Heartbreak for Akumu in Iran as Marcelo helps Rakow in Poland
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 24.08.24. | 09:07
The two players are expected to play a big role in the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers
Anthony Akumu’s second appearance for Kheybar Khorramabad ended in a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Sepahan in an Iran Pro League match staged on Friday night at the Takhti Stadium.
The midfielder, who joined the team at the start of the month as a free agent, made his debut for the club last week, playing the full match as they defeated Havadar 1-0.
The Kenyan international was again handed a starting role as the team chased their second victory of the new campaign.
However, despite playing the entire game, the former Gor Mahia midfielder was unable to help Kheybar avoid defeat.
Kheybar, promoted to the Iran Pro League this season, started the match brightly, with Mehrdad Ghanbari giving the hosts the lead in the first 35 minutes through a penalty.
Afterwards, the match was balanced, with both teams creating goal-scoring opportunities that they failed to capitalize on.
It looked like Kheybar was destined for a second consecutive win, but in the 70th minute, Mohammad Amin Hazbavi scored for the visitors.
While the game seemed headed for a stalemate, Javad Aghaeipour scored deep in extra time, to the dismay of Akumu and his teammates.
Despite the loss, Kheybar is seventh in the 16-team standings with three points from two matches, while Sepahan moves to the top of the table.
Erick Otieno
Harambee Stars defender Erick 'Marcelo' Ouma played 84 minutes as his side, Rakow, staged a late comeback to defeat Lechia 2-1 in a Polish top-tier game on Friday.
Ouma made way for David Drachal, with Rakow trailing 1-0.
Rifet Kapic scored for Lechia, while Patryk Makuch and Jonatan Braut Brunes scored for Rakow.
The win takes Rakow to the top of the table with 11 points after six games.
