IR Iran: Sepahan draw but retain lead
Sepahan extended their lead in the Iran Pro League after playing out a goalless match with Malavan, who were down to 10 men from the 50th minute. 

 

The leaders are on 31 points, three clear of Persepolis who fell 2-1 to Fajr Sepasi, with Mehdi Sharifi netting the winner in the 65th minute to give them only their second win in nine matches.

 

Defending champions Tractor FC, in sixth place, drew 0-0 with Esteghlal FC to record their third consecutive tie. The Foolad v Charodmalu and Esteghlal Khozestan v Shams Azar fixtures also ended in goalless draws. 

 

In other matches, Gol Gohar beat Aluminium Arak 2-1 while Mes Rafsanjan came from behind to post a similar scoreline against Kheybar Khorramabad. Goals by Alireza Afkham and Farnam Arab in the 84th and 88th minutes respectively saw the bottom club end a nine-match winless streak. 

 

Hojjat Ahmad struck in the 76th minute and Farid Amiri five minutes into injury time to give Peykan a 2-0 win over Zob Ahan.

Maldives: Maziya remain on course 
Maziya Sports and Recreation Club beat Club Eagles 3-0 to consolidate their top spot in the Dhivehi Premier League.

 

The defending champions are sitting pretty with 43 points after 15 outings. Maziya, who claimed the title in the last contested Premier League season in 2023, have won 14 of their matches and drawn one thus far.