India's quest for glory starts against Iran

MUMBAI, Jan 19: In nine appearances in the AFC Women's Asian Cup so far, India have finished runners-up twice and ended third once. But all those results came in the three editions between 1979 and 1983. In the remaining 11 editions, India could qualify only for six editions and failed to progress past the group stage. Their last appearance in the event was in 2003 when they finished third in their group.

Now as hosts of the 20th edition of the premier football competition for women in Asia, India, ranked 55th in FIFA Rankings, will be hoping to bring back those glory days and at least reach the quarter-finals — the target set by head coach Thomas Dennerby.

On Thursday, they start their quest for glory against Iran, probably the easiest match in the four-team Group A in which the other teams are eight-time champions China (ranked 19) and three-time winners Chinese Taipei (ranked 39). Iran, ranked 70th and making their debut in the event, are the lowest-ranked team in Group A. 

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