Nagoya: Sanaye Giti Pasand booked their place in the semi-finals of the AFC Futsal Club Championship 2013 following a 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan's Ardus as last year's finalists renewed acquaintances on Thursday.
Mahdi Javid struck Sanaye’s match-winner with two minutes left on the clock, barely sixty seconds after Dilshod Rakhmatov had brought Ardus level following Mohammed Taheri's second-minute opener.
The victory saw the defending champions, who defeated Ardus 1-0 in last year's final, advance as Group B runners-up behind Chonburi Bluewave after the Thai side sealed top spot with a 3-2 defeat of Al Sadd elsewhere at Park Arena Komaki in a simultaneous kickoff.
Sanaye coach Reza Aliabady admitted that the pressure was on his team to book a berth in the semi-final saying:
“The whole of Iran expected a lot from us as defending champions so we were under pressure to deliver.
“It was a difficult match and both the sides had pressure to win to progress. We were short of some important players who did not make it in Nagoya but it did not matter as the young players understood the situation and really showed the teamwork that is needed in this level.
“We are yet to find our actual rhythm but I hope we get it in the semi-final. No matter which team we play in the semi-final, we will play to win and defend our title,” he added.
Ardus coach Buhodir Ahmedov admitted that his side were unlucky but couldn't fault the attitude of his players.
“I think Sanaye had the luck this time,” he said.
“I have no complaints about my players. They were magnificent today and I would like to thank them for their performance.
“It was a privilege to play in this wonderful stadium and we enjoyed our time here in Japan."
Refrence: www.the-afc.com