PTV - Iran has fared slightly better against a far less competent side in a friendly under the new management, while still recovering from the shock of a home loss to Saudi Arabia.

In a match that was barely attended by 3,000 fans, Iran managed to hold Senegal to a 1-1 draw at Tehran's Azadi Stadium on Wednesday.

German Erich Rutemoller led the Iranian side after Ali Daei was sacked on Sunday due to the national team's poor performance in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

Mehrzad Ma'danchi opened the scoring for Iran in the 28th minute only to see Senegal's Patrice Cisse equalizing the match 13 minutes into the second half.

With two months left to Iran's next World Cup qualifier against North Korea, the Iranian Football Federation (IFF) has yet to decide about the future manager of the national team.

French coach Philippe Troussier was the latest candidate added to the IFF's stanching list for the tough job. IFF President Ali Kafashian said on Tuesday that Troussier had voiced interest in coaching the national team, but added that no final agreement had yet been reached.

Former Persepolis manager Afshin Qotbi, Esteqlal's Amir Qalenoi, Fajr Sepasi boss Qolam Hossein Peyrovani and Saipa manager Mohammad Mayelikohan are other possible candidates for the post temporarily filled by Rutemoller.

In Group B of the World Cup qualifiers, South Korea beat North Korea 1-0 on Wednesday to stand in the first place with 11 points.

North Korea is second with 10, three points clear of Saudi Arabia, which will face bottom-placed UAE on Wednesday. Iran is placed fourth with six points.

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