Four entertaining matches on a busy day in the IPL

PFDC – TEHRAN, Four matches were played today in the IPL that saw three ties and only one victory.

Padideh FC took on Persepolis at Samen Stadium in Mashad. The first half was scoreless but the fans definitely got their money’s worth as four goals were scored in the second half. Midfielder Mehdi Kheiri gave Padideh the lead just before the hour mark but Persepolis equalized six minutes later through on-form striker Mehdi Taremi.

An own-goal by Persepolis center-back Mohsen Bengar put Padideh back in the lead at 2-1. Things got worse for Persepolis when they were reduced to ten men after goalkeeper Sousha Makani received a red card but were fortunate to come away with a draw as Ramin Rezaian equalized in the 93rd minute.

In Ahvaz, surprise table toppers Esteghlal Khuzestan took on defending IPL Champions Sepahan. The home side took the lead in the 58th minute through Rahim Zohaivi. A victory today would have been sweet for the hosts but the speedy midfielder Mohammad Reza Khalatbari leveled the scores in the 85th minute to earn Sepahan a 1-1 draw.

In Tehran, 13th place Rah Ahan took on 14th place Foolad FC. Mahmoud Motlaghzadeh put Foolad in the lead in the 28th minute but the hosts Rah Ahan were determined not to fall into the relegation zone today as striker Mohammad Abbaszadeh equalized just before the hour mark as both teams shared the spoils.

The only victory today took place in Isfahan as Zob Ahan defeated Malavan 1-0 through a goal in the 56th minute scored by midfielder Morteza Tabrizi. The victory keeps the Isfahani club in sole possession of third place in the IPL table.