Goals from FC Zenit striker Sardar Azmoun and Rio Ave forward Mehdi Taremi proved decisive as Islamic Republic of Iran beat Uzbekistan 2:1 in an international friendly at Pakhtakor Stadium today.
In a long-awaited first outing under new coach Dragan Skočić, Iran's star attacking duo each found the back of the net – Sardar Azmoun with a 25-yard rocket just before half-time, Mehdi Taremi with a second half penalty – before Genoa triker Eldor Shomurodov pulled a goal back for the hosts in the 53rd minute.
Uzbekistan will meet United Arab Emirates in another friendly in Dubai on 12 October, while Iran will face Mali in Antalya, Turkey the following day.
