Iran’s Esteghlal Sinks Kuwait SC at ACL Preliminary Round 2
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Esteghlal of Iran is one win away from AFC Champions League 2020 group stages after defeating Kuwait SC 3-0 in the Preliminary Round 2 on Saturday.
The tie, which was originally scheduled to be held at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran, was moved to neutral venue by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Esteghlal took the lead in the 27th minute through Mali international striker Cheick Diabate at the Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai before doubling its lead in the second half as 31-year-old Diabate scored his second goal.
Esteghlal captain Voria Ghafouri registered the third for the Iranian giant five minutes later to seal the 3-0 result and book a place in the play-off round of the AFC Champions League 2020.
Esteghlal will now face Qatar Stars League side Al Rayyan SC in the playoff round at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Tuesday.
