Tough group for Iran in Asian U-22 Championship

AFC – MUSCAT, Hosts Oman will begin their AFC U-22 Championship campaign against Myanmar as the draw for the championship was conducted in the capital of the Sultanate on Saturday.

A total of sixteen teams – Iraq, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iran, Kuwait, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Japan Australia, DPR Korea, China, Korea Republic, Myanmar and hosts Oman, who have qualified for the tournament proper, learnt their fate in the draw.

The opening match of the hosts taking on Myanmar will be held on January 11, 2014 at the famous Sultan Qaboos Stadium of Muscat. Korea Republic and Jordan are the other sides in Group A.

The tournament is the first edition of the U-22 championship and every alternate championship will serve as the Olympic qualifiers.

DPR Korea, are pitted alongside other West Asian countries – the UAE, Syria and Yemen in Group B.

Asian football powerhouse Japan are in tough Group C which also features Australia, Iran and Kuwait while Iraq will meet Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan and China in Group D.

THE GROUPINGS

Group A: Oman, Jordan, Korea Republic, Myanmar

Group B: DPR Korea, UAE, Syria, Yemen

Group C: Japan, Australia, Iran, Kuwait

Group D: Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, China