Iran Women’s Premier League:
Khatoon held by Ista as Tehran archrivals off to winning starts
Bam Khatoon opened its Iran Women’s Premier League title defense with a frustrating draw, while Tehran city rivals Persepolis and Esteghlal won their Matchday 1 games on Friday.
Kicking off a week later than originally scheduled following a sudden national team training camp, the new women’s top-flight season got underway after a 221-day break, with the prospect of a first-ever women’s Tehran Derby between Persepolis and Esteghlal drawing significant attention from football fans in the country.
Chasing a record 12th title in 19 editions – and fifth in succession – Khatoon was held to a goalless stalemate away to Ista Alborz in Karaj.
The match marked Sara Qomi’s first game as Ista head coach, with her side producing a strong performance to frustrate Khatoon, which entered the game fresh off securing a place in the upcoming AFC Women’s Champions League after winning the preliminary group last month in Hisor, Tajikistan.
The champions missed several opportunities and were unable to find a way past Ista’s well-organized backline.
The match ended in controversy after Khatoon reserve goalkeeper Nazanin Taherian became involved in a confrontation with the referee at the final whistle and slapped the official. Taherian was shown a red card and could face further disciplinary action.
Elsewhere, Esteghlal made a triumphant return to the Women’s Premier League after nearly a decade, defeating Palayesh Gas Ilam 2-0 at Tehran’s Kargar Stadium.
The hosts produced an attacking display and were the better side in both halves, with Niloufar Azimi and Hajar Dabbaghi finding the net to secure all three points.
The Tehran Blues had previously competed in the fifth, sixth and seventh editions of the women’s league before the team was dissolved. After rebuilding and earning successive promotions from the second division, Esteghlal returned to the top flight under former national team head coach Maryam Irandoust.
Persepolis also made a winning start, defeating Ava 2-0 at Tehran’s Shahid Kazemi Stadium.
The Reds, who finished seventh last season under Maryam Azmoon, entered the new campaign under new head coach Niloufar Ardalan.
After a goalless first half, Zahra Qanbari broke the deadlock after the interval before Marzieh Nikkhah added a second to seal a morale-boosting home victory.
Chatrenour on fire
Golgohar Sirjan, last season’s runners-up, began its campaign with a convincing 4-1 home victory over newly promoted Varash Nowshahr.
Maryam Jahan-Nejati’s side produced an impressive performance, with Afsaneh Chatrenour netting a hat-trick to inspire the victory.
In the other match of the opening round, Sepahan defeated Malavan FC 2-0 at home.