Tehran, Feb 28 (IANS): Sepahan of Iran defeated al-Nasr of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) 3-0 at the AFC Champions League group stage.

Hosts Sepahan beat al-Nasr in its Group C opener of the tourney at Fouladshahr Stadium in Isfahan Wednesday, reports Xinhua.

Albanian striker Xhevahir Sukaj scored a brace for his team in the 22nd and the 80th minute and midfielder Omid Ebrahimi gave Sepahan a goal four minutes before the final whistle.

After the match, al-Nasr Italian coach Walter Zenga said Sepahan deserved the victory. Al-Nasr also had chances in the first half but his team did not play as he expected, said Zenga.

Sepahan coach Zelatko Kranjar pointed out that they "were dominant from the very beginning" and said his players lost other chances to add to their goals.

In other matches in the group, Saudi Arabian al-Ahli blanked al-Gharafa of Qatar 2-0.

In Group D, Iranian club Esteqlal drew with Qatari al-Rayyan 3-3 and Emirati club al-Ain beat al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia 3-1.