InterNationals: Taremi bags winner against Kyrgyzstan

Team Melli keep perfect run with 2-1 victory in Bishkek

Mehdi Taremi was on target for Iran as they moved to three wins from three in the third round of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2022 and AFC Asian Cup 2023 with a 2-1 victory over Kyrgyzstan in Bishkek on Thursday.

After Sardar Azmoun fired Iran in front just passed the half hour mark, Akhlidin Israilov levelled terms for the hosts 12 minutes from time but Taremi netted the winner three minutes later as the Iranians collected another three points in Group C.

The victory leaves Dragan Skocic's side three points clear of second-placed Bahrain and five clear of Iraq in third, with three games remaining in the group stage.

Iran, who had previously beaten Syria and Iraq, will now return to Tehran where they will host the United Arab Emirates on October 7 before traveling to South Korea five days later.