Esteghlal escaped defeat at home

Tehran Times – TEHRAN, Esteghlal football team remained top of the Iranian Professional League (IPL) thanks to a Hanif Omranzadeh’s late goal.

On Sunday, Esteghlal was held to a 1-1 draw in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium by struggling Zob Ahan.

Zob Ahan took the lead courtesy of a Mohsen Bayatinia strike after 24 minutes into the match.

The visiting team created a few chances during the match but its strikers failed to take advantage of them.

Omranzadeh’s header equalized the match with five minutes remaining.

Zob Ahan coach Mojtaba Taghavi was left frustrated after his side missed the victory.

“I am not happy with the result. Zob Ahan was the better team but we made mistake and conceded a goal,” Taghavi said in the post match news conference.

Elsewhere, Sepahan defeated Esteghlal Sanati 3-1 in Isfahan, Malavan was held to a 1-1 draw by Tractor Sazi at home, Saba beat Damash 3-2, Sepasi lost to Rah Ahan 1-0 at home and Naft edged relegation-threatened Mes in Karman.

Esteghlal stayed top of table on goal difference above Foolad.