Iran’s Women futsal team will play its first-ever match in the AFC Woman Asian Cup in four days’ time against the host nation India in Navi Mumbai D.Y. PATIL Stadium.

It is a challenge that the girls of Team Melli are most eager to take for various reasons. Under the leadership of the Charismatic coach, Mariyam Irandoost., The women team are hoping to make a difference although they are ranked outsiders in the championship and little is expected from them. The team made history and headlines when they qualified and the media suddenly took an interest in this young team. In the following series, we will introduce some of the stars of the team who are normally unknown and are the least athletes exposed to the media in Iran.

On their road to a historic qualification for India 2022, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Hajar Dabbaghi (22 years) caught the eye, having first made her name at the continental level when she helped her nation qualify for the AFC Women’s Under-16 Championship in 2015.

However, Dabbaghi’s potential was truly witnessed at the 2019 CAFA (Central Asian Football Association) U-23 Women’s Championship when the forward netted eight goals, helping Iran to a runners-up place and claiming the top scorer award in the process.

The 22-year-old went on to score five more goals in national team colours in the qualification campaign for Tokyo 2020 as well as finding the back of the net en route to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in a 5-0 victory over Bangladesh.

Possessing great situational awareness in the box, Dabbaghi’s goalscoring instincts will be key for Iran. As player and country get set to kick off their maiden campaign against hosts India on January 20, the stage is set for the 22-year-old to shine.  Dabbaghi plays for Sepahan Esfahan club in the Women’s league.