Saba Battery wins "Ali Daei Cup"

IRNA - Saba Battery stood top at the four-sided "Ali Daei Cup" in Takhti Stadium here Friday.

National skipper Ali Daei scored the sole goal of the final in the 19th minute, handing the capital-based Saba a 1-0 win over Zob Ahan of the northwestern capital city, Ardebil.

Earlier in the day, Tractor Sazi of Tabriz and Shamoushak of Noshahr fought to a scoreless tie in the normal time.

Tractor took the third title as it converted all five penalties and the northerners missed one.

Over 10,000 spectators watched the games.

"Ali Daei Cup" started in Ardebil, the national striker's home town, Thursday.

In the opening match, the League Cup winner Saba Battery defeated Shamoushak of northern city Noshahr 2-1 as Daei hit his double on 57 and 67 minutes.

In a hard-fought game Thursday, Zob Ahan overcame Tractor Sazi 3-1.

Two players from Zob and one from Tractor received their marching orders during the foul-prone clash.

In a ceremony, provincial officials presented the trophy and award to Saba captain Daei for his long service.

Talismanic striker Daei, 36, brought his untouchable tally to 105 in his 141st cap in the 2006 World Cup Asian zone Group B second-leg qualifier in Yokohama on August 17. Japan won 2-1.