Saipa should have already led in first half, but a correct goal by the splendid Saeid Daghighi was denied by the referee, who hadn't spotted the ball behind the line.
However, Sobhani gave Saipa a deserved lead after the hourmark with a well placed header.
Siavash Akbarpour benefited from a Rahman Ahmadi mistake and an unselfish pass from Arash Borhani in minute 80 to equalize, but just moments later Daghighi perfectly finished off a good attack to seal the three points.
Javad Nekounam debuted for the Blues, but had a rather unimpressive game in his first match in Iran's league after seven seasons. The Team Melli captain only had participated in two training sessions after his summer vacation and didn't seem physically fit.
Also in round 2 of Iran's Persian Gulf League, Sepahan defeated Foolad in Ahvaz 3-1, Aluminium and Damash struggled to a goalless draw and Naft Tehran achieved a 1-0 away victory over Mes.
Paykan and Tractor Sazi played out a 1-1 draw, Malavan vs. Sanat Naft finished 2-2 whereas midfielder Milad Nouri's third and fourth goal of the season gave Saba a 2-1 win over Zob Ahan in Esfahan.