AFC - Iran is the only side in Group C to maintain the perfect record after they registered a 2-1 win over Qatar in the AFC U-22 Championship played at the neutral venue of Melaka on Monday.

Kuwait bounced back from the first day defeat at the hands of Iran to edge Bahrain 1-0 while the Maldives remained pointless after late drama ensured a 2-1 for Tajikistan earlier.

Iran scored two goals inside three minutes to have a complete control over the match as defender Mohammed Reza opened their account in the 28th minute followed by striker Kaveh Rezaei’s goal three minutes later.

Qatar pegged one back through Murad Hussain but since it was scored deep into the stoppage time, it remained a mere consolation for the Alain Perrin’s side.

Elsewhere at Hang Jebat Stadium, a 39th minute goal from Khaled Hajiah handed Kuwait their first win in the championship with a 1-0 victory over Bahrain. Both the sides are tied at 3 points as Bahrain had managed a 2-1 win over Tajikistan on Saturday.

Tajikistan also bounced back from the first day defeat but to seal all three points, they had to rely on Thoriq Mohammed’s own goal for the unfortunate Maldivians 4th minute into the stoppage time.

Earlier, the Maldives took the lead in the first half stoppage time through striker Imaaz Ahmed but Tajikistan hit back with an equalizer nine minutes from time through second half substitute Jahongir Ergashev’s strike.

Pointless Maldives must blame themselves for the late hiccups as in the first match against Qatar they conceded two late goals like what they did against Tajikistan on Monday.

Thursday’s Matches
Kuwait vs Tajikistan
Maldives vs Iran
Bahrain vs Qatar