Esteqlal Lifts League Trophy

TEHRAN -- Popular Esteqlal of Tehran won the title of Iranian league Thursday.

In the second-leg derby of final, Esteqlal and Fajr-e Sepassi of Shiraz clashed in Takhti Stadium packed by over 20 thousand spectators.

The blue-clad side fought to a 2-2 tie to win the final 4-3 on aggregate.

Esteqlal had won the first leg 2-1 in Shiraz.

In the 6th minute, Fajr striker Mohammad Khorramzi's kick wrongfooted Masoud Qassemi after hitting blues' skipper Mahdi Pashazadeh, kissing the net.

Esteqlal secured parity one minute later when striker Ali Mousavi slotted home.

Mehrzad Ma'danchi put Fajr ahead once again in the 20th minute that was responded by Mousavi, who scored his own and blues' second goal.

Following the draw, the derby was full of fouls, leading to the expulsion of Fajr defender, Samad Zare', in the second half.

The two sides scored no goal any longer and the match ended in a 2-2 draw.

Pirouzi and Esteqlal, both of Tehran, will represent the country in Asian Clubs' Soccer Championships.

"Esteghlal  -  Fajr-Sepasi "  June 20, 2002  1,2,3,4,5,6,7