Iran books berth for Asian Cup 2011

SINGAPORE, Jan. 7 (MNA) -- A convincing 3-1 victory over Singapore secured Iran’s berth for the Asian Cup 2011 in Qatar.


Iran edged Singapore 3-1 at the Bishan Stadium in the Group E Asian Cup 2011 qualifier on Wednesday.


Hadi Aghily put the Persians in lead in the 10th minute from the penalty spot. Mehrzad Madanchi doubled the score two minutes later. The Al-Ahli midfielder opened Singapore’s goal from the edge of the box.


Noh Alam Shah’s header pulled a goal back in the 31st minute.


Gholamreza Rezaei skillfully chipped the ball past the Singaporean keeper in the 62nd minute and made the score 3-1 in favor of Afshin Ghotbi’s team who is under pressure after coming fourth in the Qatar Four-aside Football Tournament last week.


Meanwhile, in the same group Thailand was held to a goalless draw against struggling Jordan at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok.


Iran has qualified for the Asian Cup 2011 with 10 points and is top of its group. It will play Thailand in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium on March 3.