Alizadeh throws in, Bao heads in

MNA – Esteqlal made a fightback to beat the visiting Sepahan 2-1 here Friday as two of striker Ali Alizadeh’s trademark long throw-ins were headed home by midfielder Maytham Bao.

The 11th-week game of the sixth Iran Pro League was warmly welcomed by fans on a chilly day in the Azadi Stadium as both sides are to represent Iran in the Asian Champions League.

Isfahan’s Sepahan took the lead after 12 minutes when Iraqi forward Emad Reza was too slow to beat Esteqlal keeper Vahid Taleblu, but he passed the ball to Javad Maheri whose drive took a vicious deflection off fullback Ali Ansarian’s leg, finding the net.

Esteqlal, however, celebrated the equalizer six minutes from the break, with Bao heading in an Alizadeh throw-in with the help of far post.

The two sides fought mainly in the midfield after the restart and Esteqlal was reduced to 10 men as defender Amir-Hossein Sadeqi was red-carded by Massud Moradi for stamping on Sepahan goalie Massud Hemami’s leg.

But the depleted Blues scored the winner following another Alizadeh throw-in and a Bao drilling header from close range.

Esteqlal is second in the 16-strong table with 24 points and SAIPA is the table-topper with the same points on goal difference after beating Paykan 2-1.

In other matches, Fajr-e Sepassi overcame Abu Moslem 2-0, Mes defeated Barq 2-1, Zob Ahan saw off Malavan 2-0, Pas disposed of Esteqlal of Ahvaz 1-0, Saba Battery struggled to a 1-1 draw against Rah Ahan, and Fulad and Persepolis split the points with a scoreless tie.