Tag: Rashid Stadium

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.

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)

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.

Rashid Stadium, Dubai will host Iran vs Qatar game.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced that Rashid Stadium in Dubai, UAE, will host Iran’s home match against Qatar on October 15. This match is part of the fourth round of the third stage of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

According to the AFC’s official website, the match will kick off at 7:00 pm Doha time. The decision to relocate the match from its original venue, Imam Reza Stadium in Mashhad, Iran, was made due to the current geopolitical situation, necessitating a neutral ground for the fixture.

Dubai, known for its significant Iranian diaspora, offers a familiar environment for Team Melli. The city’s Rashid Stadium, home to Shabab Al-Ahli, where Iranian stars Sardar Azmoun and Saeid Ezatollahi play, is expected to provide a supportive atmosphere for the Iranian team. This relocation not only ensures the safety of the players and fans but also maintains the competitive integrity of the qualifiers.

The match is highly anticipated, as both Iran and Qatar are strong contenders in the Asian qualifiers. Fans from both nations are expected to turn out in large numbers, making it a vibrant and exciting event.

Team Melli landed in Dubai this evening after a flight from Tashkent, via Tehran for re-fueling and then Dubai.

Iran will be without 2 players due to injury, Jalali and Kannani and two due to suspension, Hardani and Saman Ghoddos.