Iran’s three-front challenge in Asia begins

TEHRAN – As the new season of Asian club competitions kicks off, Iranian football turns its focus to three contenders carrying the nation’s flag.

Tractor, Sepahan, and Esteghlal each face distinct challenges as they enter the AFC Elite Champions League and AFC Champions League Two with expectations high and the pressure on.

*Tractor vs Shabab Al Ahli

Tractor, Iran’s reigning Persian Gulf Pro League (PGPL) champions, begin their campaign in the AFC Elite Champions League Elite on Tuesday with an away clash against Emirati powerhouses Shabab Al Ahli. Coached by Dragan Skocic, Tractor return to the elite stage after a four-year absence, aiming to surpass their previous best of reaching the Round of 16 in 2016 and 2021.

Facing a group stacked with regional giants Al Duhail, Al Sadd, Al Gharafa (Qatar), Sharjah, Al Wahda, Shabab Al Ahli (UAE), Al Shorta (Iraq), and Nasaf (Uzbekistan),Tractor need to secure a top-eight finish in the new league-style format to advance. With key Iranian internationals like Alireza Beiranvand back in the squad and facing former national teammates like Sardar Azmoun and Saeid Ezatolahi, now playing for Shabab Al Ahli, Tractor’s opener promises both drama and nostalgia. Missing key winger Mehdi Torabi due to injury is a setback, but the club’s depth, recent domestic form, and tactical discipline under Skocic could be decisive.

*Sepahan vs Al Hussein

Sepahan, once a finalists in the 2007 Asian Champions League, now find themselves in the second tier of Asian football, eager to restore their continental reputation. After a disappointing start to their domestic campaign and a forgettable exit in last year’s ACL Two group stage, Sepahan hope that the return of club legend Moharram Navidkia as head coach can provide the spark they need.

Their opening game in Jordan against Al Hussein SC, a team unbeaten in their last eight matches, won’t be easy. Despite this, Sepahan’s squad value and experience far exceed their opponent’s, and with pressure mounting after a winless start in the domestic league, the players know a strong start in Asia is essential. The fans, long used to continental ambitions, will be watching closely.

*Esteghlal vs Al Wasl

Esteghlal, Iran’s most decorated club in continental competitions, kick off their AFC Champions League Two journey against a dangerous Al Wasl side in Dubai on Thursday. Despite a recent league loss and injury setbacks to players like Aref Gholami and Rustam Ashurmatov, coach Ricardo Sá Pinto remains optimistic.

The squad boast marquee international signings like Munir El Haddadi, Duckens Nazon, Jasir Asani, Antonio Adan and Moussa Djenepo, giving Esteghlal a real edge in quality. However, Al Was, with a staggering 17 foreign players and the in-form Fabio Lima (valued at €6.5 million), will be no pushover. Grouped with Al Muharraq and Al Wehdat as well, Esteghlal must hit the ground running to prove they are true title contenders in ACL Two.