TEHRAN (Iran News) – Iran’s friendly tie against Mali could be called off after various sources suggested on Saturday that four players of the African side have tested positive for COVID-19.
The Asian powerhouse is to take on Mali in Antalya, Turkey, on Tuesday – in what will be new manager Dragan Skocic’s second match on Iran’s bench.
A sizzling effort by Zenit striker Sardar Azmoun and a spot-kick converted by FC Porto’s Mehdi Taremi gave Skocic’s side a 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan in Tashkent on Thursday.
Mali, meanwhile, beat Ghana 3-0 on Friday – courtesy of brace by Stade Rennais fullback Hamari Traoré and an RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara’s strike.
Iran Football Federation said on Saturday it will closely monitor the news to verify the infection of Malian players before making any further decisions.
Skocic’s team is preparing for the remainder of its 2022 World Cup qualification campaign.
Iran stands third in Group C of the Asian qualifiers with six points, trailing Iraq and Bahrain by five and three points, respectively, albeit with a game in hand.
Eight group winners plus four best runners-up will progress to the final round of qualifiers.
- source : Iran Daily
