Persepolis powers past Kaveh

MNA – Persepolis advanced to the last 16 of Iran’s League Cup with a 4-2 win over Kaveh in an almost empty Azadi Stadium in western Tehran Monday.

Under Turkish trainer Mustafa Denizli, the red-shirted Persepolis took the lead after 12 minutes. Striker Hossein Badamaki’s side-footed drive hit the far post and Ehsan Khorsandi was first to the rebound, celebrating the opener with a left pat-in.

Midfielders Mehrzad Ma’danchi and Mohammad Parvin made a one-two in a swift counterattack four minutes later, with Ma’danchi testing Kaveh keeper Jalil Ahmadi with a goal-bound drive.

The Reds hit the second through forward Mehrdad Owladi one minute before interval, but the controversial goal was ruled out as offside.

Persepolis, however, doubled the scoring as Iraqi substitute Salah Hassan found the net with a drilling kick from close range in the 69th minute.

The third came on 72 minutes when the unmarked Khorsandi headed home a Ma’danchi delightful pass.

Kaveh pulled one back one minute later as skipper Edmond Akhtar stretched his leg to steer a long ball past Persepolis goalie Mehdi Vaezi.

Persepolis restored the two-goal cushion in the 76th minute following a handball. Ma’danchi converted the spot-kick, sending Ahmadi the wrong side.

Kaveh scored a consolation goal in stoppage time as Hossein Shahbazi fired home from behind the box.

Persepolis will take on archrival Esteqlal if the popular Blues emerge the winner in a rescheduled clash against Moqavemat-e Basij.

Esteqlal-Moqavemat match, due to heavy snowfall in the southern capital Shiraz Sunday, was postponed.