Host India were held to a 0-0 draw in their opening match of the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022 at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.
India had the better chances but determined defending by Iran kept the hosts at bay as both teams now set their sights on their Matchday 2 games.
The hosts had their first attempt on goal in the second minute as Nongmaithem Ratanbala Devi's run down the left caught Iran by surprise but the midfielder's effort was easily cleared by goalkeeper Zohreh Koudaei.
Iran found themselves under pressure again two minutes later when India's Manisha Kalyan sent a delightful cross to Pyari Xaxa who, however, sent her header wide.
With India controlling the pace of the game, Maryam Irandoost's side saw very little of the ball but they could have taken the lead against the run of play in the 12th minute from a set-piece.
Samaneh Chahkandi sent a delightful ball into the area for Negin Zandi, whose looping header beat India goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan, only to bounce off the crossbar.
India continued to dictate the pace of the game after the restart. Kalyan she sent a clever pass to Kathiresan who at full stretch missed the target by mere inches.
Thomas Dennerby's side almost broke the deadlock just after the hour mark when Kathiresan made a darting run down the left after linking up well with Xaxa but her effort was undone when she slammed the ball into the side netting from close range.
Koudaei had to be on her toes a minute later when she denied Kathiresan from inside the box as Iran continued to hold out.
India were denied what looked like a sure goal in the 77th minute when substitute Manisha Panna sent a delightful cross to Dangmei Grace, whose header from close-range was denied by a one-handed save by Koudaei.
Dennerby's India will be aiming to claim their first win when they face Chinese Taipei on Sunday, while Iran face eight-time champions China PR.
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