Dhaka: Hosts Bangladesh made a flying start in the Group-C match of the six nation AFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2017 Qualifiers outplaying holders Iran by 3-0 goals at Bangabandhu National Stadium on Saturday, reports UNB.

With the day’s well merited victory, Bangladesh overcame a big hurdle on way to fulfill their sweet dream of clinching Group C title to qualify for the final round to be held in Thailand next year.

After barren first half, Marzia, Moushumi and Tohura scored on each for Bangladesh attempt amid huge inspiration from small home crown. Midfielder Marzia put Bangladesh team ahead in the 63rd minute by a rebounder when a Maria Manda right footer from the top of the box came her way from Iranian goalie Maedeh (1-0).

Another midfielder Moushumi Jahan widen the Bangladesh lead just two minutes later (65th minute) by a good shot that kissed the net hitting upper part of the post in the right corner, off a square pass of Sanjida (2-0)

Substitute midfielder Tohura sealed the fate of the match scoring the 3rd goal for Bangladesh in 86th minute by a header off a Monika past (3-0) Earlier in the very third minute, Bangladesh forward Sirat Jahan Swapna failed to score she placed the ball outside from close despite beating Iranian goalkeeper Maedeh Davaji.

After the move, Bangladesh created strong pressure over Iran and earned a free kick at the edge of the box in the 7th minute, but Maria Manda’s free kick rebounded the wall and later Marzia hit the crosspiece much to the dismay of Bangladesh.

In the 47th minute Bangladesh again came close to strike when midfielder Maria Manda’s right footer from the middle of the was brilliantly saved by Iranian keeper Maedeh.

Yellow Card: Masura Parvin (Bangladesh)

Bangladesh XI: Sheuli Azim, Shamsunnahar, Nargis Khatun, Masura Parvin, Sanjida Akhter, Jahan Moushumi, Mosammat Sirat Jahan Shopna, Marzia (Monika), Krishna Rani(Tohura), Maria and Mahmuda (Ruksana Begum).

IR Iran XI: Fatemeh Tahmasebi (Negin Hemati),Fatemeh Amiri, Hanieh Khodaparasti, Maryam Mohammadi, Roghayeh Someeh, Maral Torkaman, Fatemeh Ghasemi, Maedeh Davaji, Fatemeh Makhdoumi(Haniyeh Alimardani), Roghayeh Jalal Nasab and Golnoosh Khosravi (Zhino Peykari).

Referee: Cong Thi Dung (Vietnam)