Tehran Times - Tractor Sazi has suffered another blow in the title race as it was hold to a 2-2 draw against Sanat Naft in the 17th week of Iran Professional League at the empty Yadegar-e Emam Stadium in Tabriz on Tuesday.
Mohammad Ebrahimi put the host in front in the 8th minute but Zobeir Niknafs scored an equalizer for Sanat Naft in the 60th minute. Just two minutes later former Persepolis player Omid Alishah scored the second goal for Tractor Sazi but Ali Abdollahzadeh leveled the scoreline again for Sanat Naft four minute before the final whistle.
Amir Ghalenoei’s men failed to keep the pressure on league leader Persepolis while the Reds will take on Foolad in Ahvaz on Wednesday. On the other side Sanat Naft has not been beaten since the arrival of new coach Firouz Karimi as it managed a win and a draw.
Elsewhere in Qom, Saba who couldn’t earn a single point in the last seven games, beat Paykan 1-0 thanks to the 82nd minute goal by Omid Jahanbakhsh.
In Tehran, Esteghlal suffered a 2-1 defeat against the reigning champion Esteghlal Khuzestan. Hassan Beyt Saeed scored a wonderful goal in the 68th from a direct free kick from edge of the box. In the 83rd minute substitute Ali Asghar Ashouri scored the second goal for the visitors. Kaveh Rezaei reduced the deficit three minute before the final whistle but it was too late for the Blues to come back.
The five remaining games of the week will be held on Wednesday as follows:
Sepahan – Naft
Foolad – Persepolis
Saipa – Zob Ahan
Siah Jamegan – Padideh
Gostaresh Foolad – Machine Sazi
Tractor Sazi v Sanat Naft Video
Saba Qom v Paykan Video
Esteghlal v Esteghlal Khuzestan Video