Seogwipo – Group C action in the U-20 World Cup continued on 24 May when Iran faced Zambia at Jeju World Cup Stadium.
Amir Hossein Peyrovani’s men got off to a perfect start when Rostov striker Reza Shekari put Iran in the lead after he took advantage of a poor clearance from Zambian keeper Mangani Banda.
Shekari easily got past midfielder Boyd Musanda and fired a left footed shot into the far corner to give Iran a 1-0 lead.
At the start of the second half Iran were awarded a penalty kick after Omid Noorafkan was fouled in the penalty area. Shekari easily scored from the spot to get his second goal of the match.
Things were looking up for Iran as they were playing with a 2-0 lead but five minutes after Shekari’s second goal, Zambia cut into the lead when Fashion Sakala beat Mirzazad at the near post after poor defending from the Iranians.
Five minutes later Enock Mwepu equalized to level the score at 2-2.
The Iranians looked frazzled and the feelings would change to frustration as Emmanuel Banda put Zambia in the lead in the 65th minute.
Austrian based striker Patson Daka put the exclamation point on the victory when he fired in a shot from outside the penalty area to give Zambia an amazing 4-2 victory.
“Iran were very well drilled and organized but Zambia’s creativity and fluidity is something only seen in special teams,” said Fox Sports Commentator Marc Serber. “Four points should be enough to see Iran through to the next round.”
The win for Zambia puts them into the second round as group winners with a game to spare. In the other group match, Portugal and Costa Rica finished with a 1-1 draw.
There is a lot of work to do for head coach Amir Hossein Peyrovani as Iran will face Portugal on 27 May in what will surely be a difficult match.