The game was held in an empty Azadi Stadium as Esteqlal had been banned from having spectators by the IPL Disciplinary Committee.
Esteqlal won the game with Omidreza Ravankhah's winner 16 minutes after the break to join Rah Ahan, Steel Azin, Moqavemat and Zob Ahan, who were all victorious in the first day of the season.
This was Qalenoi's first match as Sepahan coach against his former team. The 45-year-old left Esteqlal for the Isfahani club at the end of last season due to his differences with Esteqlal chief executive Amir Vaez Ashtiani.
However, Qalenoi's first match against his former team did not raise the attraction of a game without spectators.
The Disciplinary Committee banned Esteqlal from the massive support of its fans after they used insulting words against Saipa coach Mohammad Mayeli Kohan in a game last season.
In other Friday games, IPL runner-up Zob Ahan thrashed Saipa 3-0 to stand in the first position on goal difference with other winners.
The newly promoted Steel Azin beat Pas through Fereydoun Zandi and Ali Karimi, who both recently signed deals with the wealthy club.
Moqavemat beat Peykan 2-0, Shahin and Malavan drew 1-1 and Esteqlal Ahvaz and Abumoslem also ended in a 1-1 draw.
On Thursday, Rah Ahan defeated Foulad 2-1 while Persepolis and Mes drew 3-3.