Tehran's Esteqlal takes IPL 2nd place

PTV - A late goal by Alireza Abbasfard has helped Tehran's popular team Esteqlal to move up to the second place after a 2-2 draw against Malavan.

The hosts took the lead after 28 minutes when Jalal Rafkhaie scored the opener from the penalty spot at the Takhti Stadium in Anzali on Thursday.

Esteqlal, coached by Amir Qalenoei, pushed forward and managed to level the score when Siavash Akbarpour headed in a corner by Brazilian Fabio Janvario in the 32nd minute.

Mohammad Ahmadzadeh's men retook the lead when Mohammad Nazhati netted in the 77th minute.

But the Blues scored the equalizer through Abasfard in the stoppage time, making it 2-2.

The result takes Esteqlal to the second place in the Iranian Premier League with 25 points. Paykan currently tops the table on 27 points while Zob Ahan of Isfahan sits in the third place with 25 points. .