Tractor Sazi of Tabriz soccer team claimed the title of Iran's Hazfi Cup (Playoff Cup) for the first time by beating Mes of Kerman, local media reported on Saturday.
In the match held at the Bahonar Stadium in southeastern Kerman city on Friday, Tractor Sazi edged its host thanks to a goal from Saeid Daqiqi, according to Tehran Times daily.
Mes should have scored in the 23rd minute but its Brazilian striker Edinho hit the bar.
In the 51st minute, Daqiqi found the back of the net after he received an excellent pass from Karim Ansarifard into the six-yard box.
"I dedicate the title to our fans, who travelled to Kerman to support us. I am so happy and shed happy tears," Tractor Sazi Portuguese coach Tony Oliveira said in the post match news conference.
After the match, many people in Tabriz, capital of northwestern East Azerbaijan province of Iran, swarmed to the streets and celebrated victory of their team.
On Friday evening and upon the return of Tractor Sazi squad to hometown, some 50,000 fans of Tractor Sazi gathered in the airport of Tabriz and its surrounding streets in a "historic reception" of their champions, according to official IRNA news agency.
Tractor Sazi booked a place in the next season's AFC Champions League as Iran's Hazfi Cup champion.
ANN.Az
