Sepahan, Esteghlal Win in Iran Professional Season
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Sepahan of Isfahan and Esteghlal of Tehran football teams began the new season of the Iranian Professional League (IPL) with victory on Thursday.
In Isfahan, Sepahan defended its title with a 1-0 win over Esteghlal Khuzestan. Mehdi Sharifi was on target in the 65th minute.
Esteghlal beat Siah Jamegan 2-1 in Mashhad. Esteghlal striker Sajjad Shabazzadeh found the back of the net with a header in the 37th minute and Alireza Naghizadeh equalized the match in the 63rd minute.
With 12 minutes remaining, Shahbazzadeh scored once again to help his team wins its away game.
Saba was held to a goalless draw by newly-promoted Esteghlal Ahvaz and Saipa and Gostaresh Foolad played out a goalless draw.
On Friday, Tehran's popular team Persepolis will host Padideh of Mashhad in Azadi Stadium.
Last season’s title favorites Tractor Sazi and Naft Tehran will play in Tabriz.
Malavan will host Iran’s Hazfi Cup champion Zob Ahan while Foolad and Rah Ahan will face in Ahvaz.
