4/18/2006
Afshin Afshar, lastkick.com

Fifth Iranian Professional League’s title will be decided in the very last week of the season.

Leaders Esteghlal of Tehran and Zob-Ahan played a thrilling 1:1 draw in Isfahan. Despite Zob-Ahan’s relentless pressure from the starting kickoff, it was Esteghlal that took the lead through IPL’s leading scorer Reza Enayati. Three minutes before time, Zob-Ahan’s Brazilian striker Da Silva equalized for the Isfahan side.

The draw in Isfahan allowed Pas close the gap to one point by defeating Fajr of Shiraz 4:2. The win, however, did not come easy as the challengers had to fight back from a one goal deficit, twice, before taking the lead for good.

Esteghlal now lead the table with 56 points while Pas are a close second with 55.

On the other end of the table Shamooshak of Noshahr lost their battle against relegation when they could not do better than a 1:1 draw against Esteghlal of Ahvaz.

Shahid Ghandi who were the first team to be relegated two weeks ago, were defeated 3:1 by Abu-Moslem at home.

In Shiraz, visitors Saba Battery continued their struggle to hold on to leads when they surrendered a two goal advantage and settled for a 2:2 draw against hosts Bargh. Team Melli defender Yahya Golmohammadi had his name up on both sides of the scoreboard as he put Saba ahead early in the first half, but then netted an own goal to let Bargh back into the game in the second. Bargh got the equalizer ten minutes before time.

Arie Haan’s Perspolis came from behind to tie Rah-Ahan 1:1 thanks to a questionable penalty call by referee Mohsen Ghahremani.

In Karaj, hosts Saipa and visitors Sepahan played a 2:2 draw.

Foolad of Ahvaz defeated Malavan of Anzali by a single goal in the final game of Round 29 that was played on Monday in Ahvaz.

To view current standings click here.

Monday, April 17

Foolad 1:0 Malavan

Sunday, April 16

Zob-Ahan 2:2 Esteghlal
Pas 4:2 Fajr
Shamooshak 1:1 Esteghlal Ahvaz
Shahid Ghandi 1:3 Abu-Moslem
Saipa 2:2 Sepahan
Bargh 2:2 Saba Battery
Perspolis 1:1 Rah-Ahan