Sepahan Close In On Persepolis

GOAL – Sepahan closed the gap on Persepolis after they triumphed 2-1 in the top-of-the-table clash on Monday. 

Sepahan, the AFC Champions League runners-up, clinched a morale-boosting victory over the Iran Pro League leaders, as they moved within two point of Persepolis.

The clash in Esfahan was a treat for the fans - both sides battled hard in the first half.

However, Sepahan began to stamp their authority in the game and their dominance were rewarded with a goal in the 35th minute. Abdul Wahab Abolheil’s pinpoint pass released Hossein Papi, and he whipped in a low cross that Persepolis defender Mohammed Nosrati deflected into his own goal.

Spurred on by their lead, Luka Bonacic’s team exerted more pressure on the visitors. They scored their second goal of the match when Saeid Bayat’s accurate long ball found Iraqi international striker Emad Mohammed Reza, who let fly a right-footed drive home.

Persepolis went into the match without veteran midfielder Karim Bagheri and Cameroonian defender Jacques Elong Elong through injury. Alireza Nikbakht found himself out of the starting line-up following a disagreement with coach Afshin Ghotbi.

The visitors, however, took the fight to Sepahan in the second half.

Sepahan goalkeeper Mohammad Savari saved Mohsen Khalili’s effort. Persepolis’ Hossein Badamaki failed to convert from close range.

With 10 minutes remaining though, Abbas Aghaei scored a consolation goal. His long-range free kick gave Savari no chance at all.

Aghaei could have scored a late equaliser. But, his free kick from the edge of the box two minutes from time did not clear the wall.

Despite the defeat, Persepolis lie on the top of the standings at the midway point of the season on 36 points, two ahead of Sepahan, with Saba Battery in third place a further five points behind.

Samuel Zhang