TEHRAN – Esteghlal football battled back from a two goals down to beat Havadar 3-2 in the 2023/24 Iran’s Persian Gulf Pro League (PGPL) Friday night.

Saeb Mohebbi scored for Havadar just five minutes into the goal and Esteghlal defender Iman Salimi scored an own goal in the 17th minute.

Esteghlal right back Kevin Yamga halved the deficit from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute.

Mehrdad Mohammadi equalized the match just after the hour mark and he scored the winning goal in the 81st minute.

Esteghlal remained second behind Persepolis due to an inferior difference goal.