Australia, Iran win openers

AFC - Australia and Iran opened their campaigns in the AFC U-19 Women’s Championship qualifiers with victories over Chinese Taipei (3-0) and India (4-1) respectively on Wednesday.

Striker Kyah Simon opened the scoring for Australia in the 35th minute and doubled the advantage eight minutes later. Ella Mastrantonio sealed victory for the Aussies in the 58th minute.

Midfielder Parvin Farhadikhah rattled the Indians with a second minute strike while Zahra Ghanbari scored first of her two goals in the 26th minute. Captain Shiva Gholam Fazeli made it 3-0 seven minutes before half time.

Snehal Morajkar pulled one back for India 14 minutes into the restart but Zahra made it 4-1 in the stoppage time.

Last edition’s semi-finalists Korea Republic will take on Philippines, Myanmar will face Vietnam and Jordan will lock horns against Singapore on Thursday.

Singapore captain Hamizah binte Abdul Talib, who was sent off in their 12-0 opening day loss to Vietnam, will miss the match against Jordan while Philippines will be without their striker Maria Mercado who will serve her suspension for being sent off against Myanmar in the first game.