Sepahan Moves Back Top of IPL
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Sepahan football team returned to top of Iran Professional League (IPL) on Friday.
Sepahan defeated Paykan 2-0 in Isfahan’s Naghsh-e Jahan Stadium, courtesy of goals from Giorgi Gvelesiani and Omid Noorafkan.
Sepahan Brazilian striker Kiros Stanlley was brought down in the 20th minute in the penalty area and Georgian defender Gvelesiani found the back of the net from the penalty spot.
With three remaining to the halftime, Noorafkan opened the visiting team’s goal with a powerful strike.
Paykan was the better team in the second half and created several scoring chances but Sepahan goalkeeper Payam Niazmand produced several incredible saves to deny Paykan’s strikers.
In Ghaemshahr, Nassaji and Shahr Khodro played out a goalless draw and In Tabriz, Tractor beat Foolad 1-0 thanks to Reza Asadi who scored in the 73rd minute.
On Saturday, Esteghlal will host Shahin Bushehr and Persepolis play Saipa.
Sepahan moved back top of the table with 28 points, two points above Esteghlal.
Persepolis is third with 25 points.