Persepolis lacks cutting edge, coach laments

TehranTimes, TEHRAN – Persepolis coach Ali Daei bemoaned his team’s lack of cutting edge in front of goal following Sunday’s 1-0 defeat against Saipa.

Persepolis suffered its first defeat in the Iranian Professional League (IPL) against Saipa in Karaj.

Saipa beat the Reds 1-0 in Karaj’s Enghelab Stadium. Unmarked Rouzbeh Shahalidoust scored a long range shot goal in the 30th minute.

“I am not satisfied with the way my players played. Our strikers didn’t take advantage of their chances. Persepolis still has work to do,” Daei said in the post-match news conference.

Elsewhere, Tractor Sazi defeated host Sepahan thank to Ali Karimi’s only goal from the penalty spot.

Gostaresh Foolad defeated Fajr 2-0, Naft beat Rah Ahan 2-1, Mes and Zob Ahan played out a goalless draw and Malavan saw off Esteghlal Khuzestan 2-1.