AFC U17 Asian Cup
The result left Tajikistan at the top of Group D with six points, one clear of DPR Korea, and set up a clash with Group C runners-up Korea Republic in what promises to be an action-packed display of attacking football on Monday.
#AFCU17 | Group D: IR Iran 1-3 Tajikistan
“We're Tajikistan, so it doesn't matter who we play next,” said the 16-year-old. “And god willing, we can go all the way and lift the trophy.”
Odilzoda opened scoring in the 12th minute and assisted the second against an Iran side who came alive after the break.
They leveled the score in the 52nd minute through Omid Gharahchomaghloo before Tajikistan reasserted their authority with goals by Ahmadjon Shoev in the 67th minute and Abdullo Ibragimzoda a minute before regulation.
“It was a good first half and then Iran made it difficult,” he said. “But we had the confidence and composure, and when we scored our second goal we knew everything would be alright.”
Odilzoda, who plays for FC Istiklol, was also excited about his team qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025.
“But right now, we're going to relax, enjoy our win and only then think about playing against Korea Republic and competing in the World Cup.”
Head coach Marco Ragini was understandably delighted by Tajikistan’s showing.
“This is an amazing feeling as we achieved our goal of qualifying for the World Cup,” he said. “We played very well today, closed all parts of the pitch and won the match tactically.”
“Their goalkeeper (Abolfazl Khalilian) was brilliant and kept his team in the match until the last five minutes. I congratulate them because they are a very good team with a very good coach.”
Iran threatened to undo the assertive performance put on by their opponents in the first 45 minutes, but couldn’t keep the momentum going or find the finishing touch.
“We didn’t have a good start,” said head coach Abbas Chamanian. “We drew level and then tried our best to get back into the game but Tajikistan scored when we were on the offensive.”
“The tournament has ended but not for our players because football doesn’t stop,” he added. “They've gained experience here which will help them in the future, which I think is the philosophy of the AFC U17 Asian Cup.”
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