TEHRAN - Iran staved off a late fightback from debutants Mauritania to start their FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025 Group B campaign with a 5-4 win on Thursday.
Iran survived a spirited fight from Mauritania after Ali Naderi’s side had gone four goals up in the first period with Cheikh Belkheir’s hat-trick nearly forcing the match into extra-time.
Bicycle kicks from Ali Mirshekari and Movahed Mohammadpour put the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2025 champions in control.
Belkheir pulled a goal back but Mahdi Shiri’s exquisite volley and Mohammadali Mokhtair’s free-kick made sure Iran went into the first break with a 4-1 lead.
Mokhtari added to the score early in the second period before Belkheir again reduced the deficit with Iran holding a 5-2 lead heading into the final period, the-afc. com reported.
Mauritania seized the upper hand in the third period with Ahmedou Bilal’s strike before Belkheir's third goal with two minutes left to play made it a nervous ending for the Iranians, who ultimately hung on to claim maximum points.
Iran will meet Paraguay on Saturday.
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