Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Goa: Coach Abbas Chamanian has urged Islamic Republic of Iran to achieve what they set out to do and win the AFC U-16 Championship India 2016 title ahead of Sunday’s final with Iraq at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Iran sealed their place in a first final since winning the competition in 2008 after a 6-5 penalty shootout victory over defending champions DPR Korea in Thursday’s semi-final followed a 1-1 draw.
Chamanian’s side must now overcome neighbours Iraq, who ran out impressive 4-2 victors over Japan in Thursday’s other last-four fixture, if they are to claim a second continental crown.
“Iraq are a very strong team that attacks very well. They have quality and dangerous players who are physical with good technique,” said Chamanian, whose side also secured their place in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup by seeing off Vietnam 5-0 in the quarter-finals.
“We have analysed Iraq and we know it will be a very difficult match. If we want to achieve success the players will need to be at their best.
“But from the start of the tournament our top priority was to get to the final and win the competition. We’ve prepared the players only to think about winning the trophy.”
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