Pitso Mosimane’s tenure at Esteghlal FC got off to a rocky start with a loss in his first match in the Persian Gulf Pro League. They lost 3-1 in a match that was played at the Takhti Khorramabad Stadium, Kheybar’s home ground. Kheybar struck as early as the 10th minute via Mohammad Mehdi Ghanbari.
From then on, Esteghlal FC piled pressure on Kheybar in search of a goal. But the hosts were resolute and slow to move out of their blocks. Kheybar kept the focus as they defended solidly to maintain their focus going into the half-time break.
Mosimane’s men tried hard to come back into the game but Kheybar refused to be easily cowed into submission. Esteghlal FC only managed to break through after 55 minutes through Ramin Rezaeian who scored from an assist by DR Congo star, Gael Kakuta.
Four minutes later, Kheybar restored their lead via a Masoud Mohebi goal. They then got their third goal in added time via Mohsen Sefid Choghaei.
MOSIMANE’S BIG TASK AT ESTEGHLAL
How Mosimane will fare at this club remains to be seen. Mosimane signed a one-year contract with the club, having last worked as Abha Club‘s head coach in the Saudi Pro League.
Mosimane joined the club along with his trusted lieutenants. These are Maahier Davids, Kabelo Rangoaga, Musi Matlaba and Kyle Solomon.
The former Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns coach is tasked with the task of turning things around at Esteghlal FC.
Esteghlal FC last accounted for a piece of silverware during the 2021/22 season when they won the Persian Gulf Pro League title. That season, they went for 30 games without losing a single match.
Before Mosimane’s arrival, they had managed two wins and two draws. They lost on three occasions. Last week, they lost 3-0 to Zob Ahan at home, at Azadi Sport Complex.
In addition, Esteghlal FC has a rich history with a total of 38 trophies in their cabinet. They have won the Iran Championship Cup and the Hazfi Cup for a record seven times.
On top of that, they won the Tehran Club Championship on 13 occasions as well as the Tehran Hazfi Cup four times.
RELATED STORY: Pitso Mosimane gives candid assessment of Chiefs star Sirino
