Esteghlal loses 3-2 to Sepahan on home turf

PLDC - In a relatively slow match between Esteghlal Tehran who played at home with Sepahan Isfahan, the host lost the match to their guests with the result of 3-2. An unexpected 2-0 defeat by Sepahan in the first half of the match left Esteghlal and the coaches in shock. While trying very hard, Esteghlal was clearly unable to perform well and Sepahan was in full control of the match in the first half. 

The two goals for Sepahan were scored by the very effective Afshin Hajipour. Hajipour scored the first goal on a free kick from 20 yards away which entered the goal from the right hand corner and caught Tabatabaei (Esteghlal goalkeeper) by surprise. Edmond Bezik also played well for Sepahan but missed his chance in the 20th minute. His shot was placed in the hands of Tabatabaei. The second goal for Sepahan was scored in the 32th minute again by Hajipour.

In a very exciting second half, with Esteghlal out for revenge the game became one of offensives and counters in which Esteghlal managed to regain its foothold in the match and make a draw of a lost match. In a determined offensive, Vahedi Nikbakht found an opening and on a one on one with Armenak (Sepahan goalkeeper) slipped the ball between his legs and into the goal in the 52nd minute. 

A close miss by the hosts worried Sepahan in the 56th minute and a dispute over a foul on the Sepahan goal keeper was narrowly avoided. In the 71st minute of the game, Yadollah Akbari scored the second goal for Esteghlal on a pass from Momenzadeh to even things up.

A final attack in the 90th minute of the match ended with Tabatabaie tackling and making a foul on Edmond Bezik which earned the Esteghlal goalkeeper a yellow card and Sepahan a penalty. The penalty was then shot home by Navidkia and made Sepahan the winners of the game. In the 6 minutes of injury time neither team was able to alter the final 3-2 score.

This very good swift game can be said to be one of the most exciting matches of the season, with the continuous offensives and counters keeping the fans on the edge of their seats. Sepahan now occupy third place in the league table with 9 points and Esteghlal Tehran have stayed in 7th with 3 points.