Foolad stumble, but stay on top

Persianfootball.com – AHVAZ, Leaders Foolad Khuzestan suffered their second defeat of the season on Thursday, losing 0-2 to Naft Tehran at home.

However, Majid Jalali’s men stay on top of the league and will barely feel increased pressure, after Sepahan and Persepolis both failed to win more than a point in round 12 of Iran’s Persian Gulf League.

Midfielders Rasoul Navidkia and Kamal Kamyabinia scored the goals for Naft, who now are fourth in the table with 21 points, four points less then Foolad.
While Sepahan only struggled to a goalless draw against Mes Kerman, Persepolis only secured a 1-1 draw against Saba Battery thanks to a last minute strike from Mehdi Seyed Salehi on Friday to at least stay in fifth position. Sepahan are now second while Tractor Sazi climbed to the third spot following their 2-1 win on the road against Rah Ahan.

Elsewhere Fajr and Zob Ahan played out a goalless stalemate, Gostaresh Foolad lost 1-2 to Saipa and Damash drew Esteghlal Khuzestan 0-0.

Esteghlal Tehran’s clash with Malavan was postponed due to the Tehran giants’ AFC Champions League match on Wednesday. The Blues now have three games in hand.