Iran's national youth football team secured their place in the AFC U-20 Cup after a convincing 3-1 victory over Vietnam in their final Group C qualifier match on Sunday.
The match, held at Viet Tri Stadium, saw Iran finish the group stage with 6 points, ultimately advancing as one of the best second-placed teams. Iran's campaign began with a 2-1 win against Palestine, followed by a narrow 2-1 defeat to North Korea. Today's decisive victory ensured their progression to the next round, where they will face China.
Match Summary
First Half
The first half proved challenging for Iran, despite creating several promising opportunities. Vietnam took the lead in the 40th minute through a goal by Nguyen, sending the hosts into halftime with a 1-0 advantage.
Second Half Comeback
Iran emerged with renewed determination in the second half, delivering a dominant performance that ultimately turned the match in their favor.
Equalizer (50th minute): Following a long throw-in by Amir Mohammad Karimi and a header from Erfan Khodadadian, Mohammad Mehdi Jannia set up Arian Moali, who fired a precise shot from close range to level the score.
Go-Ahead Goal (61st minute): The referee awarded Iran a penalty after the Vietnamese goalkeeper fouled Mehdi Cheshmbarah. Mahan Beheshti stepped up confidently and slotted the ball into the right corner of the net, giving Iran a 2-1 lead.
Third Goal (83rd minute): Iran earned another penalty when Abolfazl Zadeh-Attar was brought down inside the box. Zadeh-Attar took the responsibility himself and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, calmly placing the ball to the right of the goal to seal a 3-1 victory.
Iran's Lineup
The following players represented Iran in this crucial encounter:
Starting XI: Amir Mehdi Maghsoudi, Mohammad Amin Hosseini, Abolfazl Kazemi, Amir Mohammad Karimi, Mohammad Akbari (46' – Mahan Alipour), Mohammad Mehdi Jannia, Arian Moali, Mehdi Cheshmbarah (88' – Pooya Esmi), Benjamin Alipour (46' – Jafar Asadi), Mahan Beheshti (68' – Amir Mehdi Yahyaei), and Erfan Khodadadian (80' – Abolfazl Zadeh-Attar).
Match Officials
The match was officiated by referee Harish Kondo from India, assisted by Ajlal Halder (India) and Saad Saud (Saudi Arabia).