Melbourne, Jan 11 (IANS): Iran defeated Bahrain 2-0 in an Asian Cup football tournament match here Sunday.

As Asia's highest-ranked team, Iran displayed their strong attacking ability, taking 14 shots at target in a Group C match, reports Xinhua.

Iran wasted several chances in the first half. In the 20th minute, they missed a golden chance, by forward Ashkan Dejagah, who was one-on-one with Bahrain's goalkeeper Sayed Mohamed Abbas, but his shot was blocked by the keeper.

Bahrain conceded only one goal in their qualification campaign for the Asian Cup and were well composed defensively.

But just at the stroke of half time, they failed to deal with a corner properly and Iran defender Haji Safi scored from the rebound.

The defender controlled with his left foot and struck with his right, firing a brilliant volley into the top corner.

In the 71st minute, Iran secured victory through Masoud Shojaei, who volleyed a corner into the net.