Esteghlal Tehran lose, Esteghlal Ahwaz catch up

AFC - TEHRAN: The Iran Pro League title race was thrown wide open after leaders Esteghlal Tehran slumped to an untimely solitary goal defeat to Sepahan which allowed Esteghlal Ahwaz to catch up with them after the 26th round recently.

Hadi Aghili fired the only goal of the match for Sepahan in stoppage time off the spot and consigned the defending champions to only their fourth defeat this season.

But with just four more rounds to go, the other Esteghlal, from the south-western city of Ahwaz, took full advantage of the leaders’ woes to cut down Pas 3-1 and go within two points of the leaders.

Esteghlal Ahwaz, who have 48 points in their kitty and are currently two points behind Esteghlal Tehran, also have a game in hand.

Saipa stayed four points behind the Esteghlal Tehran after a 2-0 defeat of Peykan and remained in the frame.

In other games, Persepolis beat Foolad 2-1, Abo Moslem edged Fajr-Sepasi 1-0, Mes Kerman thrashed Bargh 4-1, Malavan beat Zob Ahan 1-0 and Rah Ahan drew with Saba Battery 0-0.

STANDINGS: 1. Esteghlal Tehran 50, 2. Esteghlal Ahwaz 48, 3. Saipa 46, 4. Sepahan 42, 5. Persepolis 41