MUMBAI: This is the first time that Iran have qualified for the AFC Women's Asian Cup. At 70, they are the lowest-ranked team in Group A, but India are not taking Iran, nicknamed as 'Melli Banovan,' lightly ahead of their Women's AFC Asian Cup opener against the West Asian team at the DY Patil Stadium on Thursday evening.
Placed in a group with China PR, Iran and Chinese Taipei, the 'Blue Tigresses' know that if they beat Iran first up then they'll have a good chance of going through to the quarterfinals of the competition. A quarterfinal spot will almost ensure at least an intercontinental playoffs berth for the 2023