Iran set for tough initiation at Women's Asian Cup draw

Iran's women national football team will make their first appearance at a major international tournament in India. However, Team Melli Baanovaan is set for a baptism of fire at the AFC Women's Asian Cup after being drawn against three top sides in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Maryam Irandoost's ladies will face India, China and Chinese Taipei. Iran is the least ranked team in Group A at 72. India, the host is 57th. Taipei, meanwhile, is rated 40th with the 17th best side in the world, China favourites according to www.casinoinquirer.com.

The Chinese women have won the title eight times but are searching for their first title since 2006. Chinese Taipei was champions on three occasions while India are beaten finalists twice in 1979 and 1981 respectively.

The tournament is scheduled for January 20 to February 6 2022. A total of three venues are set to host the fixtures - the Mumbai Football Arena, the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune. Iran faces India in the opener.

Australia will be the overwhelming favourites to win Group B, but the battle for its second ticket to the knockout phase seems wide open between Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia.

Holders Japan and Korea Republic cross paths in Group C, which also features fast-rising Vietnam and Myanmar, both of whom are seeking their maiden Women's World Cup qualification.

The 20th edition of the Women’s Asian Cup will be the largest in history following its expansion from eight to 12 teams. The top five finishers will progress, joining hosts Australia and New Zealand at the global finals, while the sixth- and seventh-placed sides will head into the inter-confederation play-offs. If Australia finish among the top five, the sixth-placed team will also advance to the Women's World Cup.

"It is an exciting group. We respect all our opponents, as all of them are strong teams who have qualified for the AFC Asian Cup India 2022. But we are ready to play any team. I don’t consider any particular match as a key one. All three matches are key matches for us in the group stage" Thomas Dennerby, India coach, said.

Iran defeated Bangladesh, then emerged from a thrilling penalty shootout against Jordan to reach the pinnacle of the Asian women’s game for the very first time.

The team is expected to camp in Belgium, according to head of the country's football federation, Shahabeddin Azizi Khadem. He said via blackjack en ligne, "The women’s football team will travel to Belgium to hold a training camp in the European country. Our team will also play two friendly matches with Charleroi football club in their training".

The 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup draw results in full:

Group A: India, China PR, Chinese Taipei, IR Iran

Group B: Australia, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia

Group C: Japan, Korea Republic, Vietnam, Myanmar