The drama of Iran’s League One football continues to unfold, and this week’s action saw fortunes swing in unexpected ways. On October 7, 2025, fans witnessed a high-octane battle between Naft va Gaz Gachsaran and Palaayesh Naft Bandar Abbas, two sides desperate to climb the league table. The match, played in Gachsaran, was a tale of two halves, loaded with attacking intent, sharp defensive errors, and a handful of controversial moments that left both sets of supporters with plenty to talk about.
Heading into the clash, the spotlight was firmly on Mahmoud Fekri, the head coach of Naft va Gaz Gachsaran. His team had started the season with promise, but recent results had sent alarm bells ringing. With two consecutive losses already on the books, Fekri and his squad were under mounting pressure to halt the slide and reclaim lost momentum. The stakes couldn’t have been higher, and the home crowd came out in force, hoping their support would be the spark the team needed.
From the opening whistle, Naft va Gaz Gachsaran looked determined to make their mark. They pressed high, forcing Palaayesh Naft Bandar Abbas onto the back foot and creating a string of early chances. Yet, for all their attacking verve, it was the visitors who struck first. In the 17th minute, Ali Pourmohammad darted into the penalty area, drawing a rash challenge from the Gachsaran defense. The referee didn’t hesitate—pointing straight to the spot. Pourmohammad himself stepped up, and though goalkeeper Shahab Adeli guessed correctly, the ball found the back of the net. The away supporters erupted, sensing an upset was brewing.
Naft va Gaz didn’t let their heads drop. They continued to pour forward, peppering the opposition goal and even rattling the woodwork on more than one occasion. But football can be a cruel game, and just before halftime, Palaayesh Naft struck again. After a turnover just outside their own box, the visitors launched a lightning-quick counterattack. A slick through ball found Pourmohammad, who coolly slotted home his second of the night, doubling both his tally and his team’s lead. By the break, Gachsaran’s players trudged off the field, stunned by the efficiency of their opponents and ruing missed opportunities.
The second half saw Naft va Gaz Gachsaran dominate possession. They camped out in the Bandar Abbas half, launching wave after wave of attacks. Midfielders like Amirreza Nasiri and Ali Malekoutikhah tried to pull the strings, while strikers Seyed Fakher Tahami and Omid Alipour probed for openings. Yet, the ball simply refused to cross the goal line. Whether it was a fingertip save from goalkeeper Iman Sadeghi, a desperate block from defender Seyed Jalal Abdi, or the cruel bounce of the crossbar, fate seemed to conspire against the hosts at every turn.
Despite their relentless efforts, Gachsaran couldn’t find even a consolation goal. As the final whistle sounded, the scoreboard told a harsh story: Palaayesh Naft Bandar Abbas had taken all three points with a clinical 2-0 victory. For Mahmoud Fekri and his players, it was a bitter pill to swallow—a third straight defeat that sent them tumbling down the standings. Making matters worse, a three-point deduction due to off-field issues meant Gachsaran now sits in 16th place, with just three points to show for their campaign so far.
On the other side, Bandar Abbas celebrated a hard-earned win that lifted them to 12th in the table. They too had suffered a points deduction earlier in the season, but this result provided a much-needed boost. The squad, led by head coach Ebrahim Sadeghi, showed grit and composure, weathering the early storm and making the most of their chances when they came. Pourmohammad, in particular, was the hero of the night, notching both goals and staking his claim as one of the league’s most dangerous forwards.
The official lineups reflected the depth and talent on both sides. Naft va Gaz Gachsaran started with Shahab Adeli in goal, backed by defenders Mohammad Mahdi Asgari, Kamaleddin Nikkhoy, Hassan Moradi Fard, and Soheil Delfieh Fard. The midfield featured Amirreza Nasiri, Ali Malekoutikhah, Ahmad Shariat Zadeh, and Amir Mohammad Monsef, while Seyed Fakher Tahami and Omid Alipour led the line. At the helm, coach Mahmoud Fekri tried to marshal his troops, but the breaks just didn’t go their way.
Palaayesh Naft Bandar Abbas fielded Iman Sadeghi between the posts, with a backline of Belal Mirza Ali, Seyed Jalal Abdi, Mahyar Jabari, and Mohammad Sadegh Barani. In midfield, Farshad Asadi, Peyman Ranjbari, and the influential Ali Pourmohammad provided the engine, while Mohammad Reza Koushki, Iman Razani, and Esmaeil Poudrooyesh rounded out the attack. Coach Ebrahim Sadeghi’s tactics paid off, as his team absorbed pressure and struck decisively on the counter.
Meanwhile, the football world was also abuzz with concern for Esmail Fekri, a midfielder for Jasus Mikard, after images surfaced showing him with a cast on his hand and elbow. The injury, reported on October 8, 2025, sent shockwaves through his club and among fans. Though not directly involved in the Gachsaran-Bandar Abbas match, Fekri’s setback is a reminder of the physical toll the sport can take. With the season still young, supporters hope he’ll make a swift recovery and return to the pitch soon.
Back in Gachsaran, the mood is one of reflection and regrouping. Mahmoud Fekri, despite the recent setbacks, remains committed to turning things around. The team’s early promise is still fresh in the minds of the fans, and with a bit of luck and sharper finishing, Gachsaran could yet climb out of the relegation zone. As one observer noted, "The boys gave everything, but sometimes football just isn’t fair."
For now, all eyes turn to the next round of fixtures. Can Naft va Gaz Gachsaran bounce back and rediscover their winning ways? Will Palaayesh Naft Bandar Abbas build on this momentum and continue their ascent up the table? One thing’s for sure: in League One, the storylines just keep getting juicier, and every point is hard-earned.
As the dust settles on a dramatic week, the league table may look bleak for some, but with so much football left to play, there’s no telling how the season will end. Fans are already marking their calendars for the next showdown, hoping their teams can deliver the thrills and, maybe, a little redemption.
