Saturday, 01 May 2021_Iran's Esteghlal have squeezed past Al Shorta of Iraq 1-0, to reach the last 16 of the AFC Champions League.
Cheick Diabate fired the Iranians ahead, after converting a spot kick in the 14th minute. The Malian striker could have doubled the lead 6 minutes later on another penalty, only to be denied by the keeper.
Three teams from Iran have made it to the round of 16; Esteghlal will face Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia, while Persepolis take-on Istiklol of Tajikistan, with Tractor Sazi facing Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr.