Esteghlal wins, Persepolis loses in IPL

TEHRAN,Jan.12(MNA)- Esteghlal football team moved two points clear at the top of the Iran Professional League (IPL) with a win over Esteghlal Sanati on Saturday. IPL leader defeated Esteghlal Sanati in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium thanks to a goal from Mohammad Ghazi in the 76th minute. Foolad defeated Persepolis 2-1 in Ahvaz. Mehdi Seyed Salehi gave the visiting team a lead in the 24th minute but his goal was canceled out 10 minutes later by Esmaeil Sharifat. Arash Afshin gave Foolad a late win with just one minute remaining. Persepolis Brazilian keeper Nilson Correa Junior failed to clear the ball cleanly and Afshin found the back of the net. “We didn't deserve to lose. Persepolis played well against Foolad but our strikers squandered a number of chances in the second half. Also, I believe that Foolad’s second goal was a handball,” Persepolis coach Ali Daei said in the post match news conference. Elsewhere, Gostaresh Foolad pummeled struggling Rah Ahan 5-0 in Tabriz. Sepahan moved up to fourth place with a 2-0 win over Damash. Tractor Sazi drew 3-3 with Saipa in Karaj. Malavan beat Mes 2-1 and relegation-threatened Sepasi lost 2-1 to Saba.