Maldives keep goal count down against Iran

Maldives fight well against defending Asian Games champion Iran, before losing the match.

Defending champions Iran got the defence of their Asian Games football title off to a winning start on Wednesday with a 3-1 win over the Maldives.

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But at least the Indian Ocean side didn't suffer as they did the last time these two sides met when Iran racked up a 17-0 scoreline in a World Cup qualifier in 1997.

Iran went into the match in a state of turmoil having been banned then reinstated by FIFA at the weekend in a row with the Tehran government over interference in footballing affairs.

Iran, coached by veteran Brazilian Rene Simoes, were always on top in the Group D clash at the Al-Gharrafa stadium but will regret not adding to their total having dominated possession throughout the match.

They were in front after just 10 minutes, when Arash Borhani headed in a sweet right-wing cross from Mohsen Arzani.

Iran made it 2-0 in the 22nd minute with Mazyar Zare Eshghdoost firing in a free-kick round a poorly-organised wall and under the body of Maldives keeper Imran Mohamed.

Maldives stuck to their task and pulled one back in the 78th minute through Arshad Ali who pounced upon a poor backpass from Jalal Hosseini to score past Hassan Roudbarian.

But Iran made sure of the points four minutes from time with a goal from substitute Adel Kolahkaj.