Muristek
Navi Mumbai, January 20
Hosts India lacked the cutting edge in front of goal in their 0-0 draw with debutants Iran, while Wang Shuang scored twice as eight-time champions China started their Women's Asian Cup campaign with a 4-0 thrashing of Taiwan here today.
India, playing at the tournament for the first time in 19 years, made a bright start with winger Manisha whipping in crosses from the left.
But Iran soon settled into the game and twice went close to scoring when Ghazaleh Banitalebi's header from a free kick struck the crossbar and forward Negin Zandi shot wide from close range after a defensive error from the hosts.
Manisha and forward Indumathi Kathiresan sparked hope for India as they caused trouble for the Iran defence but poor finishing prevented them from finding the back of the net.
Thomas Dennerby's India side were much improved in attack in the second half but they were again left to rue their missed chances as forward Pyari Xaxa failed to convert a tap-in and Kathiresan could only find the side-netting with her shot.
A superb save by Iran keeper Zohreh Koudaei in the 78th minute denied substitute Grace Dangmei as the visitors held on for a draw. China moved to the top of the standings in Group A on three points, ahead of India and Iran with a point each while Taiwan are bottom. — Reuters