Iran Youth team in last four

A late goal by substitute Alireza Monajati helped the Iran Youth team beat Salgaocar 1-0 and storm into the semi-finals of the Bristol Rovers Cup football tournament at the Cooperage in Bombay on Tuesday.

In the other match of the day, Mohun Bagan and Air India played a goalless draw.

Monajati's goal, in the 83rd minute, saw the Iranians join Churchill Brothers in the last four stage.

Both the teams missed a number of chances in the first half. The Iranians came very close to taking an early lead but Reeza Haoadi missed a header in the fourth minute.

Salgaocar also missed an easy scoring opportunity when Denis Cabral had a chance in the 15th minute but he also hit out.

The second half also saw lot of action as both the teams went all out for the winner. Iran almost scored in the 69th minute when their captain Bahram Esmaeily lobbed the ball to waiting Reza Haoadi at the centre. Haoadi promptly put it in the net only to be ruled offside by the linesman.

The Iranians, who had beaten Air India in their opening match, finally sealed victory when Alireeza Monajati scored within four minutes of coming on to the field. His 20 yarder from the right flank beat goalkeeper Abubakar hands down.

The Iran Youth team is the only non-Indian team in the 100th Bristol Rovers Cup. This is the same team which will represent Iran at the under-19 World Cup, scheduled to be held in Argentina this June.