Faraz Fatemi finds finishing touch

MNA – Striker Faraz Fatemi finally got himself on the scoresheet, celebrating the winner in the 1-0 victory of Persepolis over plucky Mes here Friday.

Backed by some 65,000 partisan fans in the Azadi Stadium, the red-shirted Persepolis should have had a dream start 30 seconds after the kickoff of the 12th week of 7th Iran Pro League (IPL), when advancing fullback Mohammad Nosrati drilled in a point-blank header against Mes goalie Mehdi Rahmati’s chest.

Under the IPL-winning Farhad Kazemi, the visiting Mes was denied by the far post in the 11th minute.

Persepolis skipper Karim Baqeri sent a chill through spines of Mes players and officials with a ferocious free-kick on 19 minutes narrowly passing the woodwork.

The Reds, too, rattled the post through forward Mohsen Khalili three minutes into second half.

Mes squandered the best scoring chance in the 68th minute as striker Ali Molaii had enough time and space to beat Persepolis keeper Mehdi Vaezi in a man-to-man challenge, but his low drive was blocked.

The visitor paid the price for it four minutes later, when Fatemi sent in a superb cross from Hossein Badamki with a left kick, triggering boisterous celebrations in the stands and dugout.

Persepolis remains top on 28 points followed by the Isfahan-based Sepahan that edged past promoted Shirin Faraz 1-0 Thursday.

In other Friday games, Barq overcame San’at Naft 3-1, Saba Battery defeated holder SAIPA 2-1, Esteqlal of Ahvaz and Abu Moslem fought to a 1-1 draw, Moqavemat-e Sepassi and Pas split the points with a 1-1 tie, Pegah and Malavan failed to score in their derby, and Rah Ahan handed Zob Ahan a 2-1 defeat.