Saipa overcome Zob Ahan to stay top

AFC - Saipa overcame Zob Ahan 2-1 to maintain their lead atop the Iran Pro League standings after the 12th round as Esteghlal downed Esteghlal Ahvaz by a solitary goal to stay in second on goal difference.

After a barren first half, Mehdi Rajabzadeh put Zob Ahan ahead in the 73rd minute but Mohsen Khalili restored parity for Saipa five minutes later. Former Iran international Dariush Yazdani scored the match-winner for the leaders.

Mohsen Yousefi scored the all-important goal for Esteghlal while Persepolis defeated Saba Battery 1-0, thanks to a 51st minute strike by Meherzad Madanchi. The win moved Persepolis to third spot with 21 points.

In other matches, Peykan defeated Pas 2-1, Rah Ahad were held goalless by Malavan, Abu Moslem outclassed Foolad 1-0, Sepahan were held 1-1 by Mes and Bargh-Fajr Sepasi match ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

STANDINGS: 1. Saipa 27, 2. Esteghlal 27, 3. Perspolis 21, 4. Esteghlal Ahvaz 19, 5. Sepahan 18.