Olerom's goal helps Abu Moslem

IRIB - Nigerian striker Danny Olerom celebrated his treble after the restart to inspire Abu Moslem into a 4-3 victory over home side Persepolis in an empty Azadi stadium in western Tehran Thursday.

Playing the opening match of the second midseason of the sixth Iran Pro League (IPL), the red-shirted Persepolis took the lead after 14 minutes when striker Mehrzad Ma'danchi found the net.

Veteran fullback Karim Baqeri doubled the cushion 13 minutes later, converting a spot-kick.

Under former national forward Khodadad Azizi, Abu Moslem minimized the gap through Mohammad Mansouri on 59 minutes.

But its was not the end of story as the Nigerian stunned the Reds, striking three times in the 69th, 77th, and 87th minutes.

The situation had gone from bad to worse for the home team as Cameroonian player Elong Elong received his marching orders from referee Rahim Rahimi-Moqaddam on 78 minutes.

Abu Moslem, too, was reduced to 10 men two minutes from normal time when Mansouri was red-carded.

Persepolis scored a consolation goal three minutes into stoppage time through Ehsan Khorsandi.

Despite loss, Persepolis provisionally remains third in the 16-strong league on 25 points and Abu Moslem moves up one place, standing fourth due to goal difference on 25 points.