MNA – Javad Ashtiani scored a late goal to
inspire the sixth Iran Pro League (IPL) leader SAIPA into a 1-0 victory over
home side Fajr-e Sepassi in Shiraz, capital of southern Fars Province,
Friday.
Fajr had a better performance on the bumpy pitch of Hafezieh Stadium and
missed a scoring opportunity in the first half, but the automakers
celebrated the winner eight minutes from normal time when Ashtiani headed
home a corner.
The win became sweeter as second-placed Esteqlal of Tehran salvaged a draw
against Zob Ahan in Isfahan.
Zob squandered a host of chances to share the points with the visiting
holder after a scoreless tie.
The runaway leader SAIPA is on top of the 16-strong with 37 points and
Esteqlal retakes its second spot on 31 points.
In other Friday’s games, Pas beat promoted Pas 1-0, Rah Ahan and Barq tied
1-1, Sepahan defeated Malavan 2-0, Paykan overcame Fulad 1-0, and Saba
Battery saw off Esteqlal of Ahvaz 1-0.
In Thursday’s match, Abu Moslem came from two goals down to stun home side
Persepolis 4-3 in the empty Azadi Stadium in western Tehran.
