TEHRAN, Iran – On March 20, 2025, Iran go host United Arab Emirates (UAE) for Azadi Stadium as dem dey compete for World Cup Qualifying match for Asia. Dis crucial clash fit determine who go dey secure better position for the upcoming global event.
Team Melli, as Iran dey call dem, don show serious form for Group A with five wins and one draw from six matches, leading the table with 16 points. Dem get three matches in a row wey dem win and dey confident to make am six from six when dem face UAE on Thursday evening.
Last match, Iran beat Kyrgyzstan 3-2, but coach Amir Ghalenoei go need to address some defensive issues, since dem don concede two goals in their last two games, even against weaker teams. “We go need our forwards to be sharp to secure the win,” Ghalenoei talk as he dey prepare dem for the match.
For the other side, UAE no dey find am easy lately with three matches wey dem never win. Dem last play draw with Oman after losing to Kuwait. Al Abyad don manage two Group A wins, including a big 5-0 victory over Qatar, but dem need to step up to close the gap on the second-placed Uzbekistan who dey three points ahead.
Coach Bento‘s team dey third right now with 10 points, and dem need to start winning again to push for better qualification prospect. “We believe say we fit win for Tehran,” Bento talk, showing confidence despite the challenges dem face.
Dis match go see some key players for both sides return from suspension. Iran go welcome their centre-back back after he miss out last game due to suspension, and UAE go also have their own defender back available. Dis fit change the dynamics of the game as both teams look to defend better.
Possible starting lineup for Iran include Beiranvand; Hardani, Khalilzadeh, Nemati, Mohammadi in defence; Karimi, Ezatolahi in midfield; and Gholizadeh, Taremi, Mohebi, Azmoun as forwards. UAE likely go start Eisa; Aldhanhani, Al-Hammadi, Al Attas, Meloni in their defense; with Nader, Hunt in the midpoint; and Abdullah, Lima, Alghassani, Oliveira in attack.
Iran never lose any match for Group A, and dem dey ready to maintain their lead over Uzbekistan. Expect say Team Melli go take three points from dis match, but with the recent defensive lapses, UAE fit also find chance net goal to make am interesting fight.
