Tag: Mohammad Mohebi

Iran Secures 2-0 Victory Over Tanzania in Dubai Friendly

The Iranian national football team, under coach Amir Ghalenoei, secured a 2-0 victory against Tanzania in an international friendly on Tuesday evening. The match, held at Al Rashid Stadium in Dubai, UAE, saw both goals scored in a dominant first-half performance by Team Melli.

Amir Hossein Hosseinzadeh opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 14th minute, following a foul on Mohammad Mohebbi, adding to the goal he scored in Iran’s previous match against Russia. Mohammad Mohebi then doubled the lead in the 25th minute with a shot that took a slight deflection off a defender.

First-Half Dominance

Iran started aggressively and created an early chance in the 2nd minute, with Mohammad Mohebi unable to convert. Tanzania responded with a significant opportunity of their own in the 8th minute; a defensive error by Shoja Khalilzadeh left Charles M. Mumba one-on-one with goalkeeper Payam Niazmand, but his shot was parried away for a corner.

The breakthrough came when Kasra Taheri played Mohebi into the box, resulting in a foul from Tanzania’s Ibrahim Abdullah. Hosseinzadeh calmly converted the ensuing penalty. Shortly after, Taheri was again the provider, setting up Mohebi, whose shot deflected past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.

The first half was marred by an injury to the promising Kasra Taheri, who was forced off in the 39th minute after a heavy challenge and replaced by Mohammad Javad Hosseinnejad.

Second-Half Adjustments

Tanzania began the second half with more purpose, pressuring the Iranian defense. A long-range effort from Yahya Zayed sailed just over the bar in the 47th minute, followed by another chance that required a last-ditch clearance from Danieal Esmailifar.

Iran suffered a second injury setback in the 54th minute when Mohammad Amin Hezbavi went down with a groin issue, making way for Ali Nemati.

The most notable incident of the second half saw Alireza Jahanbakhsh’s long-range shot from outside the box deflect off teammate Milad Mohammadi’s hand and into the net. The referee initially awarded the goal but, after consulting with his assistant, correctly disallowed it for handball.

Tanzania threatened once more in the 73rd minute with a long-range effort that flew wide, but Iran managed the game effectively to see out the 2-0 win.

Lineups:

  • Iran: Niazmand; Esmailifar, Hezbavi (54′ Nemati), Khalilzadeh, M. Mohammadi; Ezzatollahi, Ghoddos (64′ Ghorbani); Mohebi (45′ Jahanbakhsh), Hosseinzadeh (64′ Alipour), Hashemnejad (64′ Sayadmanesh); Taheri (39′ Hosseinnejad).
  • Tanzania: Soliman; Masindo, Munda (45′ Mwaikenda), Mwamenyetu, Abdullah; Zayed, Dismas, Mumba (45′ A. Soliman), Salem (45′ Abraham); Peter (64′ Chikola), Al-Arikhya.

Team Melli Survives Tajikistan Scare to Book Place in CAFA Final

DUSHANBE – Iran’s national football team secured its place in the final of the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup, but not before surviving a monumental scare from a determined Tajikistan side in a thrilling 2-2 draw on Thursday evening. The result, which felt more like a defeat for the Iranians, was enough to see Team Melli top Group B and advance to the championship final match.

The match began according to script for Amir Ghalenoei’s side. Mohammad Mehdi Mohebi broke the deadlock in the first half, capitalizing on an uncharacteristic error by Rustam Yatimov in the Tajikistan goal, who failed to catch a cross and present Mohebi with the chance to put Iran ahead. After the break, his namesake, Mohammad Mohebi, doubled the lead, seemingly putting the game beyond the hosts and setting Iran on a comfortable path to the final.

However, the script was abruptly torn up as Tajikistan, fueled by immense pride and the roaring support of a passionate home crowd, launched a stunning comeback. Their first goal arrived under controversial circumstances. A goal-line scramble resulted in a VAR review, which awarded a goal despite Iranian goalkeeper Payam Niazmand appearing to have clawed the ball to safety. Television replays suggested the decision was fortuitous, handing the hosts a crucial lifeline.

There was nothing fortunate about the equalizer. In the 76th minute, Zoir Dzhuraboev produced a moment of pure quality, finding space between two Iranian defenders to unleash a powerful volley that flew past Niazmand, sending the Dushanbe stadium into a frenzy.

The final minutes were a nervy, frantic affair. Coach Ghalenoei, visibly anxious that a third Tajik goal would eliminate Iran from the tournament, made defensive substitutions, bringing on Hossein Kananizadegan to shore up a suddenly shaky backline and withdrawing Mohammad Mohebi. Tajikistan’s late flurry of attacks tested Iranian resolve, but Team Melli ultimately held on for the point they needed.

Tactical Takeaways and Performance Analysis

Ghalenoei continued his experimental approach, fielding a third different starting lineup in as many games. While this strategy achieved his objective of granting playing time to all squad members, it came at the cost of fluidity and understanding on the pitch.

The introduction of star forwards Mehdi Taremi and Alireza Jahanbakhsh in the second half initially paid dividends, with their experience contributing to Iran’s second goal and a period of controlled play. Yet, this proved to be a false dawn. The most glaring issue was Iran’s complete loss of control in midfield. Even with Saman Ghoddos playing the full 90 minutes, his influence was muted, and the unit failed to provide a platform for attack or a shield for the defense. Jahanbakhsh, operating in a creative role, was ineffective in supplying the forwards.

Despite the progression to the final, the performance raised significant concerns. The team displayed a worrying lack of game management, allowing initiative to slip away against determined opposition. Neither the new faces nor the established stars managed to deliver a convincing display, leaving Ghalenoei with much to ponder.

The Road Ahead

Iran will now face the winner of the other group, either Oman or Uzbekistan, in the final. While the objective of reaching the title match was achieved, this performance serves as a stark warning. If Team Melli is to lift the CAFA trophy, significant improvements in midfield solidity, defensive concentration, and overall tactical cohesion will be required. For now, it is very much back to the drawing board for Amir Ghalenoei.

Team Melli to Face Russia in Friendly Match Ahead of 2026 World Cup

The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) has announced that Team Melli will deploy its strongest lineup in an upcoming friendly match against Russia. The highly anticipated encounter is scheduled for October 6 and is expected to take place at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium—the iconic venue that hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup final.

According to Russian sports outlet Sport 24, which obtained details from the FFIRI, the contract for the match is set to be finalized soon. A federation representative stated, “We are awaiting confirmation, but the match will most likely be held in Moscow, and the stadium selection process is underway.”

The friendly holds significant importance for Iran as part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup. An FFIRI official emphasized, “This match is crucial for our World Cup preparations, which is why we will call up all our European-based stars. Our strongest squad will face Russia.”

Iran, currently topping Group A in the Asian World Cup qualifiers, has already secured its place in the 2026 tournament, becoming the second Asian team after Japan to do so. As a result, their remaining qualifiers against Qatar and North Korea in June will be largely ceremonial.

In addition to the Russia friendly, Team Melli is also set to compete in the 2024 CAFA Nations Cup, further fine-tuning their squad ahead of the global showdown in two years.
Russia’s National Team: Post-FIFA Sanctions Landscape

Since the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, Russia’s national team has been suspended from international competitions by both FIFA and UEFA. This has effectively barred the team from taking part in major tournaments, including qualifiers for the 2022 and now the 2026 World Cup.

In response, Russia has turned to organizing friendlies and mini-tournaments with countries outside UEFA’s jurisdiction or those maintaining neutral stances. These matches, such as the upcoming clash with Iran, offer Russia a chance to maintain competitive form and visibility on the international football stage, despite ongoing isolation from the global footballing community.

Iranian Presence in the Russian Premier League

Despite political tensions and international sanctions, footballing ties between Iran and Russia remain active, particularly at the club level. Several Iranian players have found opportunities in the Russian Premier League, showcasing their talent and strengthening bilateral football relations.

One notable example is Mohammad Mohebi, who currently plays for FC Rostov. Mohebi has impressed with his technical skill and adaptability, earning regular minutes and contributing to Rostov’s attacking play. His presence not only reflects the growing reputation of Iranian footballers abroad but also highlights Russia’s openness to talent from non-European nations amid geopolitical shifts.

As these ties grow, Iranian players may continue to seek opportunities in Russian clubs, especially as European transfers become more competitive and politically complicated.

Sardar Azmoun’s road to fame started in Russia and with Zenit St. Petersburg, he reached to peak of his achievement with league titles and winning the best striker, the first Iranian to do so in a European league.

Squad update ahead of Kyrgyzstan match.

Team Melli will leave for Bishkek at 5 pm local time on a direct flight to the Kyrgyz Republic capital for the first match of the return round of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

Missing from the squad will be three players.

Mohammad Mohebbi: The star of the game against Korea DPR and the scorer of a brace has received a knock and seems to be doubtful. It is not clear if he will fly with the team and if the coaching staff would utilize him for the game against Kyrgyzstan after passing a fitness test. His absence will be a blow for the team, especially as he has scored four goals in two games in the qualifiers.

Saman Ghoddos, whose injury has been diagnosed as more serious than initially thought, will not accompany the squad and instead will head back to the UAE for observation and treatment by his club medical team. Ghoddos did not play against North Korea on Thursday.

Shoja’a Khalilzadeh: His red card against Korea DPR means an automatic suspension, and he will not accompany the team to Bishkek.

Doubtful cases:
Sardar Azmoun: The center forward of Team Melli who has been in excellent form recently, received a knock in the last game against Korea DPR. Coach Ghalenoei p[ted to substitute him in the middle e of the second half. No further report of complications or the extent of the injury has been made public. Azmoun. however, is on the passenger manifest of the flight. His game time will be decided by Ghalenoei on Tuesday.

Team Melli Dominates Qatar in 4-1 Victory, Strengthening World Cup Hopes

In a commanding performance, Team Melli triumphed 4-1 over reigning AFC Asian Cup champions Qatar in a crucial home game in Dubai. This victory gives Iran a significant advantage in their quest to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the fourth consecutive time.

Key Milestones and Table Standings

The win propelled Iran to the top of Group A with 10 points and a two-goal advantage over Uzbekistan. More importantly, it opened up a crucial six-point gap between the top two teams and the third-ranked side, which could prove decisive as only the top two teams directly qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

This match also served as sweet revenge for Team Melli, who narrowly lost 3-2 to Qatar in the semi-finals of the AFC Asian Cup in Doha.

A Match Full of Drama

The match delivered plenty of excitement for Iranian fans, despite an early scare. Almoez Ali stunned the crowd with a thunderous shot that found the back of Beiranvand’s net, giving Qatar a 1-0 lead. However, Iran quickly regained composure, demonstrating their strength, skill, and resilience to score four goals and secure the emphatic victory.

Positives from the Match

While there were challenges, Team Melli showcased its potential and ability to dominate:

1. Sardar Azmoun’s Resurgence:
After a string of lackluster performances, Azmoun was the standout player, delivering a man-of-the-match performance. He scored twice and assisted the third goal, demonstrating his value to the team. Playing on his club’s home ground, Azmoun’s performance was a timely reminder of his quality and class as a forward.

2. Defensive Agility:
Despite conceding early, Iran’s makeshift defense—missing two key players—showed impressive resilience. They managed to neutralize Qatar’s dangerous forwards, Akram Afif and Almoez Ali, providing little room for further threats.

3. Winning Mentality:
The team displayed a relentless drive to win. Even when leading 3-1, Team Melli pressed forward, securing a fourth goal in injury time. This offensive mindset reflects a growing belief in the squad’s abilities, something that will be crucial as they continue their qualifying campaign.

Areas for Improvement

Despite the impressive victory, there are still aspects that need addressing:

1. Route One Football:
Coach Ghalenoei has relied heavily on the ‘Route One’ tactic, which involves long, direct passes to the forwards. However, this approach has seldom yielded results for Iran, and ironically, Qatar’s opening goal came from a similar tactic. Once Iran shifted to a more creative passing game—utilizing the wings and feeding the ball to power forwards Taremi and Azmoun—they found success. This match proved that Team Melli is far more effective when they focus on building play rather than relying on long balls. Hopefully, Ghalenoei will reconsider his use of Route One football going forward.

2. Discipline Issues:
Iran’s players continue to struggle with discipline. In this match, Mehdi Ghayedi narrowly avoided being sent off for a reckless tackle, and three yellow cards were needlessly conceded by Azmoun, Mohebbi, and Ghayedi. This indiscipline is a worrying trend—Team Melli has accumulated 10 cards (9 yellow, 1 red) in just four matches of the World Cup qualifiers. Such poor discipline could prove costly in future matches, and it’s an issue that requires more oversight from the coaching staff.

3. Lack of Trust in Young Players:
Coach Ghalenoei has spoken of integrating young talent, but his reluctance to give them significant playing time was evident. Promising players like Amin Hezbavi, Javad Hosseinnejad, Yousefi, and Amir Hosseinzadeh were either sidelined or given minimal minutes, while older players like Jahanbaksh and Moghanlou—who have struggled to make an impact—were given preference. If these young players are to develop, they need meaningful opportunities to prove themselves on the big stage.

4. The Ali Gholizadeh Mystery:
The decision to keep Ali Gholizadeh on the bench remains puzzling. His pace and skill could have been crucial in breaking down Qatar’s defense, especially on the flanks. Hopefully, his absence was not due to an injury, as his talent would have made a significant difference.

Looking Ahead

Despite the criticisms, Team Melli’s performance against Qatar was largely positive. However, consistency will be key as they prepare to face North Korea, the lowest-ranked team in their group, and Kyrgyzstan in November. North Korea, while not as formidable as Qatar, will present a different challenge. Anything less than six points in these upcoming matches would be a disappointment for a team with such high aspirations.

TEAM MELLI TROUNCES QATAR TO GO TOP OF GROUP ‘A’

Iran’s Team Melli Triumphs 4-1 Over Qatar in World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Team Melli soared to the top of Group A in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round 3 qualifiers after a commanding 4-1 victory over Qatar on Tuesday. The win was powered by braces from Sardar Azmoun and Mohammad Mohebbi.

The match began with an early scare for Iran when, in the 17th minute, Almoez Ali broke free from his marker, Ali Nemati, and fired a shot into the roof of Alireza Beiranvand’s goal to put Qatar ahead. Iran responded late in the first half with Azmoun’s powerful header, which left the Qatari goalkeeper rooted to the spot. Omid Nourafkan delivered a precise cross from the left, and Azmoun’s clinical finish drew Iran level. Before that equalizer, Azmoun came close by rattling the crossbar, marking Iran’s best chance in the first half. Despite this, the opening 45 minutes ended in a 1-1 stalemate, with neither side fully controlling the game.

In the second half, Iran took command with fluid passing and excellent ball distribution, creating multiple chances and dictating the pace against the reigning AFC Asian Cup champions. Just three minutes into the half, Qatar’s goalkeeper Meshaal Bersham collided with his own defender while attempting to clear the ball, gifting Azmoun an easy opportunity to tap home his second goal and put Iran ahead.

In the 66th minute, Mohammad Mohebbi further deflated Qatar’s hopes with Iran’s third goal. A well-placed through ball found Azmoun just inside the Qatari half, and his blistering run into the box ended with a perfectly timed pass to the onrushing Mohebbi, who slotted the ball into an open net.

Mohebbi sealed the victory late in stoppage time with a second goal, heading home from Nourafkan’s corner to make it 4-1. The win lifted Iran to the top of the group, surpassing Uzbekistan on goal difference.

This was a crucial and comprehensive win for coach Amir Ghalenoei, who had been facing criticism and pressure to shake up the lineup amid injuries, suspensions and dips in form. Despite a few key absences, the coach fielded a balanced and powerful lineup. Mohammad Karimi, Nourafkan, and Nemati, despite Nemati’s early lapse that led to Qatar’s opener, performed well in their roles as replacements, proving Ghalenoei’s tactics effective on the day.

Amir Ghalenoei Announces Team Melli Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers

Amir Ghalenoei has announced Team Melli’s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, with an away match against Uzbekistan and a home game against Qatar. Alongside familiar names, Ghalenoei has introduced two new, unfamiliar faces as part of his ongoing project to inject younger talent into the squad.

Notable Absentees

The squad will be missing one key player due to injury while some others due to strategic decisions. Hossein Kanani is sidelined with an injury, and three senior players—Ehsan Hajsafy, Karim Ansarifard, and Ramin Rezaeian—have been excluded from the team. This marks a significant shift as Ghalenoei looks to build a more dynamic and youthful team. It seems that the three senior players are destined to retire from Team Melli.

Rising Star: Mohammad Mahdi Zare

One of the most notable inclusions is Mohammad Mahdi Zare, a 21-year-old, 192 cm tall defender from Gol Gohar Sirjan Club. Zare has been a standout performer this season, seizing the opportunity presented by Masih Zahedi’s injury. Despite only sitting on the bench for the first game in a 1-0 defeat, Zare has since been a crucial part of a defensive line that has conceded only one goal in the subsequent five matches.

The list includes the welcome return of Mohammad Mohebbi after a long period of absence due to injury that disrupted his excellent performance with the Russian Club FC Rostov.

Strategic Decisions and Future Prospects

While it is unlikely that Ghalenoei will field Zare in the challenging matches against Uzbekistan and Qatar, the young defender’s inclusion in the squad is seen as a valuable opportunity for him to gain experience and prepare for future competitions. Ghalenoei’s strategy of integrating younger players is aimed at ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of Team Melli.

As Team Melli prepares for these crucial qualifiers, the blend of experienced players and emerging talents like Zare reflects Ghalenoei’s vision for a balanced and competitive team. The upcoming matches will not only test the team’s current capabilities but also provide a glimpse into the future of Iranian football.

THE SQUAD

No.PostPlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClub
1GKAlireza Beiranvand21 September 1992 (age 32)730 Tractor
12GKPayam Niazmand6 April 1995 (age 29)90 Sepahan
22GKHossein Hosseini30 June 1992 (age 32)110 Esteghlal
2DFSaleh Hardani26 December 1998 (age 25)80 Sepahan
4DFShojae Khalilzadeh14 May 1989 (age 35)442 Tractor
5DFMilad Mohammadi29 September 1993 (age 31)631 Persepolis
15DFAmin Hazbavi6 May 2003 (age 21)30 Sepahan
18DFAbolfazl Jalali26 June 1998 (age 26)60 Esteghlal
23DFAria Yousefi22 April 2002 (age 22)40 Sepahan
24DFAli Nemati7 February 1996 (age 28)00 Foolad Khuzestan
DFMohammad Daneshgar24 January 1994 (age 30)20 Sepahan
DFMehdi Zare25 January 2003 (age 21)00 Gol Gohar Sirjan
3MFMohammad Ghorbani21 May 2001 (age 23)40 Orenburg
6MFSaeid Ezatolahi1 October 1996 (age 28)701 Shabab Al Ahli
7MFAlireza Jahanbakhsh11 August 1993 (age 31)8617Free agent
10MFMehdi Ghayedi5 December 1998 (age 25)218 Ittihad Kalba
11MFAli Gholizadeh10 March 1996 (age 28)386 Lech Poznań
14MFSaman Ghoddos6 September 1993 (age 31)543 Ittihad Kalba
16MFMehdi Torabi10 September 1994 (age 30)517 Tractor
17MFMohammad Karimi20 June 1996 (age 28)40 Sepahan
21MFOmid Noorafkan9 April 1997 (age 27)241 Malavan
MFMohammad Mohebi20 December 1998 (age 25)236 Rostov
MFAmirhossein Hosseinzadeh30 October 2000 (age 23)30 Tractor
MFJavad Hosseinnejad26 June 2003 (age 21)20 FC Dynamo Makhachkala
9FWMehdi Taremi18 July 1992 (age 32)8751 Inter Milan
19FWShahriyar Moghanlou21 December 1994 (age 29)112 Ittihad Kalba
20FWSardar Azmoun1 January 1995 (age 29)8553 Shabab Al Ahli

Team Melli puts five past Turkmenistan

Team Melli, showcased an exceptional performance as they triumphed 5-0 over Turkmenistan in the thrilling encounter at Azadi Stadium in Tehran, marking the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers within Group E.

Led by the proficient officiating of Japan’s Yusuke Araki, the match unfolded with Iran’s dominance evident from the onset. Ranked 20th globally, Iran swiftly asserted their superiority over Turkmenistan, solidifying their leading position in the group.

The scoring spree commenced in the 10th minute, orchestrated by Mohammad Hossein Kananizadegan, who soared high to connect with Saleh Hardani’s precise cross, netting Iran’s opening goal. Sardar Azmoun, demonstrating exceptional composure, extended the lead merely three minutes later, capitalizing on Taremi’s adept pass to find the back of the net past Turkmenistan’s custodian, Rustem Ahallyýew.

Although Iran maintained control throughout the match, the intensity of their attacks waned as the first half progressed, with the scoreline freezing at 2-0 in favor of Iran by halftime. The departure of Sardar Azmoun due to injury at the cusp of halftime saw Omid Nourafkan take the field in the second half, bringing fresh energy to Iran’s offensive maneuvers.

Resuming the onslaught in the second half, Hossein Kananizadegan showcased his prowess once more, securing his brace and Iran’s third goal with a determined finish amidst the chaos in Turkmenistan’s penalty area. The relentless pressure continued as Taremi assisted Mohebbi in the 56th minute, further widening the goal margin to 4-0 in Iran’s favor.

In the dying embers of the match, substitute Omid Nourafkan seized the moment, unleashing a stunning strike from outside the box, clinching Iran’s fifth goal. Despite Nourafkan’s earlier attempts being thwarted by Turkmenistan’s resilient goalkeeper, Rustem Ahallyýew, his perseverance ultimately paid off in a spectacular fashion.

Moreover, the match witnessed the promising debut of two young talents, Amin Hizbavi, who featured in the starting lineup, and Mohammad Reza Azadi, who made a notable impact coming off the bench. Additionally, the return of Sayyadmanesh and Saleh Hardani added depth and energy to Iran’s squad, further enhancing their formidable stature on the international stage.

Iran now leads the group and will play Turkmenistan away next.

Far too many gaps in Estili’s game plan.

There were no surprises in the performance of Omid Team under Hamid Estili against Uzbekistan yesterday.  Even with such a statement, many fans were hoping that the famous players with household names in Omid Team will make a big impact and cover at least part of the team’s weaknesses and gaps.

Players like Omid Noorafkan, Allahyar Sayyadmanish, Mohammad Mohebi are already full internationals who have played and scored for Team Melli while the likes of Mahdi Ghaedi and Reza Shekari are considered valuable players with considerable ability to improve. The former has already registered 8 goals in the Persian Gulf Pro League.

However, except for Omid Noorafkan who is being utilized in defense hence depriving the team of his wonderful vision and Pirlo-like passing, the rest of them were disappointing. Ghaedi huffed and puffed like always but his delivery and final touch remains suspect when his team really requires every effort.

The feeblest performance of the so-called stars was Shekari and Sayyadmanish up in the forward line. Not coordination, no proper communication, little or no significant passing, no awareness of each other position and individualist showmanship that was a big waste for Omid Team.

A smart seasoned coach would have immediately figured out that this combination upfront is not working and would have acted accordingly, but Estili for reasons beyond comprehension failed to notice that.

The Midfield lacked a strong leader such as Noorafkan, who was in the central defensive position. Mohebi was quite disappointing against the Uzbeks despite having a very good season with his team. He missed an open goal and a chance for his team to take the lead.

Omid team never looked like a coherent team with a strategy. Against Korea, we expect the same old tactics, or lack of it, and emphasis on individual performance rather than teamwork. Not that a victory is not possible, but with a year of disappointing performances by Omid Team, it is highly unlikely that Hamid Estili will find a magic wand to fix the things against the powerful and organized Koreans.

Realistically and no matter how high our hopes and expectations are, the chances of a tactically deficient Omid Team qualifying to the next round are on the balance. A win or even a draw against the Koreans will still keep the hopes alive. A defeat will almost mean the end of the road and those abundant and unceasing promises that this team is good enough to make it to Tokyo after 44 years of absence.