Naft Masjed Soleyman 0-1 Naft Bandar Abbas: Bandar Abbas Win Oil Derby in Azadegan League

Naft Bandar Abbas claimed bragging rights in the oil derby with a 1-0 victory over Naft Masjed Soleyman in the Iran Azadegan League on September 23, 2026. A first-half header from Mehdi Karimi proved the difference at Shahid Behnam Mohammadi Stadium, as the visitors secured a hard-fought three points.

The match, contested between two clubs with deep roots in Iran's oil industry, was a tense and physical affair. Naft Masjed Soleyman, a former Persian Gulf Pro League side, dominated possession but were left to rue missed chances and a controversial refereeing decision.

Match Overview

Naft Masjed Soleyman started brightly, with their midfield dictating the tempo and creating several half-chances. However, they were stunned in the 34th minute when Naft Bandar Abbas took the lead against the run of play. A well-worked corner from the right was met by centre-back Mehdi Karimi, who rose highest to power a header into the net.

The home side pushed for an equaliser, but Naft Bandar Abbas defended with discipline and determination. The visitors dropped deep, forming a resilient defensive block that frustrated Naft Masjed Soleyman's attackers. The second half saw the hosts ramp up the pressure, but they found goalkeeper Hossein Rahmati in inspired form.

Key Moments

• 34' – Mehdi Karimi heads Naft Bandar Abbas into the lead from a corner.
• 52' – Naft Masjed Soleyman's Ali Akbarzadeh has a shot cleared off the line.
• 68' – The home side appeal for a penalty after a challenge on Saeed Gholami, but the referee waves play on.
• 78' – Naft Masjed Soleyman are reduced to ten men when defender Majid Hosseini receives a second yellow card.
• 90+3' – Hossein Rahmati makes a stunning double save to deny Naft Masjed Soleyman a late equaliser.

Tactical Story

Naft Masjed Soleyman lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, looking to use width and crosses to break down their opponents. However, Naft Bandar Abbas's 5-3-2 setup proved difficult to penetrate. The visitors conceded possession but limited clear opportunities, with their three centre-backs dealing with aerial threats effectively. The sending-off of Majid Hosseini forced Naft Masjed Soleyman into a more desperate approach, but their numerical disadvantage only made the task harder.

Naft Bandar Abbas's game plan was simple but effective: defend deep, stay compact, and take advantage of set pieces. Their goal came from precisely such a situation, and they nearly added a second on the counter late on. The tactical discipline of the visitors was the foundation of their victory.

Standout Players

• Mehdi Karimi (Naft Bandar Abbas) – Scored the winning goal with a towering header and was solid defensively.
• Hossein Rahmati (Naft Bandar Abbas) – Produced a string of saves, including a dramatic double stop in stoppage time.
• Ali Akbarzadeh (Naft Masjed Soleyman) – The home side's most creative outlet, forcing a goal-line clearance and testing the goalkeeper.
• Saeed Gholami (Naft Masjed Soleyman) – Worked tirelessly in midfield but was left frustrated by the lack of a penalty decision.

Table Impact

The win lifts Naft Bandar Abbas into a more comfortable position in the Azadegan League table, boosting their hopes of a playoff push. For Naft Masjed Soleyman, the defeat is a setback in their quest for promotion, leaving them to rue a missed opportunity on home soil. The loss also extends their inconsistent run, putting pressure on the coaching staff to turn things around quickly.

Naft Bandar Abbas will take confidence from this resilient away performance, while Naft Masjed Soleyman must regroup before their next fixture.