Pitso Mosimane's Esteghlal FC stuck in the bottom half of the Persian Gulf Pro League after another winless outing

Esteghlal FC were again denied victory in the Persian Gulf Pro League following a 0-0 draw with Chadormalu SC away at Nasiri Stadium in a Boxing Day fixture.

Coached by Pitso Mosimane, Esteghlal fired blanks as their forwards are struggling, having scored just once in their last three league games.

Esteghlal have now gone three straight league games without tasting victory although they are unbeaten in their last five games with two wins and three draws.

That has left them unmoved in position nine in the 16-team league with 17 points from 14 games.

It is, however, some progress by Mosimane who took over when Esteghlal were in the relegation matrix but they could now fancy a top-four finish.

In all competitions, Etesghlal have now gone eight successive matches without losing.

Although that run of form is dominated by five draws, it is some encouraging spell that shows players have now warmed up to Mosimane's methods.

The Soweto-born coach now leads Esteghlal in hosting Sepahan SC on January 2 in their next league match.

Collecting maximum points will increase their chances of moving up the table as Zob Ahan are currently their closest challenger for a top-eight spot.