This was Esteghlal’s first loss of the season and Marfavi spared no time in consoling the club's legion of fans.
“There is no doubt that our fans get angry when we lose in Tehran. I would like to ask them to be more patient and let us focus on our job,” Marfavi (pictured) responded following verbal volleys from the supporters.
Thousands of fans waited for hours to see the Blues consolidate their position atop the Iran Pro League standings only to return disappointed after their favourite team went down to their namesakes from Ahvaz.
Esteghlal, however, continue to lead the 18-team standings with 22 points as chasers Peykan were held 2-2 by Pas in another 11th round game.
A stoppage time strike from Mostafa Bijani silenced the Esteghlal fans after Reza Magholi and Hamid Reza Rajabi cancelled out Esteghlal’s two-goal cushion. Arash Borhani and Gholamreza Enayati were on target for Esteghlal.
Peykan fought back from two goals down to snatch a point at home. Omid Khouraj and Hadi Asghari gave Pas a 2-0 lead while Mohammad Reza Tahmasebi and Majid Khodabandelo scored for Peykan.
Former champions Persepolis were held goalless by Foolad while former AFC Player of the Year Ali Karimi’s brace helped Steel Azin earn a 2-2 draw with Saipa.
In other matches, Malavan beat Abu Moslem 3-1, Shahin were held 1-1 by Zob Ahan, Rah Ahan lost to Saba Battery 3-1, Moghavemat drew with Mes 1-1 and Sepahan beat Teraktor 3-1.
STANDINGS: 1. Esteghlal 22, 2. Peykan 21, 3. Zob Ahan 20, 4. Sepahan 19, 5. Saba Battery 18.