Fans Persepolis' 12th Man at Azadi: AFC
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Persepolis will host Kashima Antlers at the Azadi Stadium on Saturday and with a capacity crowd expected at one of Asia's largest venues, Persepolis' vocal and passionate 12th man could well make up for the 2-0 deficit.
Asian heavyweights Persepolis and Kashima Antlers will battle it out to become king of the continent when the second leg of the AFC Champions League final takes place at Azadi Stadium.
In terms of scoreline, the advantage looks to be with the Japanese team, after Kashima recorded a 2-0 win in the first leg thanks to goals from Brazilian duo Leo Silva and Serginho.
Whatever happens, an enthralling climax to Asia's most prestigious club competition awaits.
Tehran giant Persepolis is unbeaten at home in the cavernous Azadi Stadium, yet it will need to not only maintain that record, but also avoid conceding if it wishes to have a realistic chance of overturning Kashima's first leg lead.
Persepolis will have to do without suspended midfielder Siamak Nemati, who was dismissed at Kashima Soccer Stadium following two bookable offences.
With Nemati suspended, Bashar Resan's role will be even more vital in helping build a platform that can supply forwards Ali Alipour and Godwin Mensha as the host looks to erase the deficit and secure continental glory, the-afc.com reported.
A morale-boosting 2-0 first leg win sees Kashima come into the tournament's finale knowing it holds its continental destiny in its own hands.
