Doha: Three first-half goals, all within 38 minutes from kick-off, were enough for Tractor SC to defeat Al Wakrah as the Iranian side blanked hosts 3-0 in their opening AFC Champions League (ACL) Two match at Al Janoub Stadium yesterday. Croatian striker Tomislav Strkalj and Iranian midfielder Mehdi Torabi struck in the 13th and 16th minutes to give Dragan Skocic-coached side a strong start. That was before Iran international Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh added a third goal just seven minutes before halftime to take the game completely away from Al Wakrah.
The victory also secured Tractor SC the top spot in Group A, after India’s Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Tajikistan’s FC Ravshan played out a goalless draw in Mumbai. Al Wakrah, meanwhile, slipped to fourth in Group A. Al Wakra coach Miguel Angel admitted the difficulty of the match.
Speaking at a post-match press conferencethe Spaniard said: "The match was very tough. We gave the opponent too much space, which led to conceding three goals in the first half. Although we tried to come back in the second half, we were unsuccessful.
" "We’re still at the start of the journey, and we must play better. We’ll analyze our mistakes to ensure we don’t repeat them,"Angel added. Yesterday, Al Wakrah had few early opportunities, but failed to convert their chances.
Egyptian winger Hamdi Fathy found space from 30 yards out but sent his shot over the bar, and Omar Al Osad had his shot saved brilliantly by goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand..