TEHRAN - The 2023/24 AFC Champions League has seen the Iranian representatives go through different journeys in the competition.

Following Nassaji's early elimination in the AFC Champions League group stage, Iranian football fans now have their eyes on Sepahan and Persepolis.

Persepolis currently hold the second position in Group E, which consists of strong teams like Al Nassr, Al Duhail, and Estiklol, with a total of eight points from five matches.

Sepahan earned 10 points by securing a valuable victory against Iraqi Al Quwa Al Jawiya, surpassing them and the Kyrgyzstan representative AGMK, but remaining below Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad in group C.

Persepolis have no choice but to face the challenging task of defeating Al Duhail on the Azadi Stadium.

Persepolis, having a significant fan base, have a chance to defeat Al Duhail. However, their progression to the next round remains uncertain as only the top three second-placed teams from the group stage will advance to the knockout stage.

If Sepahan earn points against Al Ittihad (Group C) and Sharjah win with a high number of goals against Al Faisaly or Nasaf Qarshi earns point against Al Sadd (Group B), Persepolis will be eliminated from the competition regardless of their win against Al Duhail.

For the Iranian football, it would be ideal if both Persepolis and Sepahan qualify for the next stage, which is not impossible. Persepolis need to defeat Al Duhail and Sepahan should earn at least one point from Al Ittihad, then the outcome of the two games will determine Iranian teams’ fate.