Esteghlal begins IPL with draw

PTV – ESFAHAN, Tehran’s popular soccer squad Esteghlal has been held to a 1-1 draw against Sepahan in the first week of the 11th edition of Iran’s Premier League (IPL).

The Blues, coached by Parviz Mazloumi, dominated the game from the outset, attacking many times. At the beginning of the second half, Esteghlal’s striker Arash Borhani scored a goal which was rejected by the referee for offside.

Later in the second half, Sepahan’s Brazilian midfielder Fabio Januario scored the opener after 64 minutes at Isfahan’s Fouladshahr Stadium on Wednesday.

The visitors then poured forward for an equalizer and managed to level the match via Borhani six minutes from time.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Mazloumi said he was not happy at all with the final result as his men could have scored more goals if they hadn’t wasted their chances.

He added that the Blues had full dominance of the match although a number of the club’s leading players were absent.

Esteghlal’s manager also noted that it takes time for his men to reach ideal conditions.

The 11th edition of the IPL started on Tuesday with six of the eight matches of the opening day ending in a draw.

Persepolis and Malavan played out to a 1-1 draw in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium.

In other matches of the day Damash and Naft Abadan, Sepasi and Naft Tehran, and Foulad and Shahin were all held to a goalless draw.

The match between Mes and Shahrdari ended in a 1-1 tie, while Rah Ahan and Zob Ahan drew 2-2.

Saipa and Saba were the only victors of the opening day. Saipa thrashed Mes 3-1, and Saba edged past Teraktorsazi 3-2.