MNA – Striker Faraz Fatemi
finally got himself on the scoresheet, celebrating the winner in the 1-0
victory of Persepolis over plucky Mes here Friday.
Backed by some 65,000 partisan fans in the Azadi Stadium, the red-shirted
Persepolis should have had a dream start 30 seconds after the kickoff of the
12th week of 7th Iran Pro League (IPL), when advancing fullback Mohammad
Nosrati drilled in a point-blank header against Mes goalie Mehdi Rahmati’s
chest.
Under the IPL-winning Farhad Kazemi, the visiting Mes was denied by the far
post in the 11th minute.
Persepolis skipper Karim Baqeri sent a chill through spines of Mes players
and officials with a ferocious free-kick on 19 minutes narrowly passing the
woodwork.
The Reds, too, rattled the post through forward Mohsen Khalili three minutes
into second half.
Mes squandered the best scoring chance in the 68th minute as striker Ali
Molaii had enough time and space to beat Persepolis keeper Mehdi Vaezi in a
man-to-man challenge, but his low drive was blocked.
The visitor paid the price for it four minutes later, when Fatemi sent in a
superb cross from Hossein Badamki with a left kick, triggering boisterous
celebrations in the stands and dugout.
Persepolis remains top on 28 points followed by the Isfahan-based Sepahan
that edged past promoted Shirin Faraz 1-0 Thursday.
In other Friday games, Barq overcame San’at Naft 3-1, Saba Battery defeated
holder SAIPA 2-1, Esteqlal of Ahvaz and Abu Moslem fought to a 1-1 draw,
Moqavemat-e Sepassi and Pas split the points with a 1-1 tie, Pegah and
Malavan failed to score in their derby, and Rah Ahan handed Zob Ahan a 2-1
defeat.
