TEHRAN, April 8 (Mehr News Agency) -- Persepolis football team thrashed Qatar's Al Gharafa 3-1 in the Asian Champions League (ACL) here on Wednesday to remain top of Group B.

Maziar Zare put Persepolis ahead in the 36th minute from the penalty spot. Ebrahim Tore was brought down by Mohammed Al-Haj in the box.

Ebrahim Tore saw himself on the score sheet before the time ran out in the first half. Alireza Mohammad set him up with a good pass into the box and the Persepolis striker chipped past Mohsen Borhan.

Ali Karimi's performance caught eyes two minutes into the second half when he sent a curling pass in front of Al Gharafa keeper and Alireza Vahedi Nikbakht defeated Borhan for the third time, sending the ball into the far corner.

Al Gharafa could have scored shortly after but Lawrence's long range shot was cleared off the line by Persepolis keeper Alireza Haghighi.

Fernandao Lucio pulled a goal back in the 68th minute with a well-aimed free kick.

Persepolis remains top of Group B with seven points, followed by Al Shabab of Saudi Arabia, Al Gharafa of Qatar and Al Sharjah of the UAE.

... Payvand News - 04/08/09 ... --