Iran's U-23 National Team Defeats Malaysia 4-1 - March 3, 2004

Iran's U-23 national team achieved a resounding 4-1 victory over Malaysia in their first match of the final qualifying round for the Athens Olympics. According to ISNA news agency, the Iranian players led 2-1 at halftime and continued their dominance in the second half with two goals from Iman Mobali in the 57th and 65th minutes. Mehrzad Madanchi scored a goal in the 50th minute, but it was disallowed by the Qatari referee due to a foul. The Iranian Olympic team's defense and attack showed better coordination in the second half, although the Malaysian team created several serious threats through counterattacks, which did not result in goals. The players who participated for Iran included Rahmati, Kamali Mofrad (Ebrahimi), Nasrati, Kashi, Badavi (Mahdizadeh), Kazemian, Izadi (Haghi), Madanchi, Mobali, Kabbi, and Barahani. With this victory, Iran's U-23 team sits at the top of Group A with 3 points and a better goal difference than South Korea, who are in second place. China is third, and Malaysia is fourth. Prior to this match, South Korea defeated China 1-0. Iran's U-23 team will face South Korea in their second match on March 17.