Esteqlal draws 1-1 against Saipa

Tehran's popular soccer team Esteqlal has been held to a 1-1 draw by Saipa in the 33rd week of the Iranian Premier League (IPL). The Blues dominated the game from the outset, attacking many times, but broke the deadlock after 88 minutes at Azadi Stadium on Thursday. The IPL top scorer, Arash Borhani, converted a penalty after Khosro Heidari was brought down by defender Kazem Borjlu in the penalty box. Borjlu attempted to make up for his own mistake and managed to head in a free kick from the right in the last minute of the game, considerably weakening Esteqlal's hope of grasping the championship. Esteqlal manager Amir Qalenoi said his men could have scored more goals if they hadn't wasted their chances. “Even though we didn't use our chances of scoring very well, I'm satisfied with my players. I apologize to the fans as we failed to get the three points of the game,” Qalenoi said. “We will use everything in our power in the next match against Payam to gain the IPL championship,” he added. Esteqlal can win the championship if they defeat Payam in the last match of the league and Zob Ahan loses to Foulad on April 26. In another Wednesday match, the IPL leader Zob Ahan snatched a 3-0 victory against Malavan in Isfahan. Zob Ahan currently tops the standings with 66 points while Esteqlal sits in the second place on 63. Mes is placed third with 58 points.