Posted on Sunday, October 7 2007

(Irankicks) In its first domestic league match in nearly a month, Sepahan earned a valuable victory over Esteghlal Tehran in Round 8. A goal by Abolhail in the second half added time of Sunday's match proved the difference in Sepahan's 2-1 win and condemned Esteghlal to third defeat of the season.

A stormy start to the match in Fooladshahr resulted in an early goal for Sepahan, when failure by Esteghlal's defense to clear a ball resulted in Abolhail scoring from 12 yards out. Esteghlal's efforts to equalize were matched by failure to create credible chances on Sepahan goal. Meanwhile, Taleblou had to make some crucial saves to keep the hosts from pulling further ahead. Finally in the 75th minute Ghorbani took advantage of scramble in front of Sepahan's goal and with a high shot leveled the score. Esteghlal squandered two golden opportunities for the go ahead goal, and the four minutes added time proved a disaster for the Blues. Abolhail's 94th minute shot from the angle hit both posts before entering Esteghlal's goal.

Undefeated Sepahan, with 16 points and two games in hand, are only four points behind the league leaders Perspolis. Esteghlal, which has not won since Round 4, remained in 9th place with 9 points.

In Round 9 all eyes are on Sunday's Tehran derby between Esteghlal and Perspolis. Esteghlal Ahvaz will host Sepahan on Saturday.

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