Hosts India to take on Iran in AFC Women's Asian Cup today

Mumbai: A FIFA World Cup play-offs spot within their grasp, hosts India would seek a winning start against an under-prepared and lower-ranked Iran in their women's AFC Asian Cup campaign opener in Navi Mumbai today. 

 

Hosting the continental showpiece for the second time after 1979, India would look to script history by qualifying for the quarterfinals of the 12-team tournament, which will see some of



Asia's and world's best players in action.

       

India had finished runners-up twice in 1979 and 1983 and third in 1981. A win against Iran at the DY Patil Stadium will assure India of at least a third-place finish in Group A. Besides the two top teams, two third-placed sides across the three groups will also qualify for quarterfinals.