Pooya Nikan Edge Past Padideh In Tehran Friendly

Pooya Nikan hosted Padideh at their Tehran ground on 5 January 2026, kicking off at 2:00pm in a tightly contested friendly encounter. The home side emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win after 90 minutes of competitive football.

Deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation, Pooya Nikan set up with Mohamad Hoseyn Baradaran in goal, protected by a back four comprising Amir Hossein Nabati at right back, Mohamad Sadegh Ramezani and Amir Ali Varasteh as central defenders, and Amir Mahdi Maleki on the left. The midfield double pivot featured Mohamad Mehdi Bayat and Mahdi Mosavi tasked with both defensive cover and initiating attacks. Ahead of them, Ali Eyni operated on the right wing, Mahdi Moharami played centrally behind the striker, and Ali Reza Ahmadi took up the left attacking midfield role. Leading the line was Ramtin Mehraban as the lone striker. No substitutes were named for this fixture.

The 4-2-3-1 formation was designed to provide defensive solidity through the two holding midfielders while allowing the attacking trio freedom to support Mehraban up front. The full-backs were expected to balance defensive duties with occasional forward runs, particularly Nabati and Maleki on the flanks. The central defenders Ramezani and Varasteh were charged with maintaining a disciplined line and dealing with Padideh’s attacking threats.

The first half saw both sides probe cautiously, with Pooya Nikan controlling possession and attempting to break down Padideh’s defensive shape. The midfield pairing of Bayat and Mosavi worked tirelessly to disrupt Padideh’s rhythm and recycle possession efficiently. Ali Reza Ahmadi, operating from the left, was particularly influential, linking play and creating openings with intelligent movement and precise passing.

Despite several promising advances, neither side managed to find the net before the interval, with the half-time whistle blowing at 45 minutes to signal a goalless first half. The match remained finely poised, with Pooya Nikan edging the territorial battle but unable to convert their dominance into goals.

In the second half, Pooya Nikan increased their intensity and began to carve out clearer chances. The attacking midfielders, especially Ahmadi and Moharami, combined well to unlock Padideh’s defence. The breakthrough came as Ali Reza Ahmadi’s clever positioning and vision allowed him to find space and deliver a decisive contribution that led to the only goal of the match.

Defensively, Baradaran remained alert and commanding in goal, ensuring that Padideh’s attempts to equalise were thwarted. The back four held firm under pressure, with Ramezani and Varasteh particularly effective in aerial duels and interceptions. Nabati and Maleki also contributed to maintaining the team’s shape and preventing dangerous crosses from Padideh’s wide players.

As the clock ticked down, Pooya Nikan managed the game well, maintaining possession and frustrating their opponents. The midfield duo of Bayat and Mosavi continued to shield the defence and break up play, allowing the team to see out the match without conceding.

Ali Reza Ahmadi’s overall performance earned him the player of the match accolade, reflecting his pivotal role in both creating and scoring the decisive goal. His influence on the left flank and ability to link midfield and attack proved crucial in securing the narrow victory.

Ultimately, Pooya Nikan’s disciplined organisation, combined with moments of individual quality, ensured they claimed a deserved 1-0 win over Padideh in this friendly encounter at their Tehran home. The result provides a positive platform for the team as they look ahead to more competitive fixtures.