GLOBAL FC coach Leigh Manson had been looking everywhere for someone who could add firepower to the squad for international competitions.
What the Scottish mentor was looking for was right under his nose all along.
Misagh Bahadoran thrived in an old position to help the defending United Football League champions’ 4-1 victory over Yadanarbon in their Asian Football Confederation Cup match on Wednesday night.
A long-time left-winger for the club and the country, Bahadoran was moved up front and the 28-year-old Global skipper didn’t disappoint.
“I think we’ve identified a need in the team for a fast, tricky striker and we’ve been searching all over,” Manson said. “And we have one.”
“If he keeps scoring goals, I’m going to be a happy coach,” he added.
“If my coach is happy, it means I did okay,” Bahadoran replied with a smile.
“I used to play striker before, but for a long time I haven’t played the position, so I still have to work on my finishing,” added the Filipino-Iranian standout, who traces his Pinoy roots to Mabalacat, Pampanga, citing a couple of botched chances in the first half.
Bahadoran scored in the 58th minute when he was released by Paolo Bugas and outsprinted his defender from midfield before hitting the bottom right corner
Manson assigned Bahadoran to play striker in Global’s last UFL game against Manila Jeepney where the pesky booter fired a brace in a 10-1 blowout.
“I spoke to Misagh about playing that Number Nine role for the club and he scored against Jeepney and he showed he can play at a higher level and still score, so as his coach, I’m absolutely delighted.”
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