Iran proved too strong as they dismantled a Sierra Leone side largely dominated by local stars 4-0 on Saturday in an international friendly at the Tehran’s Azadi Stadium.
A brace for Ali Gholizadeh and a goal apiece for Mohammad Reza Khanzadeh and Kaveh Rezaei helped the host to outclass their struggling visitors.
Sierra Leone came close to their worst ever defeat to Mali 6–0 in Bamako, Mali; 17 June 2007.
Despite all the controversies surrounding the friendly, the contest was a success for the world cup-bound.
The groundwork was Iran’s first 2018 World Cup warm-up encounter and the first between the two countries.
Iran ranked 33rd in the world and Sierra Leone 98th.
Sierra Leone last victory was against Kenya in the opener of African Nations Cup 2019 qualifiers in Freetown
Iran are in Group B at the FIFA World Cup alongside Spain, Morocco and Portugal.
Carlos Queiroz’s men will open their Russia 2018 campaign with a match against Morocco at Saint Petersburg on June 15, before taking on Spain in Kazan on 20 June.
Iran- Sierra Leone Match Details
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