Syria hold Iran to 1-1 draw: AFC Asian Cup 2007 qualifiers

MNA - Three-time Asian champions Iran failed to give new coach Amir Ghalenoiee a winning start in the AFC Asian Cup 2007 qualifiers after conceding a last-minute equaliser against Syria for a 1-1 draw on Wednesday here at the Azadi Stadium.


The Syrians, who are getting used to life without Serb coach Miloslav Radenovic who quit recently over a pay dispute, had Zyad Chaabo’s last-minute strike to thank for the one point after Javad Nekounam had put Iran ahead with his 72nd minute goal.


Ghalenoiee had to make do without the injured Ali Karimi and Vahid Hashemian, and also regular custodian Ebrahim Mirzapour for the game though Mehdi Mahdavikia and Nekounam linked up to beef up Team Melli.


Iran handed out a 4-0 thrashing to Chinese Taipei in the only match they played before this and Ghalenoiee’s men will be keen to make up for today’s disappointing performance on September 2 when they take on current group leaders Korea Republic.