Pitso Mosimane’s Esteghlal FC dropped points again after settling for a 1-1 draw with Aluminium Arak in a Gulf Pro League match played on Friday afternoon.
Jaloliddin Masharipov and Mohammad Amin Kazemian scored for Esteghlal FC and Aluminium Arak, respectively.
In addition, this result means Esteghlal FC remain stuck in eighth position, with 16 points on their tally. Aluminium Arak are ninth with 15 points.
The match started in slow tempo as the two sides were slow to move out of their blocks. Furthermore, Esteghlal FC took full control of the affair after the tenth minute.
But they had themselves to blame as they failed to hit the target on several occasions in the first half.
In terms of possession, they dominated and the hosts, Aluminium Arak were left chasing shadows.
Deservedly, Mosimane’s men broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time via a penalty that was converted by Uzbekistan winger Jaloliddin Masharipov.
They led 1-0 at half-time. And they resumed for the second half with the same impetus, searching assurance goals.
But it was not to be as Mohammad Amin Kazemian equalized for Aluminium Arak after 63 minutes, as Mosimane’s men were caught lapsing in defense.
MOSIMANE’S DECENT SOJOURN AT THE HELM OF ESTEGHLAL FC
Going into this match, Esteghlal FC and Aluminium Arak were separated by one point, with the Mosimane’s side sitting on 15 points while the home side had 14 points.
Esteghlal FC played out to a 0-0 draw against Gol Gohar in their previous match.
Mosimane has had a decent start. In three matches, his team managed seven points out of a possible nine points. On top of that, the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly mentor helped them qualify for the quarter-finals of the Hazfi Cup.
Additionally, the team is undefeated in their last seven matches, with three wins and four draws in all competitions.
And this includes two draws in the AFC against Pakhtakor Tashkent and Saudi Pro League giants Al Ahli.
Simply put, this has been the only time Esteghlal FC have managed such a flawless record this season.
Moreso, the 60-year-old has got The Capital Blues believing in themselves again. However reaching the top will be a herculean task.
In addition, they scored seven goals while conceding on three occasions. Furthermore, this is a marked improvement compared to how they started the season.
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