Malavan downs Esteghlal in Anzali [VIDEO]

On a rainy day at Anzali’s Takhti Stadium, Arash Borhani gave IPL pacesetter Esteghlal an early goal in the 8th minute but his goal was cancelled out by Jalal Rafkhaei in the 43rd minute. In the dying moments of the first half Ali Jarrahkar scored Malavan’s second goal.

Milad Meydavoudi equalized the match just three minutes into the second half from a free kick. However, Esateghlal celebration didn’t last as referee Saeid Mozafarizadeh awarded Malavan a penalty since the hosts’ striker was brought down by Esteghlal defender Pejman Montazeri into the penalty area. Mozafarizadeh also showed Montazeri a red card.

Rafkhaei scored Malavan’s third goal from the penalty kick and three minutes later Mohammad Nozhati opened Esteghlal goal for the fourth time.

“Frankly, we used to play in the grounds like this. Thank guys because they played well. We had to win the game,” Malavan coach Farhad Pourgholami said after the match.

Traktorsazi replaced Esteghlal on top of IPL standings on goal difference and Malavan moved up to the 10th place.