Iran: Weekend Wrap Part One

GOAL - In the second week of the Iranian PL Champions Esteghlal of Tehran maintained their perfect record, while Saba sank to the bottom. Esteghlal of Ahvaz proved to be the surprise team of the young season, Foolad youngsters showed potential. Abu-Moslem’s new coach received a rude welcome to his new job in Isfahan, and Pas saw the lights go off on them in Shiraz.


Mes 0:1 Esteghlal of Tehran

Champions Esteghlal could not have asked for a better start to their title defending campaign. They are perfect in their first two games and seem to be ready to meet contenders head on despite losing Coach Amir Ghalehnoei to the national team.

Newcomers Mes surprised the Tehran side by their willingness to attack. In the first half both teams created chances with a slight edge going to the hosts.

The second half saw more of the same, and just as it seemed that the game was going to end a goalless draw, Esteghlal striker Sivash Akbarpour was brought down in the box. Defender Ali Ansarian stepped up to spot and gave the Blues a valuable 1:0 victory on the road.

Foolad 1:2 Saipa

Saipa, visiting a very young Foolad team in Ahvaz, fell behind early thanks to a goal by Foolad’s promising young striker Abdolhadi Khanifar who has now scored two in as many weeks.

However, Foolad’s inexperience showed when they gave up two quick goals in the last ten minutes allowing Saipa to escape a very humid Ahvaz with three points.

Malavan 0:1 Esteghlal of Ahvaz

While Foolad were struggling in the seasonal heat and humidity of southern Iran, the other Ahvaz team, Esteghlal, were in the northern Caspian port of Anzali facing Malavan.

Ironically, Esteghlal too got an early lead, but unlike Foolad, they managed to hold on to it and come away with three points. The goal was scored from the spot by Fereydoon Fazli after he was cut down in the box by Morteza Falahati.

Zob-Ahan 1:0 Abu-Moslem

Zob-Ahan bounced back from last week’s defeat and snatched a 1:0 victory at home from a defensive minded Abu-Moslem. Zob-Ahan’s goal was scored by Ali Tahmasebi.

Saba Battery 0:1 Peykan

Newly promoted Peykan stunned Saba on their home turf with an injury time goal scored by Iman Haydari. Saba are now winless in two tries, while Peykan are even in the win and loss column.

Fajr vs. Pas

The game had to be abandoned after 73 minutes due to irreparable floodlight problems. Pas was leading by the score of 1:0 before the match was abandoned.