TEHRAN – Iran have started the 2025 AFC U-20 Asian Cup China qualification on high note, beating Laos 8-0 in Group G.
Farhan Bozorgi opened the scoring for Iran in the eighth minute and Amir Mohammad Razaghinia made it 2-0 in the 29th minute.
Defender Yaghoob Barajeh increased Iran’s lead in the 31st minute with a Laos mistake five minutes later allowing Esmaeil Gholizadeh to get on the scoresheet with Kasra Taheri capping an impressive first half for Iran with the fifth goal in the 41st minute.
Despite showing improved defending at the start of the second half, Laos was undone again by Iran in the 63rd minute, Abbas Kahrizi producing a clever turn inside the box before slamming past Kop Lokphathip.
Iran was awarded a penalty with two minutes left to play, Barajeh sending his spot-kick into the bottom corner for his second of the game before another penalty in stoppage time was tucked away by Taheri to seal the resounding win.
Iran is scheduled to play India and Mongolia in Group G.