AFC Women"s Asian Cup qualifiers: Iran, Philippines, Malaysia and Chinese Taipei through to next rou

AFC Women”s Asian Cup qualifiers: Iran, Philippines, Malaysia and Chinese Taipei through to next round Iran had lost to India 3-1 in the first leg at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium one week earlier but in the second leg played at the Ararat Stadium on Saturday, Bayan Mahmoudi”s last minute goal was decisive in the 4-1 win, propelling them into the second round.

The other goalscorers for Iran were Sohila Molmole Taraze (5), Zahra Ghanbari (59) and Mahmoudi (26). The latter scored a brace to contribute the win.

Bembem Devi Oinam (66) scored the only goal for India .

The Philippines overcame East Asian traditional powerhouse Hong Kong with a narrow 3-2 win in the second leg. The first leg ended 1-1.

In the ASEAN region, Malaysia lost to their neighbours Singapore 1-0, after Shi Ya Lim scored the only goal of the match. But Mohd Norbit Mohd Shah Alias” Malaysia went through to the next round thanks to their away match victory 2-0 one week back.

Chinese Taipei qualified to the next round automatically due to the withdrawal of Guam .

Korea Republic, Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar will join the AFC Women”s Asian Cup qualifying second round which will be held in March 2008.

The draw for this round will take place during the AFC Women”s Committee meeting on November 6th 2007.

In the second round, eight teams will be divided into two groups to play one-round robin league match. The top two teams of the group will qualify for the finals which is scheduled to be tentatively held from May 28 to June 8 2008. The venue for the finals has not yet been decided.

The AFC