TEHRAN - Iran’s Esteghlal secured its place in the next stage of the Asian Champions League (ACL) with a 2-1 victory over Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.

In the match held at the Azadi Stadium in front of some 65,000 spectators, Seyed Mehdi Seyed Salehi gave Esteghlal the lead after receiving a brilliant pass from captain Farhad Majidi in the 25th minute.
Siavash Akbarpour fouled Al Ahli striker and gave away a penalty in the 35th minute. Victor scored from the spot and equalized the match.
Amir Hossein Sadeghi’s 45th header clinched a 2-1 victory over the Saudi Arabia side.
Esteghlal put under pressure Al Ahli in the second half but their striker could not take advantage of their chances.
Esteghal leads the Group A with 11 points. Al Gharafa of Qatar and the UAE’s Al Jazira in the group try to secure a place in the second round