Iran's Sepahan has advanced to the AFC Championships League finals, after a goalless draw against al-Wahda of the United Arab Emirates.

A draw at Al Nahyan Stadium was more than sufficient for Sepahan to become the first Iranian team to reach AFC final since 1999, when Esteqlal, one of the most popular teams in Tehran, lost 1-2 to Japan's Jubilo Iwata.

Sepahan had defeated al-Wahda 3-1 the first leg of the semifinals.

Japan's Urawa Reds defeated Seongnam Ilhwwa Chunma 5-3 in penalty shootouts, on Wednesday, to become Sepahan's opponent in the finals. Sepahan will host the first leg of the finals November 7 with the second leg scheduled for the November 14th in Saitama, Japan.

Although Sepahan played a defensive game, it had several goal attempts, which were missed. The credit for the draw goes to Sepahan's goalkeeper, Abbas Mohammadi, who refused to concede goals despite extensive pressure from al-Wahda strikers, Matar and Razzaq.

... Payvand News - 10/25/07 ...