AFC - Talented forward Arsalan Motahari, who sent a strong warning to rivals when he scored one and set up another as Iran kicked off their AFC U23 Championship Group A campaign on Tuesday with a 2-0 win over Syria, has declared that winning the continental title is his team’s absolute priority.

Motahari (pictured) bagged a superb solo effort in the second half before setting up Mehrdad Mohammadi for the second as Mohammad Khakpour’s side made the perfect start to their attempt to qualify for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

With host nation Qatar to come on Wednesday, Motahari has declared that the Iranians are fully focused on the task in hand, despite the significant lure of a ticket to Brazil.

“It’s vital that we sustain the momentum. We want all nine points from the three group games,” said the Naft Tehran star who bagged the MVP award at last November’s West Asian Football Federation U-23 Championship in Qatar.

“We’re fully focused on our next game against Qatar. They’re another tough opponent and they’re playing at home, which would give them the edge.

“We want to win the trophy. We’re not here to qualify for the Rio Olympic Games alone."

Motahari, the Iran Pro League’s best young player last season, was, however, quick to praise the part his teammates played in their success against Syria.

“I was happy to score the championship’s opening goal, but it was possible only because of the good support of my team-mates. Of course, I was in the right place at the right time.

“I always prefer think about my team. I think more about the game on hand. Each game is a final for me.”

NEXT GROUP A MATCHES:
January 15: China v Syria
January 15: Iran v Qatar