![\"mohsen-bengar\"](\"https:\/\/www.persianfootball.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/mohsen-bengar.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
PFDC – ESFAHAN, Newly crowned 2011\/12 Persian Gulf Cup champions Sepahan finished the Asian Champions League’s group stage in style thanks to a late Mohsen Bengar header, which secured a 2-1 victory over Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday evening.<\/strong> <\/p>\n With both Sepahan and Al Ahli having qualified for the round of 16 already before the final matchday, Sepahan needed a goalless draw or a win to overtake their rivals in the table. The first positioned team in the final ranking will have a home game in the single leg of the playoff’s first stage, making the battle for the top spot a crucial one. <\/p>\n Things looked great for the homeside when Albanian striker Xhehavir Sukaj gave them a 21st minute lead after finding himself one on one with the goalkeeper. <\/p>\n However, Oman internationa striker Imad Al Hosni could equalize for the Saudis shortly after the hourmark, after he had beaten the offside and kept his cool in front of Rahman Ahmadi. <\/p>\n The visitors retreated and tried to keep the result, which had them on top of the group thanks to goal difference, however, Mohsen Bengar had different plans.<\/p>\n The tall defender rose over his marker to powerfully head a cross from the right wing into the net with just four minutes on the clock, putting the fans in the Naghsh-e-Jahan stadium in ecstasy. <\/p>\n Sepahan will now host the runners-up of group A on May 22, which will most likely be Esteghlal Tehran. The Blues will only need a draw against Nasaf Qarshi on Wednesday to secure the second spot behind group winners Al Jazeera (UAE). Only if the Iranians lose, Al Rayyan of Qatar could overtake them with a victory.<\/p>\n Not too surprisingly, the two Arab teams will not play simultaniously to Esteghlal’s game, but instead 85 minutes later.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n