Chatrenoor Confident of Iran’s Chance in AFC Women’s Asian Cup
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Afsaneh Chatrenoor is confident Iran can mount a serious challenge for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 title.
Iran etched its name in the history books when it qualified for their first ever AFC Women’s Asian Cup after defeating Jordan 4-2 on penalties in Group G of the Qualifiers last September.
Maryam Irandoost’s side has eight-time champion China, three-time winner Chinese Taipei and India for company in what looks like a challenging Group A.
India 2022 will be Chatrenoor’s second outing on the Asian stage, having made an impressive debut at the 2021 AFC Women’s Club Championship in Aqaba with Iran’s Shahrdari Sirjan, finishing as the tournament joint-top scorer with two goals.
“Playing in the AFC Women’s Club Championship was a very good experience. We entered the tournament with confidence and were able to defeat teams from Uzbekistan and India. We tried our best and were a little unlucky not to have won our final game but, at least, we finished runner-up,” said the 23-year-old forward.
“In the history of Iranian women's football, we have never been able to defeat teams from the likes of Uzbekistan and India. It is a great achievement and I’m proud of what we have accomplished.
“We have shown that by putting in a little effort in planning and showing empathy within team members, any task can be achieved, big or small. The same principles can be applied to the national team.”
Chatrenoor, who has made 16 appearances for Iran, said the players have an overwhelming desire for success and their performance in the AFC Asian Cup 2022 Qualifiers can be elevated further.
"Everyone has been talking about our performance during the Qualifiers on social media, especially our fighting spirit. It just proves to show that we have grown as individuals and as a team.
“With the right attitude and mindset, I’m positive we can raise our game even further in India. We have proven ourselves and now it is our time to shine. The long term goal is to reach the level of the Iran men’s national team and with all the hard work that we have put in, I hope we can achieve good results,” she concluded.
Iran will open the campaign against India on January 20, before taking on China PR and Chinese Taipei on January 23 and 26 respectively.
