MNA - TEHRAN, Rah Ahan (Railway) survived in Iran Pro League (IPL) at the expense of Fulad (Steel) with a 1-0 win in their playoff in Naqsh-e Jahan Stadium, central city of Isfahan, Friday.
The capital-based Rah Ahan and Fulad of southern Khuzestan Province played a cagey football in normal time.
Under outspoken manager Akbar Misaqian, Rah Ahan celebrated the winner 13 minutes into extra-time as striker Mohsen Rahimi slipped to send the ball past Fulad keeper Khaled Shahitavi with a left drive.
Rah Ahan was reduced to 10 men seven minutes from last whistle when Mehdi Tartar received his marching orders from the referee Mohsen Torki.
The railroaders, however, almost hit the second one minute later, with Rahimi squandering a scoring chance in a one-on-one challenge with the goalie.
Though Rahimi helped Rah Ahan escape from relegation to the First Division, the forward himself was relegated from hero to bad boy when he was red-carded, bringing a deep anxiety for his teammates and coaches in the last five minutes.
Rah Ahan players and officials hugged each in celebration of their survival and the IPL-winning Fulad players trudged off the pitch, with tears standing in their eyes.
The number of next IPL teams, seventh version, will soar to 18 from 16.
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