Japan, Iran begin impressively

Bangalore, Oct 29 (UNI) Favourites Japan and four times winners Iran began their campaign in style with impressive wins in Group C and Group D respectively in the Bangalore leg of Asian Youth Championship played at Sree Kanteerava Stadium here today.

In Group D Iran, powered by a fine brace from Mostafa Chatrabgoon, drubbed Tajkistan 3-1, while in the other match Japan overcome DPR Korea 2-0 in Group C.

The Iranian lads who were rusty in the beginning allowed Tajkistan shot into lead in the 10th minute through striker Aktham Khamarkulov.

Iran lads taking settling time, though allowed Tajkistan to open their account in the very 10th minute through forward Akhtam Khamrakulov, who netted the ball encashing a superb pass by Kamil Saidov. However Iran regrouped well to dominate the second half and scored three late goals to emerge easy winners.

Goudarzi headed home the equaliser in the 54th minute. Just three minutes later Chatrabgoon put the team in the lead off a pass by Goudarzi. The mercurial Chatarbgoon scored the last goal in a superb solo effort nine minutes from full time.

(Eds: pick up suitably from earlier series).

UNI MSP RS AY RK2236