His table-topping 21 goals helped Esteghlal clinch the Iran Pro League crown last year and the 26-year-old started from where he left off last season.
His winning goal in the team’s 2-1 victory over 10-man Mes has taken his individual tally to five and also helped Esteghlal regain the top slot in the standings with 22 points after 10 rounds.
Borhani (pictured; left) found the match-winner in the 64th minute after Brazilian Fabiano Januario’s 10th minute opener for Esteghlal was cancelled out by Marcio Giovanini three minutes before the half hour mark.
Former AFC Player of the Year Ali Karimi, who was on target in Steel Azin’s 2-2 draw with Malavan, leads the goalscorers’ chart with seven goals.
Pejman Nouri and Babak Pourgholami had given Malavan a 2-0 lead but Mehdi Mohammadi and Karimi ensured a point for their side.
Former leaders Peykan lost to Esteghlal Ahvaz 3-1 and are two points behind the leaders.
Milad Meydavoodi scored a brace for Esteghlal Ahvaz while Mohammad Faal netted their third. Jahangir Asgari pulled one back for Peykan.
Elsewhere, popular Tehran outfit Persepolis recorded their first victory after four rounds when they beat Moghavemat 4-2, thanks to goals from Karim Bagheri, Hadi Norouzi, Meisam Baou and Hawar Mulla Mohammed. Behnam Afsheh and Mehdi Nazari were on target for the losers.
In other matches, Saba Battery thrashed Shahin 4-0, Zob Ahan were held 0-0 by Sepahan, Abu Moslem played a 1-1 draw with Foolad, Pas lost to Rah Ahan 1-0 and Teraktor went down 2-1 to Saipa.
STANDINGS: 1. Esteghlal 22, 2. Peykan 20, 3. Zob Ahan 19, 4. Sepahan 16, 5. Moghavemat 15.