Persianfootball.com – TABRIZ, Defending Persian Gulf League champions Esteghlal Tehran started the new season with a 2-1 win, but had to wait until the final minute of the game before they could celebrate Farhad Majidi’s winning goal.

Homeside Gostaresh Foolad had taken a shock lead, but still in first half Arash Borhani scored the equalizer against the newly promoted team.

It looked like both sides would settle with the stalemate after Esteghlal’s Jlloyd Samuel received his marching orders for a hard challenge in midfield.

But veteran striker Majidi had different plans when he got to the end of a Mohammad Ghazi header after a long throw-in and scored from close range.

Also Sepahan Esfahan could celebrate victory in round one, as they defeated Foolad Khuzestan 2-0.

A deflected shot from Mohammad Gholami gave the homeside the lead, but Zlatko Krancjar’s men were lucky when Abduallah Karami’s penalty kick hit the woodwork.

Former Foolad striker Arash Afshin should have doubled the advantage when he dribbled past the keeper immediately after coming on in second half, but saw his shot come off the crossbar.

However, rightback Ali Hamoudi sealed the three points in injury time with an effort from close range.

In other games on Thursday, Damash Gilan and Saipa Karaj drew 1-1, Rah Ahan and Mes Kerman played out a goalless draw, Saba Qom defeated Malavan Anzali 1-0 and Fajr Sepasi suffered a 0-1 home defeat to Naft Tehran.

Already on Wednesday Persepolis Tehran had recorded a 1-0 win over Tractor Sazi Tabriz whereas Esteghlal Khuzestan had begun their season with a 2-0 victory over Zob Ahan Esfahan.

Video of Iran Pro League week 1