|
GOAL - In the second week of the Iranian PL
Champions Esteghlal of Tehran maintained their perfect record, while Saba
sank to the bottom. Esteghlal of Ahvaz proved to be the surprise team of the
young season, Foolad youngsters showed potential. Abu-Moslem’s new coach
received a rude welcome to his new job in Isfahan, and Pas saw the lights go
off on them in Shiraz.
Mes 0:1 Esteghlal of Tehran
Champions Esteghlal could not have asked for a better start to their title
defending campaign. They are perfect in their first two games and seem to be
ready to meet contenders head on despite losing Coach Amir Ghalehnoei to the
national team.
Newcomers Mes surprised the Tehran side by their willingness to attack. In
the first half both teams created chances with a slight edge going to the
hosts.
The second half saw more of the same, and just as it seemed that the game
was going to end a goalless draw, Esteghlal striker Sivash Akbarpour was
brought down in the box. Defender Ali Ansarian stepped up to spot and gave
the Blues a valuable 1:0 victory on the road.
Foolad 1:2 Saipa
Saipa, visiting a very young Foolad team in Ahvaz, fell behind early thanks
to a goal by Foolad’s promising young striker Abdolhadi Khanifar who has now
scored two in as many weeks.
However, Foolad’s inexperience showed when they gave up two quick goals in
the last ten minutes allowing Saipa to escape a very humid Ahvaz with three
points.
Malavan 0:1 Esteghlal of Ahvaz
While Foolad were struggling in the seasonal heat and humidity of southern
Iran, the other Ahvaz team, Esteghlal, were in the northern Caspian port of
Anzali facing Malavan.
Ironically, Esteghlal too got an early lead, but unlike Foolad, they managed
to hold on to it and come away with three points. The goal was scored from
the spot by Fereydoon Fazli after he was cut down in the box by Morteza
Falahati.
Zob-Ahan 1:0 Abu-Moslem
Zob-Ahan bounced back from last week’s defeat and snatched a 1:0 victory at
home from a defensive minded Abu-Moslem. Zob-Ahan’s goal was scored by Ali
Tahmasebi.
Saba Battery 0:1 Peykan
Newly promoted Peykan stunned Saba on their home turf with an injury time
goal scored by Iman Haydari. Saba are now winless in two tries, while Peykan
are even in the win and loss column.
Fajr vs. Pas
The game had to be abandoned after 73 minutes due to irreparable floodlight
problems. Pas was leading by the score of 1:0 before the match was
abandoned.
|
