Esteghlal Knocked Out of Hazfi Cup, Persepolis and Sepahan Advance to Round of 16

Esteghlal, Iran’s most successful team in the Hazfi Cup, suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Mes in Rafsanjan this Monday, leading to their elimination from the 2023/24 edition. Despite being awarded a penalty early on in the 12th minute, Esteghlal’s Saleh Hardani saw his effort saved by Mes goalkeeper Hamed Lak at the Shohada Stadium.

The tide turned against Esteghlal in the 25th minute when Mohammadmehdi Mohebbi managed to find the back of the net, putting Mes in the lead. As the match progressed, Muntadher Mohammed extended Mes’ advantage with a goal in the 67th minute, effectively sealing Esteghlal’s fate in the competition.

Meanwhile, in Tehran, Persepolis showcased their dominance by securing a convincing 3-0 victory over Naft Gachsaran at the Azadi Stadium, earning a spot in the Round of 16. Mehdi Torabi kickstarted Persepolis’ winning campaign with a goal in the 38th minute, followed by Danial Esmaeilifar doubling the lead just two minutes into the second half. Issa Alekasi then sealed the deal with a third goal in the 55th minute.

Another notable victory came from Sepahan, who claimed a 3-0 win against Shams Azar, courtesy of goals from Reza Asadi, Omid Noorafkan, and Reza Shekari. The team’s strong performance solidified their progression in the Hazfi Cup, showcasing their potential for further success in the competition.

The Hazfi Cup, organized annually by the Football Federation of Iran, continues to be a platform for intense competition and captivating matches, as teams battle it out for the prestigious title. With each match bringing new twists and turns, fans can expect more thrilling encounters as the tournament progresses towards its exciting conclusion.

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Denis Hardin

American writer and avid traveler with an insatiable passion for soccer. Hailing from the heartland of the USA, Dennis brings a global perspective to his writings on Asian football. His articles are a fusion of cultural insights and sporting analysis, providing readers with a unique blend of perspectives. Whether he's exploring the bustling football scenes in Tokyo or sharing anecdotes from his time in Mumbai, Dennis's articles are a captivating journey through the diverse world of Asian football.