Mohammed Al-Kharashi, the coach who led Saudi Arabia to the 1994 World Cup, revealed that Iranian Mehdi Fononi was the “most terrifying player” he faced during the match that qualified the “Green Falcons” for the World Cup for the first time in the country’s history after an exciting 4-3 victory over Iran.

Fononi scored two goals in the match held in Doha, Qatar, in 1993 with shots from outside the penalty area.

Mohammed Al-Kharashi: Fononi was the central figure in the Iranian team’s movements

Al-Kharashi explained on the program “Fi Al-Marma” on Thursday morning: I still see him in front of me; he was the central figure in the Iranian team’s play, possessing a strong foot and high skill.

Fononi retired from football in 1994, decided to leave sports, and ventured into the clothing business, but his project failed, leading to depression and later drug addiction before his recovery.

Mehdi Fononi… from one of Asia’s top three players to drug addiction