Bounedjah double guides Al Sadd to 3-1 win over Persepolis

Doha: Al Sadd notched up their second successive win in AFC Champions League Group C when they defeated Iran's Persepolis 3-1 here on Tuesday evening.

Baghdad Bounedjah netted a brace while Boualem Khoukhi, who returned to action, rounded off the tally in the 66th minute.

The Algerian international opened the scoring when he headed home Akram Afif's cross in the 36th minute.

Bounedjah added his second in the 51st following an assist from Xavi while the visitors pulled one back through Siamak Nemati in the last minute of added time.

Like in their previous QNB Stars League match against Al Arabi, Jesualdo Fereira’s side was in great form.

With captain Xavi Hernandez orchestrating the attack, Persepolis was under pressure from the start.

In fact, even without hardworking attacking midfielder Hassan Al Haidous, who tore his muscle against Arabi earlier this week, Sadd looked dangerous.

Afif and Bounedjah combined well while the return of Jugurtha Hamroun bolstered the team, who now travel to Uzbekistan to face Nasaf on March 5.

In a Group D match, Al Rayyan were held to a 1-1 draw by Al Ain in their away match.