Belarus edge Iran in friendly

AFC - Belarus ?IRAN lost 2-1 to Belarus in a pre-Asian Cup qualifying friendly in Minsk yesterday.  

In front of 10,000 fans, the home side edged in front in the ninth minute, with midfield player Maksim Romashchenko scoring from the penalty spot. Belarus doubled their lead four minutes before half-time as defender Siarhei Shtaniuk capitalised on some uncertainty in the Iranian defence to find the net.

Belarus controlled the second half, but were left holding on as Pezhman Nouri pulled a goal back for Iran six minutes from time. However, the visitors were unable to find an equaliser and Belarus successfully preserved their narrow lead.

Iran, who last week lost at home to Iraq, start their Asian Cup qualifying campaign on September 5 when they play Jordan in Tehran