Khatoon crowned Iran Women’s Pro League champion
Bam Khatoon sealed a record-extending 12th Iran Women’s Pro League title with a commanding 3-0 home victory over Sepahan on Tuesday.
The latest triumph proved the toughest for Marziyeh Jafari’s side, whose remarkable 1,527-day unbeaten league run was ended by Malavan last week, leaving Khatoon needing at least a point in the final round to secure the crown.
Mona Hamoudi struck twice, while Iranian international Sara Didar also found the net, as Khatoon rose to the occasion to finish top of the standings with 49 points from 16 wins in 18 matches.
Out of respect for those who lost their lives during January’s unrest in the country, Khatoon players opted against holding a title celebration and promptly left the podium after receiving their medals and the trophy.
Golgohar finished runners-up with 47 points despite a 4-2 away win over Istatis Karan Fars in Shiraz. The defeat left the hosts second from bottom in the 10-team table with seven points, joining Yasam Kurdestan in relegation.
Jafari, the reigning AFC Women’s Coach of the Year, will now turn her attention to international duty as Team Melli faces a daunting challenge at the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which kicks off on March 1, with Iran drawn in Group A alongside hosts Australia, 2022 runners-up South Korea, and the Philippines, semifinalists in the previous edition.
Elsewhere on the final day of the domestic top flight, Ava Tehran secured its top-flight status with a 2-1 home win over Malavan to finish eighth on 11 points.
Persepolis defeated Yasam 4-0 away to claim seventh place in their debut Kowsar League season, while third-placed Ista Alborz beat Palayesh Gaz Ilam 3-1 at home.