Iran lost 2-1 to Mali on Wednesday to move into last place
of the four-nation Qatar International Friendly Tournament.
Team Melli are preparing for their vital 2011 Asian Cup
qualifier with Singapore on January 6 while the Africans are gearing up for the
African Nations Cup.
Iran, who lost 3-2 at the hands of Qatar two days earlier,
took the lead after just nine minutes.
Ferydoon Zandi fed Karim Ansarifard and the young forward
made no mistake in slotting the ball past Mahamadou Sidibe in the Mali goal.
The West Asians looked likely to add to their lead but were
caught on the half hour as Tenema NDiaye equalized from close range.
Just minutes later, Bakaye Traore put the Africans ahead
and they held on for the win.
Mali, who lost to North Korea in the opening game, take on
Qatar on Saturday while Iran will face the Koreans.
International Friendly Result: Iran 1-2 Mali - Africans Come From Behind
