IR Iran vs Mali

Iran made a composed statement in Antalya, rolling to a 2-0 win over Mali in an international friendly at Mardan Stadyumu on June 4. Saeid Ezatolahi's crisp opener after just 12 minutes set the tone for a dominant, largely untroubled afternoon for the Iranians. Ezatolahi was the standout in the first half, slotting home to put Iran firmly in control. The Iranians rotated heavily at the break — five changes at half-time — without losing their grip on the game. Ramin Rezaeian then sealed it on 55 minutes, making it 2-0 and removing any lingering doubt. The match unfolded without red cards, penalties, or real controversy. With the World Cup approaching, Iran will take real confidence from the clean sheet and a clinical two-goal performance. For Mali, who failed to truly test the Iranian goalkeeper, there is clear attacking work still to be done before their preparations wrap up.