CAFA U-15 Women’s Championship: All to play for on final day

Back-to-back wins mean Shadi Mahini’s side need only a point against Uzbekistan in the sixth and final match of the competition to be champions, but a defeat against the hosts – who are the only side without a chance to claim the title – could open the door for either Kyrgyz Republic or Tajikistan, who play earlier on Monday.

Should the match between Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan end in a draw, Iran – who already have six points - will be crowned champions regardless of their result against Uzbekistan.

Captain Mohaddesh Zolfi has been key to Iran’s success in Tashkent, scoring twice in her side’s opening 4-0 win over Tajikistan on Friday, before scoring the winner in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Kyrgyz Republic.

Kyrgyz Republic began their tournament with a superb 6-2 win over Uzbekistan, with Alana Karateva helping herself to four goals as Zamir Igrebaev’s charges stunned the hosts on Friday.

Uzbekistan’s chances suffered a blow as a result of that defeat, and their title chances were dashed once and for all when Tajikistan’s Rukhshona Fayzulloeva netted a brace to help her side claim a 2-0 win the following day.

While the hosts can no longer challenge for the top honour in the tournament, both Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan will be hoping their neighbours can do them a favour as the race to become regional champions goes down to the wire.