Esteghlal triumphs in AFC Champions League Elite play-off against Al-Gharafa
Esteghlal books spot in group stage, Al-Gharafa eliminated
Iranian club Esteghlal FC has secured a spot in the group stage of the AFC Champions League Elite after defeating Al-Gharafa SC of Qatar 2-0 in the play-off on Tuesday.
The match was played at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar. Esteghlal took the lead in the 38th minute through a goal from Amir Arsalan Motahari. The Iranian club doubled its lead in the 67th minute through a goal from Mehdi Ghaedi.
Al-Gharafa had a few chances to score but failed to convert them. The Qatari club was eliminated from the competition, while Esteghlal advanced to the group stage.
Esteghlal is now placed in Group C of the AFC Champions League. The Iranian club will face Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia, Al Duhail of Qatar, and Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan in the group stage. Esteghlal will begin its group stage campaign on April 7 against Al Duhail.
Al-Gharafa will play in the AFC Cup. The Qatari club was relegated to the AFC Cup, as it failed to qualify for the AFC Champions League. Al-Gharafa will begin its AFC Cup campaign on May 11 against Al Arabi of Kuwait in the play-off round.
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