Esteghlal, Persepolis Forwards Nominated for Best Headers of 2020
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Esteghlal forward Cheick Diabate and Persepolis striker Mehdi Abdi have been nominated for the Best Headers of 2020 AFC Champions League.
The 2021 AFC Champions League is set to be a thrilling affair with the continent's premier club competition expanded to 40 teams.
As the kick-off date for the historic 2021 edition approaches, the-AFC.com looks back at the 2020 tournament which turned out to be a thrilling affair despite the challenging circumstances.
Cheick Diabate
Esteghlal FC vs Al Ahli Saudi FC, Matchday 1
Ali Karimi's chipped cross from the edge of the penalty area found Diabate, who soared high to guide the ball into the net to complete a 3-0 win for Islamic Republic of Iran side Esteghlal FC.
Mehdi Abdi
Persepolis FC v Al Nassr, Semi-final
Trailing by a goal, Persepolis FC needed a hero and Mehdi Abdi was the player of the moment as he rose high to head home Bashar Resan's cross as the Iranian champion went on to win the penalty shootout.
They will vie with Saad Natiq (Al Shorta), Li Shenglong (Shanghai SIPG FC) and Dragan Ceran (Pakhtakor) in the poll.
