The Blues defeated 10-man Malavan 2-0 in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium thanks to goals from Hanif Omranzadeh.
Omranzadeh found the back of the net in the 12th minute with a header. Malavan striker Jalal Rafkhaei was sent off in the 36th minute after receiving his second yellow card.
Esteghlal created many chances in the second half but their strikers didn’t take advantage of their opportunities. Omranzadeh scored his second goal in the 68th minute.
“I am happy since Esteghlal played well, especially in the first half, however I believe that we should have scored more goals,” Esteghlal coach Amir Ghalenoei said in the post match news conference.
Elsewhere, Mes defeated Naft of Omidieh 2-1 and Naft of Masjed Soleyman lost to Tractor Sazi 2-0.
Esteghlal will face Zob Ahan in the quarter-final and Mes play Sanat Naft.
Persepolis will also host Foolad and Rah Ahan meet Tractor Sazi.
Publish Date: 29 December 2013 - 20:16
Esteghlal football team booked a place in the last eight of the Iran’s Hazfi Cup by defeating Malavan on Sunday.