Rubert Quijada was fouled by Mohammad Naderi inside the box, but Mehdi Mehdipour saw his powerful strike from the spot parried away by goalkeeper Yousef Hassan.

Taremi had the chance to double his tally for the night, but his 75th minute penalty was saved by goalkeeper Jordi. 

The Iranian international, however, made up for it with a close-range finish to round the scoring in the dying seconds of the game. 

The Qatari side welcome Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli to Doha in Matchday Three while Tractorsazi travel to Abu Dhabi to face Al Jazira.

 

The 2011 champions followed up their Matchday One win over Al Wasl with a solid performance against Persepolis at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, picking up their second straight win courtesy yet another brace from Baghdad Bounedjah.

Bounedjah strikes again for Al Sadd

After coming off the bench to score twice and deliver an Al Sadd comeback win over Al Wasl in Dubai last week, Bounedjah showcased his array of abilities once again with two well-taken goals against Persepolis.

While the first goal had Bounedjah hoodwinking an entire defence with a stealthy run, his second saw him show great composure while facing two defenders head-on, before calmly slotting home to make it 2-0.

A statement published on the club’s official Twitter account thanked the Argentine for his efforts which brought the Riyadh-based club a domestic league and cup double in addition to a spot in the 2017 AFC Champions League final which they lost to Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds.

Al Hilal find themselves bottom of Group D in the continental competition after two matchdays, with a goalless home draw against Al Ain followed by the 1-0 reversal against Esteghlal on Tuesday leaving them with one point.