Esteghlal football team was held to a 1-1 draw against Malavan in the 26th round of Iran Professional League (IPL) on Friday.

Reza Enayati gave the lead to Esteghlal in the 16th minute with a wonderful header after a cross by Yaghoub Karimi.

Just two minutes into the second half, U-21 national defender Hossein Kanaanizadegan leveled the score with an excellent scissor kick from inside the six yard box.

Esteghlal is currently stands in the fifth place of IPL table with 43 points, seven points behind leader Tractor Sazi.

Elsewhere, relegation strugglers Rah Ahan was held by a 2-2 draw against Esteghlal Khouzestan. Padideh beat Gostaresh Foolad 2-1 in Mashhad while Saba and Paykan played out a 0-0 draw.

SG/MH