Tag: MohammadJavad Hosseinnejad

Ezzatollahi Set to Lead Team Melli in Tanzania Friendly

As Team Melli prepares for its second and final fixture of the October FIFA window against Tanzania, the squad is poised to take the pitch with a new face wearing the captain’s armband. With the anticipated absence of senior figures Mehdi Taremi and the under-fire Alireza Jahanbakhsh, the leadership duty is expected to fall upon the experienced shoulders of defensive midfielder Saeed Ezzatollahi.

Ezzatollahi, a fixture in the national team since his debut as a 19-year-old in 2015, brings nearly a decade of international experience to the role. With 78 caps to his name, the 29-year-old has been a constant presence through the tenures of coaches from Carlos Queiroz to Dragan Skocic, establishing himself as a central pillar in Amir Ghalenoei’s current setup. The occasion holds a special significance for Ezzatollahi, as he will be representing Iran at the home stadium of his club, Shabab Al-Ahli, in what promises to be a source of double motivation.

He will not be alone in providing leadership. Saman Ghoddos, another key legionnaire based in the UAE Pro League, is also part of the team’s leadership group. Fresh off a spectacular assist in the recent match against Russia, Ghoddos will be looking to build on that form in Dubai and cement a more prominent role in Iran’s offensive machinery.

This friendly presents a critical opportunity for Ghalenoei to experiment with a new on-field hierarchy and test different tactical combinations as the long-term preparation for the 2026 World Cup continues.

Anticipated Lineup Changes and Tactical Puzzles

The match is expected to feature several changes to the starting eleven that faced Russia:

  • Defensive Reshuffle: Milad Mohammadi, newly recalled to the squad, is likely to start at left-back, replacing the out-of-position central defender Ali Nemati. This move aims to add genuine width and defensive stability to the flank.
  • Attacking Options: In the absence of Taremi, Ghalenoei could choose to start either Kasra Taheri or Allahyar Sayyadmanesh, or even utilize both in a dynamic attacking setup.
  • Midfield Creativity: To address the lack of creative impetus, there is a strong possibility that Javad Hosseinnejad could be handed a start to inject inventiveness into the midfield.
  • Defensive Concerns: The central defensive partnership of Aberghouei and Khalilzadeh, who were at fault for both goals conceded against Russia, is also under review. However, Ghalenoei’s options are limited. The lack of pace in the heart of the defense remains a significant vulnerability, one that the speedy Tanzanian attackers will be eager to exploit.

The friendly against Tanzania is more than just a fixture; it is a laboratory for Ghalenoei. It is a chance to assess new leaders, rectify visible weaknesses, and build momentum before the crucial World Cup campaign resumes.

Match Details:

  • Teams: Iran vs. Tanzania
  • Venue: Rashid Stadium, Dubai
  • Date & Time: October 14, 2025; 19:00 Local Time (18:30 Iran Time)

Iran’s Omid Team Opens AFC U23 Qualifiers with Commanding 4-0 Win Over Hong Kong

In their opening match of Group I in the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers, Iran’s Omid Team secured a comprehensive 4-0 victory against Hong Kong.

The goals for Iran were scored by Mahdi Jaafari, Amir Mohammad Razzaghnia, and a brace from Kasra Taheri.

Iran U23 has been drawn into Group I of the qualifying tournament alongside the UAE, Guam, and Hong Kong. Head coach Omid Ravankhah selected a starting lineup consisting of Mohammad Khalifa, Masoud Mohebbi, Farzin Maqsadagari, Arshia Vosoughifard, Seyed Mehdi Mahdavi, Amir Mohammad Razzaghinia, Pouria Latififar, Abbas Habibi, Erfan Jamshidi, Yadgar Rostami, and Saeed Saharkhizan.

The two teams had previously met in a warm-up match prior to the tournament, which ended in a 5-1 victory for Iran. This competitive encounter, however, proved more challenging initially.

Iran began the match with dominance, controlling possession and the flow of play. Despite their advantage, Hong Kong’s organized and tight defense limited Iran’s opportunities to create clear-cut chances. The first half concluded with the scoreline locked at 0-0.

Hong Kong’s resilient defense continued into the second half, frustrating the Iranian attackers, who were also hampered by wayward finishing. Midway through the half, Coach Ravankhah made several crucial substitutions, introducing captain Mohammad Javad Hosseinnejad and Kasra Taheri to reinforce the forward line, replacing Saeid Saharkhizan.

The changes invigorated Iran’s attack. The breakthrough finally came in the 69th minute from a free kick on the edge of the penalty area, awarded by the Korean referee. Mahdi Jaafari stepped up and executed a clever shot that left the Hong Kong goalkeeper stranded, putting Iran ahead 1-0 and relieving the growing pressure on the team.

The floodgates opened just three minutes later. A swift run down the left flank breached Hong Kong’s tiring defense, and the resulting cross found Amir Mohammad Razzaghnia, who calmly finished from close range to double Iran’s lead.

Substitute Kasra Taheri then took center stage, sealing the victory with two well-taken goals. His first came in the 83rd minute, and he added another in the second minute of stoppage time (90+2) to complete the 4-0 rout.

The match was played in intense heat, which challenged both sides. For much of the game, it seemed Iran’s superiority might not translate into goals. However, the impactful substitutions by Ravankhah, combined with Hong Kong’s fatigue in the latter stages and a confident finish from the Omid Team, ultimately made the difference.

Iran’s next match will be against Guam.