Written by Mansoor Ansari   

PFDC - Tehran, In a preparation match for upcoming Asian Cup, Iran's national team defeated Ghana 4-2 in Azadi stadium.

Iran started this match with a new formation, 4-3-3, to present new possibilities for Iran‘s coach Amir Ghalenoei.



With Vahedi being injured, Ghalenoei had Zandi playing in left side, and in line with three other defenders, Rahaman Rezaei, Hadi Aghili, and Mehdi Mahdavi Kia to form a flat four defense.

In mid field, Javad Nekunam and Andranik Teymourian had formed a triangle with Ali Karimi.

And in forward, Javad Kazemian and Reza Enayati were playing right and left wings next to target striker Vahid Hashemian.

The offensive formation paid off pretty fast as Iran scored three goals in less than thirty minutes. First, it was Reza Enayati that headed in a cross from Javad Kazemian in 11^thminute. Then, it was Javad Nekunam that scored in 15^th minute from the PK spot. Javad Kazemian had drawn the penalty a minute earlier with a nice move in penalty box. And then again, it was Reza Enayati to score his second goal in 26^th minute of the match.

Ghana also scored one goal in first half and in 30th minute. It was also Ghana that scored first in second half and in minute 47th by Adoo, followed by another score by the Iranian side in 50^thminute. Hadi Aghili scored Iran's forth and last goal of the match.

The match ended 4-2 for Iran. Iran is scheduled to play Jamaica on July 2^nd. The match was originally scheduled to be played in Mashad, but it was moved back to Tehran. It is scheduled for 19:00 local time.

Iran - Ghana 4-2 (3-1)

Friendly Match, Azadi Stadium

Goals:
1-0 Enayati (11' / Assist: Kazemian)
2-0 Nekounam (15' / Pen. / Kazemian)
3-0 Enayati (27' / Karimi)
3-1 Kumordi (31')
3-2 Addo (48')
4-2 Aghili (50' / Zandi)

Iran's lineup: Talebloo - Mahdavikia (C), Aghili, Rezaei, Zandi (86' Asadi) - Nekounam - Teymourian (70' E. Sadeghi), Karimi (46' Nouri) - Kazemian (63' Kaabi), Enayati (82' Madanchi) - Hashemian (46' Khatibi)

Iranian players booked: Teymourian, Nekounam, Khatibi

Suspensions: Khatibi (91' / second booking)