Tasnim - Esteghlal of Tehran football team defeated struggling Rah Ahan to stay top of Iran Professional League (IPL) on Friday.

Mohammad Reza Khorsandnia scored the only goal of the match just before the break.

“Unfortunately, many of our players were injured and I was forced to field several young players,” Esteghlal coach Parviz Mazloumi said.

“I am satisfied with the way our players played and also congratulate Rah Ahan since they played well,” he added.

Elsewhere, Foolad defeated Saipa 1-0 thanks to a goal from Akbar Imani in the 85th minute.

Padideh also beat Malavan 1-0 in Mashhad. Younes Shakeri scored in the 70th minute.

Esteghlal sits top of IPL with 42 points, followed by Esteghlal Khuzestan with 41 points and Persepolis (35 points) with one game in hand.

Video of Iran Pro League week 22