Fatemi saves Reds’ blushes, table-toppers stutter

MNA – Striker Faraz Fatemi scored a last-gasp goal to give the red-clad Persepolis a 2-1 win over home side Barq in the southern capital Shiraz Friday.

Playing a 17th week match of the sixth Iran Pro League in a packed Hafezieh Stadium, Persepolis took the lead after 18 minutes when Ehsan Khorsandi found the net.

Home fans were transported with joy one minute before the interval as Mir Hani Hashemi celebrated the equalizer.

Persepolis possessed the ball and field, but they left it late. The white-hot supporters unfurled their red flags on 90 minutes when Barq keeper Reza Haj-Osbui failed to save Persepolis fullback Robert Saha’s powerful kick and Fatemi sent the rebound through goalie’s legs from close range.

The winner helped the Reds retain the fourth spot in the 16-strong table with 28 points.

In another game in Enqelab Stadium in Karaj, 35km west of Tehran, the lowly Fulad stunned pacesetter SAIPA 2-0 in the first half, but the automakers fought back to salvage a 2-2 draw through Mohsen Khalili who celebrated his double.

SAIPA was forced to play with 10 men after the expulsion of Hossein Karimi in the 75th minute. The leader is on top with 38 points.

Second-placed Esteqlal of the capital was held by promoted Mes to a nil-nil tie in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium, remaining in the same place on 32 points.

Under new manager Khodadad Azizi, Abu Moslem saw off Zob Ahan 4-1 in Mashhad as forward Erfan Olerom hits his second straight hat-trick.

Striker Mehdi Rajabzadeh scored the consolation goal of visiting Zob that was reduced to 10 men in the second half.

Abu Moslem sticks to the heels of Persepolis, standing fifth on 28 points and goal difference.

Sepahan also celebrated a 1-0 home victory over relegation-zone Rah Ahan in Isfahan. Striker Mahmoud Karimi scored the sole goal of the match three minutes from time.

Pas managed to hold the visiting Fajr-e Sepassi to a 1-1 draw in Shahid Dastgerdi Stadium. Mostafa Sabri put Fajr ahead in the 39th minute and Meysam Maniei leveled the match on 74 minutes.

In other two games, hosts Paykan and Esteqlal of Ahvaz split points with Saba Battery and Malavan in scoreless stalemates.