Persepolis edges off Sepahan

MNA - Persepolis saw off plucky Sepahan on Sunday in the 12th week of the Iran Professional League (IPL) here at the Azadi Stadium.
Karim Bagheri put Persepolis ahead in the 17th minute, receiving a long ball from Sepehr Heydari and heading it into Sepahan’s net.

Sepahan striker Emad Reza made Persepolis fans silent, scoring two goals. His first goal came in the 28th minute when Persepolis defenders and keeper made a collection of mistakes and he scored a loose ball into the empty net.

Reza opened Persepolis goal again six minutes later. He received a long ball into the hosts’ box and dribbled Persepolis defender Nabiollah Bagheriha, then his well-aimed shot past Mehdi Vaezi into the net.

Alireza Vahedi Nikbakht equalized the match in the last seconds of the first half. He found himself unmarked in Sepahan’s box and easily chipped the ball over the head of Sepahan’s keeper Rahman Ahmadi.

Nikbakht gave Persepolis the lead in the 63rd minute with a terrific shot outside of Sepahan’s box.

The visitors put Persepolis under pressure but they were squandered because of Hadi Aghili’s sending off in the 76th minute for collecting two cards. Referee Mohsen Torki showed a yellow card to Sepahan defender for simulation as he attempted to win a desperate penalty.

Brazilian Persepolis striker Di Carmo missed two unique opportunities in the second half as well.

Persepolis moved up two places to third in the IPL standing with 21 points. Sepahan remained 10th with 14 points.