AFC U-16 Championship: Group C: Teams braced for stiff challenges [Preview]
(2 votes, average: 4.50 out of 5)
Loading...AFC – KUALA LUMPUR, Former champions Islamic Republic of Iran are the favourites but they face a daunting task in Group C against Indonesia, Vietnam and India at the AFC U-16 Championship Malaysia 2018.
The head coaches of the four teams came face to face at the pre-match press conference on Thursday, with all admitting that their teams were confident going into the Championship.
On top of Continental glory, four spots are available to the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup Peru, which the teams are all eyeing.
IR Iran will be aiming for their second title following their 2008 triumph in Uzbekistan. They came close to winning again in 2016 but were denied by regaining champions Iraq after losing on penalties.
IR Iran will face Indonesia on Friday at the National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur and head coach Abbas Chamanian is optimistic about his team’s chances but is not underestimating their opponents.
“We will do our best to perform well in this tournament. We’re hoping for a good start against Indonesia tomorrow. It’s going to be difficult against them as they are a very good team. We are here with a new team in a new setting and past achievements are not going to help us,” said Chamanian.
The young Team Melli will be hoping to take a leaf from the national team who performed admirably in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.
“Without any doubt, all 16 teams have a chance to win the title. The aim of this competition is the development of youth football.
“We are here to perform well and show good football. We know we can play well not only in Iran but all over the world. We hope we can play beautiful football in this competition.”
