TEHRAN - Esteghlal faced off against Iraqi side Al Shorta in a crucial match that ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw for the Iranian club HERE AT THE Azadi Stadium.

This encounter has significant implications for Esteghlal's aspirations to qualify for the 2024/25 AFC Champions League Elite next stage.

The match, held at Esteghlal's home ground, was watched by a fervent crowd eager to support their team. Esteghlal, known for their rich history in Iranian football, entered the match with high hopes of securing a win that could bolster their chances of advancing in the prestigious Asian tournament.

Joel Kojo gave the Iranians the lead in the fourth minute but Rewan Amin leveled four minutes after the interval for the visitors.

The second half saw Esteghlal intensifying their efforts to reclaim the lead. Despite numerous chances and a notable increase in pressure, the team struggled with finishing, missing several clear opportunities. Al Shorta's defense remained resolute, thwarting Esteghlal's attacks and keeping the scoreline intact.

As the match wore on, a sense of urgency became palpable among the Esteghlal players, but their inability to find the back of the net proved costly. The match concluded with a 1-1 draw, leaving Esteghlal with a bitter taste of what could have been.

The draw left both in danger of missing out on the knockout stage, with Esteghlal on six points with a match remaining while Al Shorta only have three on the board.

Esteghlal's performance against Al Shorta was a reminder of the fine margins in football and the importance of capitalizing on opportunities. With their qualification hopes hanging by a thread, Esteghlal will need to regroup, reassess, and come back stronger in their upcoming matche against Al Rayyan of Qatar, slated for Feb. 19.