|
MNA – Esteqlal made a fightback to beat the
visiting Sepahan 2-1 here Friday as two of striker Ali Alizadeh’s trademark
long throw-ins were headed home by midfielder Maytham Bao.
The 11th-week game of the sixth Iran Pro League was warmly welcomed by fans
on a chilly day in the Azadi Stadium as both sides are to represent Iran in
the Asian Champions League.
Isfahan’s Sepahan took the lead after 12
minutes when Iraqi forward Emad Reza was too slow to beat Esteqlal keeper
Vahid Taleblu, but he passed the ball to Javad Maheri whose drive took a
vicious deflection off fullback Ali Ansarian’s leg, finding the net.
Esteqlal, however, celebrated the equalizer six minutes from the break, with
Bao heading in an Alizadeh throw-in with the help of far post.
The two sides fought mainly in the midfield after the restart and Esteqlal
was reduced to 10 men as defender Amir-Hossein Sadeqi was red-carded by
Massud Moradi for stamping on Sepahan goalie Massud Hemami’s leg.
But the depleted Blues scored the winner
following another Alizadeh throw-in and a Bao drilling header from close
range.
Esteqlal is second in the 16-strong table with 24 points and SAIPA is the
table-topper with the same points on goal difference after beating Paykan
2-1.
In other matches, Fajr-e Sepassi overcame Abu Moslem 2-0, Mes defeated Barq
2-1, Zob Ahan saw off Malavan 2-0, Pas disposed of Esteqlal of Ahvaz 1-0,
Saba Battery struggled to a 1-1 draw against Rah Ahan, and Fulad and
Persepolis split the points with a scoreless tie.
|
