AFC
– Iran overcame a 27th minute sending-off to edge India 1-0 while
Malaysia and Kuwait played out a goalless draw in the opening Group C
matches of the AFC U-17 Championship 2004 at the Fujeida Stadium on
Sunday.
India began their match strongly but squandered a pair of early
opportunities as Ong Lepcha and Gangte Henry both shot wide.
Iran struggled to cope with India’s short passing game in the first half
and found themselves in major problems when defender Rasoul Kor was
dismissed after receiving his second yellow card for a foul on Romeo
Sukhlain.
However, the Iranians improved after the break as they utilised the wings
to greater effect and the deadlock was finally broken with 14 minutes
remaining as striker Ali Amiri headed in a corner kick for the only goal
of the match.
Amiri could have added to his tally and made the game safe for Iran but
missed with an effort from close range shortly afterwards.
The later match between Kuwait and Malaysia finished in an uneventful 0-0
draw.
Group C resumes on Tuesday with Iran facing Malaysian and Kuwait playing
India at the Nihondairia Stadium in Shimizu.
AFC U-17 Championship 2004
Group C results
India 0 Iran 1
Malaysia 0 Kuwait 0
