Iranian
Mohran Nakdikia (L) jumps for the ball as Palestinian
goalkeeper Ramzi Saleh tries to stop him during their
game on the second day of the West Asian Games
A last-gasp equaliser
from Reza Enayati saved Iran's blushes on the opening
day of the West Asian Games as they secured a 2-2 draw
with Palestine in Kuwait City.
Iran, who were without most of their established
international stars, took the lead on nine minutes when
Hussein Biatina headed home from close range.
However, they squandered a number of excellent chances to
increase their lead against a Palestine team made up of
amateur players and were made to pay when Khaled Awad
prodded home for a 31st minute equaliser.
With 15 minutes to go, Palestine sensationally took the
lead when Ziad Al-Kurd scored with a towering header.
However, they were denied a famous victory when a
defensive blunder allowed Khatibi to advance on goal
before slotting home.
Palestinian
team bow in prayer after scoring the first goal during
their game against Iran on the second day of the West
Asian Games
Faraj Laheeb was the star of the show for Kuwait as he
grabbed a hat-trick in their 3-1 win against Qatar. The
host country completely overwhelmed their opponents with
Laheeb scoring in the 37th, 59th and 90th minutes.
Qatar showed glimpses of attacking flare and temporarily
got back on level terms when Moujib Hamed struck on 56
minutes but in the end they were well beaten.
Saturday's matches see Kuwait take on Syria and Qatar
meet Palestine.